Abstract
<jats:p>The alpine summits have long been central to botanical exploration, serving as reference points for documenting flora at the highest elevations. Historical surveys from early expeditions of the 18th and 19th centuries to standardized 21st century monitoring programs provide valuable insights into floristic patterns, species richness and ecological change on mountain summits. This chapter reviews these surveys as the foundation of alpine floristic knowledge and biodiversity assessment. It includes case studies from major mountain systems such as the Alps, Himalayas, Andes, Karakoram and Rockies and highlights the role of programs like GLORIA. Key findings reveal upward species migration, shifts in community structure and loss of cold-adapted taxa with warming climates. By linking historical records with modern ecological monitoring, this chapter emphasizes the relevance of summit floristics for conservation planning, ecological forecasting and policy guidance. Alpine summits act as natural laboratories, illuminating biodiversity dynamics amid rapid environmental change.</jats:p>