Monograph on Indian Diospyros L. (Persimmon, Ebony) Ebenaceae

Contents: Foreword. Preface. 1. Introduction. 2. Review of literature: i. Taxonomy. ii. Phenology and pollination. iii. Ecology. iv. Cytology. v. Palynology. vi. Anatomy. vii. Embryology. viii. Phytochemistry. ix. Paleobotany. x. Economic uses. 3. Synopsis of the present monograph. 4. Abbreviations. 5. Classification: i. Family Ebenaceae R. Br. ii. Key to the genera. iii. Genus Diospyros L. iv. Key to the sections. v. Artificial key to the species. 6. Enumeration of the species. 7. Species Dubiae. 8. Phytogeographical aspects. 9. Phylogenetic affinities. 10. Phenetic affinities. 11. Conservation. 12. References. Indexes : i. The photographs. ii. The figures. iii. The distributional sketch maps. iv. The scientific names. v. The vernacular names. vi. The English names.

"The present monograph on Indian Diospyros L. (Ebenaceae) deals with 66 taxa. Besides adopting correct valid names for the Indian plants and providing complete synonymy, the description provided is based on personal observations of the author. Phenological data along with ecological notes have been provided to almost all taxa. Distribution pattern of the taxa in the World and India have been discussed and marked on the maps. Important findings of other workers on anatomy, embryology, cytology, palynology, phytochemistry etc have been used to supplement the description based on morphological characters and as an additional tool to solve certain taxonomic problems in this genus. A new classification has been proposed based on persistent suits of characters for the family Ebenaceae and for the genus Diospyros L. in particular no accommodate Indian taxa. The phylogenetic affinities of the family Ebenaceae and phenetic affinities between the species of Diospyros L. have been discussed to trace the evolutionary sequences.

Moreover, one new taxon (variety) has been added to the science and two new combinations have been made, besides selection of eight lectotypes for the species and several changes in taxonomic status and systematic position of infra-generic taxa. Detailed figures of about 61 taxa and 96 photographs have been appended for easy determination of the components. Vernacular names in different Indian languages and dialects have been provided along with economic uses to make the monograph usable at grass root level. It is hoped that the work will prove a milestone in the advancement of Ebony Systematics, conservation of biodiversity and sustainable utilization of plant resources."