Summaries of Addresses of Presidents of Sections: Preservation of Native Floras

Abstract

THE preservation of native floras with special reference to the British flora is the topic of Dr. A. B. Rendle's presidential address to the Conference of Delegates of Corresponding Societies. The preservation of native floras is of high importance from a scientific point of view. The cases of St. Helena and the Bermudas are examples of interesting natural floras that had been largely destroyed by man's action, especially by the destruction of the trees and the introduction of alien plants which had proved superior in competition with the natural flora. But efforts should be made to preserve what remains. It will be a reproach to us if the only material for study by future students of a flora is that found in herbaria.