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Book review of An Illustrated Flora of Yosemite National Park by Stephen J. Botti, illustrated by Walter Sydoriak
by D. H. Pfister,
Harvard University
Choice Magazine -
Vol. 39 No. 9, May, 2002
Botti offers a monumental treatment of the vascular plants found in and around
Yosemite Park. At nearly 500 pages and eight pounds, it is no field guide
but rather a classically arranged technical treatment of 1,338 species, including
those introduced from cultivation.
Introductory material summarizes previous studies and outlines the characteristics
of the five vegetation zones included in the area. The body of the book contains
technical descriptions of families, genera, and species plus identification
keys.
Each species is illustrated with a color drawing (except for the grasses where
black and white is used). The illustrations are diagnostic in most cases but
are stylized; they are conveniently placed beside the description. In the
text notes on locality, distribution and flowering times are provided.
The resulting book is large in format, lies flat, and can be easily used with
plant at hand. Given that this will not be carried to the field, it is a shame
that nothing was said about collecting specimens and the care that should
be taken.*
Truly a remarkable production, one that will become a standard. Recommended
for: general readers; researchers; faculty; professionals.
39-5193; QK149;
2001-26229 CIP
Botti, Stephen J. An Illustrated flora of Yosemite National Park, ill.
by Walter Sydoriak. Yosemite Association, 2001. 484 p, indexes. ISBN 0-939666-98-7,
$125.00.
(For more information about the flora or to order, click here.)
*Note: Collection of any plant species in Yosemite National Park is prohibited by law without a collection permit that should be obtained from the park's Research Scientist.
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