Synopsis Many small and large books have appeared on biodiversity in India in the last one decade. This book deals with 'Hotspots' of one major component of biodiversity, the plant resources in selected and critical areas in India. The work is authored by scientists who are researchers by profession and are well trained taxonomists of Botanical Survey of India, which is the main official agency of the Government for study of plant resources of the country. The book covers various groups of the plant kingdom. At some places useful references are made to diversity in major animal groups also. The information in various chapters often covers economic aspects, ethnobotany, rare, endangered or endemic species, and biotic factors. The data in the book should provide ample material for utilisation and conservation of these bioresources, and also for further critical research, such as taxonomy, phytogeography, endemism, genetics, breeding, tissue culture, forestry, control of fungal or other diseases, etc.