Sonoran Desert Plants: An Ecological Atlas [Paperback]

Raymond M. Turner (Author), Janice Emily Bowers (Author), Tony L. Burgess (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2005

The Sonoran Desert, a fragile ecosystem, is under ever-increasing pressure from a burgeoning human population. This ecological atlas of the region's plants, a greatly enlarged and full revised version of the original 1972 atlas, will be an invaluable resource for plant ecologists, botanists, geographers, and other scientists, and for all with a serious interest in living with and protecting a unique natural southwestern heritage. An encyclopedia as well as an atlas, this monumental work describes the taxonomy, geographic distribution, and ecology of 339 plants, most of them common and characteristic trees, shrubs, or succulants. Also included is valuable information on natural history and ethnobotanical, commercial, and horticultural uses of these plants. The entry for each species includes a range map, an elevational profile, and a narrative account. The authors also include an extensive bibliography, referring the reader to the latest research and numerous references of historical importance, with a glossary to aid the general reader. Sonoran Desert Plants is a monumental work, unlikely to be superseded in the next generation. As the region continues to attract more people, there will be an increasingly urgent need for basic knowledge of plant species as a guide for creative and sustainable habitation of the area. This book will stand as a landmark resource for many years to come.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A goldmine of information that represents more than three decades of careful compilation." —Economic Botany "Marvellous introductions to the ecology of each species. . . . A must-have for the serious naturalist and field ecologist working in the Sonoran." —Tree "A most remarkable mine of information." —Cactus and Succulent Journal "The new reference list alone is probably reason enough for any plant ecologist who has worked in the southwestern deserts to rush out and get this book." —Plant Science Bulletin "To anyone interested in Sonoran Desert flora, this book is probably the best and most current reference." —Academic Library Book Review “It’s a welcome whiff of mission in an otherwise technical manual-and the call-out to citizen scientists is more relevant now than ever.” —High Country News

From the Inside Flap

The Sonoran Desert, a fragile ecosystem, is under ever-increasing pressure from a burgeoning human population. This ecological atlas of the region's plants, a greatly enlarged and full revised version of the original 1972 atlas, will be an invaluable resource for plant ecologists, botanists, geographers, and other scientists, and for all with a serious interest in living with and protecting a unique natural southwestern heritage. An encyclopedia as well as an atlas, this monumental work describes the taxonomy, geographic distribution, and ecology of 339 plants, most of them common and characteristic trees, shrubs, or succulants. Also included is valuable information on natural history and ethnobotanical, commercial, and horticultural uses of these plants. The entry for each species includes a range map, an elevational profile, and a narrative account. The authors also include an extensive bibliography, referring the reader to the latest research and numerous references of historical importance, with a glossary to aid the general reader. Sonoran Desert Plants is a monumental work, unlikely to be superseded in the next generation. As the region continues to attract more people, there will be an increasingly urgent need for basic knowledge of plant species as a guide for creative and sustainable habitation of the area. This book will stand as a landmark resource for many years to come. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 501 pages
• Publisher: University of Arizona Press (August 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0816525196
• ISBN-13: 978-0816525195
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,271,109 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unique reference in its subject area and well done., December 4, 1997

By 

[e-mail] (Utah) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sonoran Desert Plants: An Ecological Atlas (Hardcover)

I found this book to be quite unique in the way it covers its subject area. I know of no other book which seeks to treat in a botanical manner the more conspicuous and important woody plants of the Sonoran Desert biome. I discovered the existence of plants that I previously did not know about. Each species is covered very well, with notes on its appearance, distribution, ethnobotany, and ecology. Excellent half-tone black and white photographs. I can't recommend this book too highly if one is interested in learning more about the Sonoran Desert woody plants.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A superb in-depth manual especially recommended for ecologists studying the Sonoran desert area, October 12, 2005

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sonoran Desert Plants: An Ecological Atlas (Paperback)

Co-authored by plant ecologists Raymond Turner and Tony Burgess along with botanist Janice Bowers, Sonoran Desert Plants: An Ecological Atlas is an enlarged and thoroughly revised edition of the original 1972 atlas. Packed cover to cover with figures, distribution maps, black-and-white photographs, and detailed information concerning the taxonomy and ecology of 339 plants, Sonoran Desert Plants is a superb in-depth manual especially recommended for ecologists studying the Sonoran desert area. A glossary, index, and impressively extensive compendium of cited literature round out this specialist's resource.

5.0 out of 5 stars A classic, plain and simple, October 22, 2007

By 

Breck Breckenridge (Spokane, Washington) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sonoran Desert Plants: An Ecological Atlas (Hardcover)

An important major reference work, Sonoran Desert Plants is an exhaustive study of the woody plants native to the Sonoran Desert. 80 species are treated, and each species treatment includes excellent grey tone photographs and distribution maps, in addition to the discussion. This is an absolute sin qua non for students of the Sonoran Desert, botanists, naturalists, and aficionados of the cacti of the region. I reviewed this book several years ago & have not changed my mind about the book even though I am selling my copy now. I have moved "biomes" and really have no need for Sonoran biology texts anymore.