Trees and Shrubs of Mexico: (Fagaceae-Fabaceae)

Trees and Shrubs of Mexico was published between 1920 and 1926 as part of the Contributions from the United States National Herbarium series. Compiled by the botanist Paul Carpenter Standley during his tenure at the Smithsonian Institution, the work was commissioned to document the immense floral diversity of Mexico. It served as a vital, foundational resource for researchers seeking to identify and classify regional vegetation, particularly during a period when botanical exploration of the country was becoming a primary focus for North American naturalists.

The design of the volume reflects the rigorous scientific standards of the Smithsonian at the time, prioritizing clarity, technical accuracy, and extensive taxonomic descriptions. Standley collaborated with numerous colleagues to synthesize existing field collections and historical records into a cohesive reference. The work was well received by the academic community for its exhaustive nature and remains a cornerstone for scholars studying neotropical plant life, often consulted for its detailed morphological keys and historical nomenclature.