"The present comprehensive book on the family Eriocaulaceae, popularly known as pipeworts complete with descriptions and illustrations is the result of efforts of the authors of the past so many years.

"Taxonomical monograph of the 65 Indian species of the genus Eriocaulon Linn. in the family Eriocaulaceae is presented here. Eight new species, E. Cherrapunjian, E. palghatense, E. panagudianum, E. rajendrababui, E. ramnadense, E. sharmae, E. sivarajanii and E. vasudevanii are described. Five new names E. fysonii, E. meeboldii, E. parviflorum, E. richardianum and E. talbotii are proposed attributing specific status to the infraspecific taxa of earlier workers. The species are grouped into twelve sections in the new classification suggested here for the Indian plants. The geographical distribution of each taxon within the country is discussed and depicted in maps. All species are illustrated.

"It is hoped that the information, descriptions and the drawings presented here may be helpful for further research on this interesting group of plants, which are becoming rarer by various developmental activities causing habitat destruction." (jacket)

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