This journal was founded in 1851 as the ''Österreichisches Botanisches Wochenblatt'' by A. Skofitz, published from 1858 to 1973 as the ''Österreichische Botanische Zeitschrift,'' and thereafter as Plant Systematics and Evolution. Among its editors were R. v. Wettstein, E. Janchen, F. Knoll, L. Geitler, and F. Ehrendorfer. It is dedicated to publishing original papers and reviews on plant systematics in the broadest sense, encompassing evolutionary, phylogenetic and biogeographical studies at the populational, specific, higher taxonomic levels. The taxonomic emphasis is on green plants. The range of topics covered includes plant systematics and evolution, phytochemistry, ultrastructure, cytology, anatomy, palynology, plant development, genetics, reproductive biology, ecology, distribution, palaeobotany and population genetics.