Lime-trees and Basswoods
A Biological Monograph of the Genus Tilia

Analyses the biology, ecology and geographical distribution of lime trees, using extensive field data to clarify their notoriously confusing taxonomy.

Donald Pigott (Author)

9780521840545, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 6 September 2012

405 pages, 314 b/w illus.
28.4 x 22.3 x 2.3 cm, 1.52 kg

'This is an excellent book that will remain the benchmark on lime taxonomy and ecology for many decades to come. It is packed with ecological information, well-written and deserves a place in every library.' British Ecological Society

Lime trees (Tilia spp.) are widely distributed and locally important members of northern temperate broad-leaved forests. In marked contrast to the largely uniform morphology of the genus its taxonomic treatment has become increasingly confused and controversial, with over one hundred species and numerous subspecies described. Using extensive data from field studies of natural populations around the world, this book clarifies the situation, proposing a revised taxonomy of 23 species and 14 subspecies. Detailed descriptions are provided for all recognised taxa and are accompanied by illustrations. Data from herbaria and cultivated trees are used to extend the analyses where appropriate and type specimens are included to stabilise nomenclature. Lime tree ecology is also considered, with an exploration of experimental and analytical data on regeneration, growth and reproduction in relation to climate and soils. Additional material includes a glossary of botanical terms and appendices of herbarium codes and relevant physical concepts.

Preface and acknowledgements
1. Introduction: the Tiliaceae and genus Tilia
2. General morphology of Tilia
Appendix. Glossary of terms used in descriptions
3. Cellular anatomy
4. A brief history of taxonomy of the genus
5. Taxonomic revision: concepts and methods of description
6. Chromosome numbers, molecular biology and hybridization
7. Geographic and ecological data
8. European and west Asian taxa
9. East Asian taxa 1: sections Endochrysea, Henryana and Anastraea
10. East Asian taxa 2: section Astrophilyra
11. American taxa
12. Geological history of the genus
13. Physiological ecology of Tilia
14. Floral and reproductive ecology of Tilia
15. Association of Tilia with human activity
16. Propagation and cultivation
Appendix 1. Herbarium codes
Appendix 2. A brief explanation of physical and chemical terms and concepts used in the ecological sections
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Phycology, algae & lichens [PSTV], Plant ecology [PSTS], Plant pathology & diseases [PSTP], Plant reproduction & propagation [PSTL], Plant physiology [PSTD], Botany & plant sciences [PST]