This book covers whole Europe within its geographical limits, providing not only an overview about biogeography and recent taxonomic status of Charophyte species but also in-depth information about recent knowledge about ecology, ontogenesis, morphology, palaeontology and systematics of this group of algae. This is the first comprehensive treatment of European Charophytes. In addition, the reader for the first time is provided by definitions of terms applied to Charophytes, sorting out several previous confusions about terminology. Special attention was paid on oospores in order to exploit their potential for supporting species delineation as well as analysis of sediment records. A red list, dealing also with threats and habitat conditions, completes the book.

Altogether more than 70 taxon are described in detail, each of the descriptions giving full information about morphology, habitat conditions, distribution as well as variability; important characters for determination are illustrated by photographs and drawings. Hints for correct determination are given in a separate para, allowing correct species delineation even for critical species. This, together with a set of determination keys, will allow beginners and practitioners to get familiar with the determination of Charophytes, being often regarded notoriously difficult in the past.

Authored by a large group of 70 specialists from all over Europe and Overseas, a commonly agreed taxonomy is provided, and all debates about taxonomic status and nomenclatural problems have been discussed beforehand extensively. By this, a sound reference for applied aspects is given, allowing for reliable cross-country comparisons especially with respect to bioindication purposes but also serving ground for biogeographical research, biodiversity issues and the emerging field of elucidating the process of territorialisation of land plants. The authors hope that this book will become the reference work for the coming decades it was designed for.