This volume provides an overview of the series and important background information on the flora of Australia. Chapters by leading scientists review the history of plant exploration in Australia and its literature, and provide concise biographies of major collectors and describers of Australia's plants, guides to the location of their collections and references to more detailed biographies. Current plant communities, the evolution and phytogeography of Australia's unique flora and the impact of human activities are all described. The volume concludes with a glossary of botanical terms, and a key to the families of Australian flowering plants.