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With the completion of the fourth and final volume, the project to bring out a comprehensive taxonomic account of the angiosperm Flora of Tirunelveli Hills, the Eastern slopes of Agathimalai, and the Southernmost part of the Western Ghats with a potential for declaration as the Biosphere has reached its conclusion.

Owing to their significant geographic position at the southern end of the Western Ghats and varied climate and altitude, the "Tirunelveli Hills" possess a very rich and diverse flora. A reliable, up-to-date floristic inventory is a pre-requisite for a just assessment of the plant wealth of a given area, more so in a tropical country like India, where population pressure continues to lead to overexploitation and the consequent disappearance of the precious forests. Since Tropical rain forest has entered a period of rapid decline as a world natural resource, the "Tirunelveli Hills" must be regarded as a prime example of this ecosystem in Southern India.

The flora incorporates details of geology, vegetational types, distribution, climatology, taxonomic account, endangered, vulnerable, and endemic species, and species of medicinal and economic importance. The unique feature of this flora is the preparation of taxonomically useful line drawings for nearly all the species. Much attention is paid to the taxonomic accuracy of all drawings, which will enable students and scientists to identify taxa not only of the Tirunelveli Hills but also of other areas of Southern India.

The production of the Flora of Tirunelveli Hills is a significant milestone in the history of South Indian Botany and will be of use to scholars, bioscientists, environmentalists, conservationists and particularly taxonomists. It is hoped that this work will be of real service to students and teachers of Biology and other local practical plant users in the better understanding and utilisation of the rich biodiversity of the area, leading to rural development.

Volume I covers Polypetalae and includes 666 species in 275 genera and 77 families. Volume II covers Gamopetalae and includes 566 species belonging to 26 families. Volume IIII covers Monochlamydeae and includes 278 species in 107 genera belonging to 22 families. Volume IV covers Monocotyledons and includes 421 species belonging to 181 genera and 26 families.