Flowering Plants. Eudicots: Asterales - Comprehensive Systematic

In this review of Flowering Plants. Eudicots: Asterales, the reviewer finds a rigorous, reference-grade treatment of the plant order Asterales that will appeal to taxonomists and advanced students. The single biggest reason to buy is its exhaustive, genus-level coverage: identification keys are provided for every genus across twelve families, making it a uniquely practical and scholarly resource. This volume reads like a working manual for researchers who need reliable systematic information and likely phylogenetic discussion rather than a general-interest book.

Key Features

• Complete systematic treatment: The volume presents a full, organized account of the Asterales order so specialists can find consistent taxonomic information in one place.
• Genera identification keys: Keys for approximately 1,720 genera aid practical identification and comparison during fieldwork or herbarium research.
• Extensive species coverage: With about 26,300 species discussed across the order, the book supports broad comparative studies and biodiversity inventories.
• Phylogenetic context: Likely phylogenetic relationships are discussed in detail, helping readers place genera and families within evolutionary frameworks.
• Indispensable reference: The depth and scope make it a durable desk reference for applied and pure plant scientists working in systematics or floristics.

Who It's For

The book is primarily for professional botanists, taxonomists, graduate students in plant systematics, and herbarium curators who need genus-level keys and thorough family treatments within Asterales. Its level of detail suits those conducting floristic inventories, revisionary taxonomy, or phylogenetic research.

Those seeking an introductory or pocket field guide should look elsewhere, since the work is a technical, exhaustive volume rather than a beginner's overview or portable identification guide. General readers without training in botanical terminology may find the content dense.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comprehensive coverage of all twelve families in Asterales supports deep comparative work and taxonomic certainty.
• Identification keys to every genus make the book a practical tool for identification and herbarium use.
• Discussion of phylogenetic relationships helps integrate taxonomy with evolutionary context for research applications.

Cons

• The volume is highly technical and not suited to casual readers or beginners who need simple, illustrated field keys.

Specifications

Title	Flowering Plants. Eudicots: Asterales
Editors/Authors	Joachim W. Kadereit, Charles Jeffrey
Taxonomic scope	Order Asterales (12 families)
Genera covered	Approximately 1,720 genera
Species covered	About 26,300 species
Includes	Identification keys for all genera and phylogenetic discussion

Our Verdict

Flowering Plants. Eudicots: Asterales is a serious, well-organized reference for professionals and advanced students in plant sciences. Its exhaustive genus-level keys and broad species coverage make it good value for researchers who require authoritative taxonomic treatments and phylogenetic context.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book include identification keys?
Yes, the volume provides identification keys for all genera included in the Asterales treatment.

Is this book suitable for beginners?
No, the text is technical and intended for botanists, taxonomists, and advanced students rather than casual readers.

What taxa does it cover?
The book covers the entire order Asterales, comprising twelve families with about 1,720 genera and 26,300 species.