Contents: Foreword. Preface. I. Introduction. 1. Microhabitat and Speciation. 2. Stress Tolerance. 3. Hotspots in India - A historical review. 4. Distribution and ecology. II. Morphology. 5. Habit. 6. Root. 7. Stem. 8. Leaves. 9. Inflorscence. 10. Calyx. 11. Corolla. 12. Androecium. 13. Gynoecium. 14. Capsule. 15. Seeds. III. Evolution. 16. Evolution of Leaves. 17. Evolution of Flower. 18. Evolutionary trends encountered in Pedicularis gracillis Wall. ex Benth: A Case study. IV. Classification. V. Systematic Treatment. Key to Indian species of Pedicularis. Description of Species. References. Index.

This book is an outcome of the tireless efforts of the authors, between the years 2001 to 2009, who wandered in the Himalayan belt to observe the populations of Pedicularis L. in their natural habitat. The present book incorporates 83 Indian species, with many more infraspecific taxa. The text is in two halves, the first half includes general information about the genus such as microhabitat speciation, stress tolerance, hot spot, comparative morphology in tabular form, evolution in leaves and flowers, while, the second half deals with the systematic account and key to Indian species of Pedicularis. The key to the species is primarily based on the cauline leaves opposite or whorled and alternate. In the enumeration of species, each species is provided with complete nomenclature, citation, basionym, if any, synonyms, detailed morphology, phenology, ecology and distribution, critical notes and specimens examined. Line drawings of 52 taxa, 15 coloured plates and 9 plates of herbarium specimens have also been included for easy identification of taxa. (Jacket)