The term Flora refers to the indigenous or naturally occurring plant life of a specific region, environment, climate zone or time period. Its usage is derived from Roman mythology where Flora was known as the goddess of flowers, plants and fertility.

It is estimated that there are at least 20,000  species of plants in the areas north of Mexico in diverse geographical locations and climate zones. Thirty eight percent of these  species are considered to be unique to North America. A comprehensive understanding of the existence and dynamics of flora in these varied regions has practical implications in ecology, forestry, conservation and wildlife management.

For these as well as other  significant reasons a collaborative effort known as the Flora of North America Project  was begun among scientists in order to provide for the first time "information on the names, taxonomic relationships, continent-wide distributions, and morphological characteristics of all plants native and naturalized found in North America north of Mexico".

In order to learn more about the FNA project as well as the flora of North America, visit the Friends of BearlyPhotographers Page and follow the link to the Flora of North America website.