Hong De-Yuan’s three-volume monograph of the popular genus Paeonia is a comprehensive taxonomic revision, based on extensive field observations, population sampling, examination of more than 5,000 specimens, and multidisciplinary study. This final volume in the series focuses on the biology, phylogeny and evolution of Paeonia, illustrated with over 200 photographs, line drawings and maps. This is an essential reference for taxonomists, growers, breeders, horticulturalists and general biologists.
Hong De-Yuan is a Professor of the State Key Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany at the Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing. He is president emeritus of the Botanic Society of China and an Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. He is also the winner of Engler's Medal in Gold.