Description

This flora, published in 1964, was the first comprehensive account of Cambridgeshire's plants since Babington's of 1860. Based on records to the end of 1962, it details 1509 species. These comprise 27 pteridophytes, 3 gymnosperms, 1223 angiosperms and 256 bryophytes. The following information is provided for each of the species: scientific name; well-known vernacular name, if any; first known record of the plant in the county; synonyms; habitat; notes on rare, difficult or interesting species; distribution by OS grid reference numbers. The introduction examines local topography, climate, the main geological areas and vegetation types, together with a history of botanical investigation in the county. Important localities are noted, highlighting key species that could then be found. Botanists, conservationists and naturalists will find this historic flora provides a valuable baseline for contemporary studies, including those focusing on biodiversity, extinction or the effects of climate change.