Woody wetlands constitute a relatively small but extremely important part of the landscape in the southwestern United States. These riparian habitats support more than one-third of the regionÕs vascular plant species, are home to a variety of wildlife, and provide essential havens for dozens of migratory animals. Because of their limited size and disproportionately high biological value, the goal of protecting wetland environments frequently takes priority over nearly all other habitat types. In The Ribbon of Green, hydrologists Robert H. Webb, and Stanley A. Leake and botanist Raymond M. Turner examine the factors that affect the stability of woody riparian vegetation, one of the largest components of riparian areas. Such factors include the diversion of surface water, flood control, and the excessive use of groundwater. Combining repeat photography with historical context and information on species composition, they document more than 140 years of change. Contrary to the common assumption of widespread losses of this type of ecosystem, the authors show that vegetation has increased on many river reaches as a result of flood control, favorable climatic conditions, and large winter floods that encourage ecosystem disturbance, germination, and the establishment of species in newly generated openings. Bringing well-documented and accessible insights to the ecological study of wetlands, this book will influence our perception of change in riparian ecosystems and how riparian restoration is practiced in the Southwest, and it will serve as an important reference in courses on plant ecology, riparian ecology, and ecosystem management.

Vegetation communities in Australia's riverine landscapes are ecologically, economically and culturally significant. They are also among the most threatened ecosystems on the continent and have been dramatically altered as a result of human activities and climate change. Vegetation of Australian Riverine Landscapes brings together, for the first time, the results of the substantial amount of research that has been conducted over the last few decades into the biology, ecology and management of these important plant communities in Australia. The book is divided into four sections. The first section provides context with respect to the spatial and temporal dimensions of riverine landscapes in Australia. The second section examines key groups of riverine plants, while the third section provides an overview of riverine vegetation in five major regions of Australia, including patterns, significant threats and management. The final section explores critical issues associated with the conservation and management of riverine plants and vegetation, including water management, salinity, fire and restoration. Vegetation of Australian Riverine Landscapes highlights the incredible diversity and dynamic nature of riverine vegetation across Australia, and will be an excellent reference for researchers, academics and environmental consultants.

The Grand Canyon's isolation, great elevational range, and position at the convergence of three North American deserts--the Mojave, Sonoran, and Great Basin--have created unique habitats for an unusual assemblage of plants. Some grow only at seeps and springs, others emerge from cracks in the bedrock, and some live only in the Grand Canyon--for example, Roaring Springs prickly poppy and Grand Canyon flaveria. River and Desert Plants of the Grand Canyon, the first comprehensive field guide devoted to plants that live below the canyon rims, is bursting with beautiful color photographs and detailed line drawings of more than 250 ferns, grasses, forbs, shrubs, and trees. Narratives organized by life form and common family name describe each plant and its natural history, and thumbnail photographs arranged by flower color and shape offer a key for easy identification. Essays by contributing experts explore such topics as Grand Canyon ecology, desert-plant adaptations, biological soil crusts, plant pollination, invasive species, and domesticated plants of the canyon's indigenous people.

By 1988 the Handbook of Vegetation Science is well on its way to completion. With 7 volumes in circulation, 3 volumes in the press, and most of the remaining volumes in preparation it appears that the total task can be completed in the early 'nineties. I am especially thankful to Professor Symoens for accepting the task of editing the volume on aquatic vegetation. The main emphasis of work in phytosociology is devoted to land plants, yet the landscape analysis remains incomplete without the consideration of rivers and lakes. Avolume on inland aquatic vegetation must therefore be most helpful to the land vegetation analyst and not only to the specialist on aquatic vegetation. Professor Symoens succeeded in drafting the most competent team for his task. I am sure that all colleagues working in vegetation analysis will be grateful to them that they have taken the time and energy to complete their chapters. Handbook articles are not easy to write and certainly not easy to edit. in the landscape are treated. The The major aquatic components vegetation analysts will welcome the fact that certain physiological and ecological processes of water plants are covered for which otherwise they would have to consult the limnological literature. This volume, together with the forthcoming volume on wetlands, should completely cover the inland aquatic vegetation problematic.

This book is a unique and integrated account of the history of North American vegetation and paleoenvironments over the past 70 million years. It includes discussions of the modern plant communities, causal factors for environmental change, biotic response, and methodologies. The history reveals a North American vegetation that is vast, immensely complex, and dynamic.

Published by the American Geophysical Union as part of the Water Science and Application Series, Volume 8. Riparian Vegetation and Fluvial Geomorphology presents important new perspectives for the experimentalist, the field practitioner, the theorist, and the modeler, offering a synthesis of scientific advances along with discussions of unresolved problems and research opportunities. The volume is structured in five sections.