The diversity of plant species in China is extraordinary. With an area approximately that of the continental United States, China has nearly twice as many vascular plant species, about 30,000 or one-eighth of the world's total. The Flora of China describes and otherwise documents these species. The text volumes include descriptions, identification keys, essential synonymy, phenology, provincial distribution in China, brief statements on extra-Chinese distribution, comments regarding the circumscription of problematic taxa, and additional comments on the ethnobotanical uses and conservation status of certain plants. Volume 1 is an introduction with statistics from the Flora, information on the contributors, nomenclatural novelties published in the text volumes, and a list of new Chinese taxa published after the volumes appeared.
