Includes bibliographical references and index.

Abstract

Descriptions and major synonyms are provided for each of the 91 genera of the tribe Astereae native or adventive in the area including North America and Central America, the Antilles and Hawaiian islands. Brief discussions are provided for all genera, with particular attention to those where taxonomic proposals to recognize or submerge segregates may remain controversial (e.g. Aster, Chrysothamnus, Conyza, Ericameria, Grindelia, Haplopappus, Lessingia. Solidago, and others). Also included are comments on the major divisions within the tribe, number of species, geographic distributions, major taxonomically related literature for each genus.

Many taxa are given in previous flora have been excluded due to their dubious or unsprouted presence, their misidentification, or their confinement to cultivation or ornament. There is a special section at the end of each family devoted to accepted taxa which have not been collected for at least 50 years.

For each entry, inline nomenclators such as GRIN, IPNI and TROPICOS and/or original literature and recent journal articles have been consulted in order to provide a correct name and an accurate literature citation. The Angiosperm Phylogeny Website was consulted for the recent alignment in genera families. Taxonomic controversy and embellishment, where appropriate, are aired out in a 'Notes' section.

The distribution of the vascular plants within Puerto Rico, based solely on verified specimens, is provided according to a scheme that incorporated both broad physiographic areas and specific geographical sites. The latter are described in the text and illustrated by maps.
Plant elevation and times of reproductive phenology are also provided. When the distribution is based on just one or two specimens, these specimens are referenced.
The distribution of these plants outside of Puerto Rico is also given. Where possible, references are made to modern floras of Puerto Rico where may be found a more detailed description of individual taxa. Where known, common Spanish names are provided.
Also, four new combiations have been made in the names of taxa.

in English.