INTRODUCTION 
This volume, with 440 species, is the first of a projected four volumes documenting the ferns, gymnosperms 
and flowering plants of the Darwin Region. In preparation for this Flora, a checklist for the Region with 
approximately 1500 species (Cousins, 1989) and a key to Northern Territory flowering plant families (Clifford 
& Cowie, 1992) were published. The sequence of families of flowering plants in the Flora follows that of the 
Cronquist classification (Cronquist,. 1981). Introductory chapters on botanical exploration and history of the 
Region, vegetation, land forms and climate will head volume one along with the ferns and conifers and the 
flowering plant families from Annonaceae to Surianaceae. Volume three, Rhamnaceae to Asteraceae and aah 
Alismataceae to Orchidaceae, will complete the series. 
Species descriptions were prepared, except where otherwise acknowledged, from specimens in the North- 
ern Territory Herbarium, Darwin. In general the descriptions cover the entire range of variation represented in 
the collections which for some species may extend across the continent or into the arid zone. A number of 
species from outside the Region have been included: those whose inclusion would complete the account for 
the genus for the entire Northern Territory, e.g. Desmodium, and those which are known from just outside the 
boundaries and which logically form part of the regional flora, e.g. Christia. A number of native species from 
outside the region which are commonly cultivated in Darwin are also included. 
The authors record their gratitude to the following contributing authors: Bruce Thomson, formerly of the 
Northern Territory Herbarium, Alice Springs (Euphorbia); Glenn Wightman of the Northern Territory Her- 
barium, Darwin (Rhizophoraceae); Peter Wilson and Ross Rowe of the New South Wales National Her- 
barium, Sydney (Indigofera); Jeremy Bruhl of the University of New England, Armidale (Margaritaria) and 
Paul Forster of the Queensland Herbarium, Brisbane for nomenclatural advice in Drypetes, Antidesma and 
Briedelia. Our illustrators gave generously of their time; their patience and talent are gratefully acknowl- 
edged. Their contributions are as follows: Milton Andrews: Plates 2, 4, 5, 7, 9-12, 47, 49-53, 54 p.p., 58 p.p., 
60-64, 68-78; Monika Osterkamp Madsen: 1, 3, 6, 8, 13-33, 34 p.p., 35-46, 48, 54 p.p., 58 p.p., 60-64, 68-80; 
Bee Fong Gunn: 65-67, cover. Monika Madsen additionally conscientiously proofread all the plates. The 
authors also record their appreciation of the industry and skill of Darryl Heatherly who typeset the volume and 
took an active interest in its production. 
C. R. Dunlop 
G. J. Leach 
I. D. Cowie March 1995 
