This work investigates the complex relationship between the geological substrate, climatic conditions, and the resulting botanical distribution across the Middle East. Michael Zohary, a preeminent botanist, synthesizes decades of field research to establish a comprehensive framework for understanding how the region's unique environmental factors dictate the survival and evolution of its diverse plant life. The text argues that the interplay between soil composition and arid climate is the primary driver of regional biodiversity.

Experts recognize this volume as a foundational text for understanding the phytogeography of the region. Researchers frequently cite the work for its rigorous data collection and its enduring relevance to contemporary ecological studies in arid environments.