There is an ever increasing pressure on the natural resources of planet Earth by mankind - as the human population continues to increase, so does the need for more food, fuelwood, fodder, fibres, timber and other plant products - either grown in cultivation or taken directly from nature. Mankind relies on plants to survive, and it is ironic, therefore, that his actions are threatening the very future of these life sustaining plant resources. The daily threats to plant diversity include worldwide destruction and degradation of habitats, uncontrolled harvesting from