This first volume of the flora provides a conceptual framework in which to analyze the floristic information contained in the family treatments.

Chapter 1 gives a detailed overview of the physical geography of the region and its human occupation.

Chapter 2 covers the history of botanical exploration and collecting in the Venezuelan Guayana.

Chapter 3 provides a detailed classification of vegetation types, emphasizing the importance of altitudinal zonation and dividing the vegetation into forest, shrubland, herbaceous, and pioneer formations. One of the accompanying maps is a 1:2,000,000-scale color vegetation map; the other is a topographical and toponymical map at the same scale.

Chapter 4 provides a floristic analysis of the flora area, it also examines the phytogeographical situation of the Venezuelan Guayana and develops a definition and delimitation of the Guayana region with four component provinces.

Chapter 5 discusses the conservation status and significance of the Venezuelan Guayana.

A section of color photos in this volume illustrates plants, vegetation types, and landscapes in the flora area.

Finally, Appendix B provides a dichotomous key to the families of seed plants in the flora area.

Summary Data from the Flora Area

Number of taxa in the Venezuelan Guayana by major plant groups: Table 1 Endemism levels in the Venezuelan Guayana: Table 2 Number of Pantepui taxa (occurring above 1500 m) in the Venezuelan Guayana: Table 3 Vascular Plant Families of the Venezuelan Guayana: Appendix A