Synopsis The BSI is bringing out floristic account of the Maharashtra State in three volumes. The volume containing the account of Monocotyledones has already appeared in 1996. The remaining two volumes deal with Dicotyledones. It is estimated, that presently the state of Maharashtra is represented by 187 families, 1081 genera, 3025 species, 21 sub-species, 145 varieties, one sub-variety and two formas that occur in the wild. Besides, 844 cultivated species have been recorded. 25 genera and 694 species which are endemic to India occur in Maharashtra. Some of the critically endangered plants from this flora include among others : Abutilon ranadei, Aponogeton bruggenii, Bonnayodes limnophiloides, Ceropegia panchganiensis, Crinum brachynema, Dipcadi concanense, Frerea indica and Lepidagathis bandraensis. The highest amount of colchicine – the polyplodizing agent – has been reported from the seeds of Iphigenia stellata, endemic to Maharashtra. This is the second of the three volumes covering 70 families, 314 genera, 856 species, 10 subspecies and 53 varieties in wild. In addition, there are 5 families which include only cultivated species. A total of 262 cultivated taxa have also been treated in this volume. The Flora provides an extended introductory chapter on several topics such as vegetation, mangroves, aquatics, weeds, economically important plants, medicinal plants, endemic and threatened plants, major threats to diversity, national parks and sanctuaries, ethnobotany, sacred groves, wasteland development and forest biota. Line drawings of 179 plants and 26 colour photographs have also been given. It is hoped that the Flora will be useful to students of botany, professional taxonomists, teachers, plant geographers, wildlife biologists, foresters, and all those interested in learning about the flora , conservation and utilisation of the plant resources of the state. This is also an authentic source of reference to planners and decision makers.