Inselbergs are isolated rock outcrops that stand out abruptly from surrounding plains. Despite the widespread occurrence of granite inselbergs throughout all climatic and vegetational zones, their remarkably rich plant life is largely neglected in the recent literature. This illustrated volume provides a detailed survey of all major abiotic and biotic features characteristic for inselbergs. The extreme environmental conditions on inselbergs are described in depth as well as specific adaptive traits of rock outcrop plants including their morphological, anatomical and physiological responses.
Why study Inselbergs; Inselbergs: Geomorphology and Geoecology; Xeric Islands: Environmental Conditions on Inselbergs; Islands on Islands: Habitats on Inselbergs; Algae, Fungi, and Lichens on Inselbergs; Bryophytes; Vascular Plants on Inselbergs: Systematic Overview; Vascular Plants on Inselbergs: Vegetative and Reproductive Strategies; Ecophysiology of Vascular Plants on Inselbergs; Variations on one Theme: Regional Floristics on Inselberg Vegetation; Phytogeography; Factors Controlling Species Richness of Inselbergs; The Fauna of Inselbergs; Human Dimensions and Conservation; Biodiversity of Terrestrial Habitat Islands - the Inselberg Evidence.