This is a unique, first-of-its-kind tree book with beautiful illustrations of the fruiting twigs of 381 South African trees.

The reason behind illustrating tree fruits is that, like so many tree-lovers, Trevor found it difficult to identify many tree species from their leaves as they are the most variable of all the plant parts. Fruits, like flowers, have much more stable shapes and sizes and, unlike flowers, are easier to identify macroscopically. Scratch around the under-canopy of trees and you may find the remains of fruit that can be useful for identification. Thus, this book was born, and it represents the culmination of some 40 years’ work by the author.

This book includes:

• Specially coded keys showing colour and size for easyidentification.
• The current botanical binomial, recent old names (due totaxonomic changes) and the “best” common name are given.
• Notes on distribution, fruiting time and habitats are also provided.
• 381 Beautiful illustrations of the fruiting twigs of South African trees

This beautifully illustrated large-format book showcases some 2,400 South African indigenous plants, making it a comprehensive guide to the range of local plants available to gardeners to transform their outdoor spaces.

An Introduction lays the groundwork, covering climate, various garden styles, spatial planning and garden maintenance, as well as giving suggestions for attracting wildlife to the garden.

The encyclopaedic Plant Catalogue forms the bulk of the book. Plants are grouped by growthform into 13 chapters, from bulbs, orchids and aloes through to shrubs, grasses, trees and fynbos.The introduction to each group provides essential information on the selection, planting and feeding of the species, and gives tips on growing and maintaining them in the garden or in containers. Following each introduction is an extensive catalogue of species, pairing full-colour photographs with brief descriptions that cover size, shape, flowering times and best growing conditions. The book concludes with a handy Plant Selector, which helps gardeners to choose the most appropriate plants for specific areas or functions in their garden or home.

Compiled and edited over several years by an expert team, this easy-to-use reference introduces a host of new and exciting possibilities for gardens and gardeners, both locally and across the globe.

Southern Africa has the richest and most diverse grouping of succulents in the world. Vetplant Fairies is a collection of verse for children about indigenous succulents and the imaginary beings who live among them, written by two of our finest poets, Ingrid de Kok and Antjie Krog.

The book is beautifully illustrated in full colour by Fiona Moodie in the style of Fynbos Fairies, its hugely successful predecessor.

The scientific name for each plant is included in this enchanting new classic.

Compiled by Ruth Parker and showcasing Brita Lomba’s evocative photographs, this collection pays tribute to our oldest living companions – the majestic trees that grace South Africa’s wild and urban spaces, nourishing our intricate, often fragile ecosystems.

South Africans from a range of backgrounds – writers, conservationists, historians and tree lovers of all stripes – offer intimate tales of their encounters with these extraordinary beings: from forest giants to shade-giving childhood companions, from urban landmarks to remote desert dwellers, from mighty baobabs to storied vines. Each account distils the essence of a beloved tree and shows how its long life is interwoven with human culture and history.

The branches of this diverse selection bear rich fruits for readers with a passion for nature, history or photography. Tree Encounters is a moving homage to these quiet, powerful mainstays of the natural world – and a compelling plea for their protection.

Proteas are South Africa’s wildflower celebrities: the King Protea is emblazoned on the National Coat of Arms and gives its name to the country’s cricket team.

A total of 330 protea species are found in the fynbos of the Cape Floristic Region – the botanical treasure house at the southern tip of Africa.

Proteas of the Fynbos features 165 of the region’s more common or showy species, with pointers to many more. Each species account details diagnostic features, flowering times, habitats and distribution, while colour photographs showcase the beauty and diversity of this charismatic plant group.

An informative introduction explores the biology, pollination, origin and conservation status of fynbos proteas, and highlights features to aid identification.

Arranged in groups and subgroups for easy identification, this innovative guide enables flower enthusiasts to confidently identify over half of all fynbos protea species.

This book’s title says it all! Now in an updated second edition, it provides a clear understanding of how trees are constructed and what to look for when identifying a tree.

The book is divided into two parts: Part 1 describes and clearly illustrates the different parts of a tree and their role in tree identification. Part 2 features a key to 43 tree groups, based on easy-to-observe stem and leaf features. It carefully outlines each group and the southern African tree families represented in the different groups. Numerous colour photographs and explanatory illustrations support the text, making this an accessible and easy-to-use guide.

How To Identify Trees In Southern Africa will equip readers with a sound understanding of how trees work and what to look for in order to make a positive ID.

This fully updated edition of Field Guide to Wild Flowers of South Africa covers more than 1,100 species of flora, focusing on the most common, conspicuous and ‘showy’ plants around the region.

An informative introduction discusses plant diversity, vegetation types, and includes a key to identifying plant groups. The species descriptions follow and each is accompanied by:

• a vivid photograph,
• a distribution map showing range, and
• an indication of the plant’s flowering season.

This invaluable, up-to-date guide provides the tools and information needed to identify flowering plants across South Africa.

This beautifully illustrated book will share the infinite wisdom of flowers,providing inspiration from nature to gain perspective,resilience and live a beautiful life.

Taking sixty of the world’s most amazing flowers and flowering plants, including the corpse flower from Indonesia, the bat-face cuphea and the chocolate cosmos flower from Mexico, the Pohutukawa tree from New Zealand, the lipstick tree and the giant water lily from South America, the voodoo lily from the Mediterranean, the lesser-known plum blossom and the skeleton flower from Japan, and not forgetting the beautiful jade vine from the Philippines, this book will share their unique symbolism and the characteristics and strengths that allow them to thrive, inspiring us to follow their example and make the most of every moment.

Ericas come in an astonishing array of sizes, shapes and colours. Some 760 species, many of them found nowhere else, occur in the Cape Floristic region – a centre of unparalleled diversity for the genus and home to one of the world’s richest floras.

Even when in bloom, telling these delicate flowers apart is extremely challenging. In Ericas of the Fynbos, 170 of the region’s most common plants are described in detail, with key ID features highlighted for quick reference. In addition, information is given on distribution, flowering times, subspecies and similar species – providing more tools to aid accurate identification. Vivid full-colour photographs of each species showcase the astonishing variety and stunning beauty of the flowers. An informative introduction unpacks biology, pollination and distribution of erica species.

Enriched by a lively design, this innovative guide will give all flower enthusiasts, gardeners and hikers, the confidence to accurately identify ericas in the wild.

A refreshing new book on mushrooms and other fungi in South Africa, covering 200 species - more than any mushroom book in the region to date. Text covers each species' distribution (both regionally and worldwide), description, typical habitat, edibility and toxicity. Magnificent photographs accompany each species, making this both a practical guide and a beautiful book. It will be welcomed by all mushroom enthusiasts, and by nature-lovers in general.

Botanicum is 'n pragtige volkleur boek wat 'n hele klomp raaisels om plante onthul.

Hoe het die eerste plante gelyk? Wanneer het die eerste woude gevorm? Wanneer het plante begin blomme dra? Watter plante is die grootste, kleinste, vreemdste, seldsaamste, lelikste en stinkste op aarde? In Botanicum kan jy die mees eksotiese en veemdste plante bymekaar sien.

Leer hoe plante al miljoene jare langer as ons bestaan en fassinerede dinge soos hoekom party plante groen is en ander nie en hoe party plante in water leef en ander in die lug hang sonder enige kontak met die grond.

Kom ontdek binne Botanicum die wonderlike planteryk in sy kleurryke, verrassende glorie.

The view from this spot … is the most picturesque of any I had seen in the vicinity of Cape Town.
William Burchell — Travels in the Interior of South Africa, 1822

Kirstenbosch is a name that resonates around the world as the home of a uniquely rich flora in a setting of unsurpassed beauty. Established soon after the unification of South Africa in 1910, the Garden continues to draw both tourists and locals to its enchanting spaces and botanical riches.

This book tells of how the Garden came to be, its setbacks and triumphs, its benefactors and heroes. It outlines the Garden’s scientific eminence as the repository of knowledge on our prized flora and presents its many attractions.

In this new edition, the story is brought up to date with details of new developments and attractions, making it a quality memento for visitors and the thousands of locals who flock there annually.

Southern Africa has possibly the most beautiful and diverse floral kingdom in the world, but it is also the most polluted and threatened. Agricultural production is under threat from both indigenous and alien weeds and our entire ecosystem is now being seriously threatened by these alien, invasive species. Awareness of these weeds, the regulations involved and possible control measures have become critical factors. Things change in time, more weeds appear and the scope of this edition is extended up into more Central Africa. This then initiated the fourth revised and updated edition, titled Problem Plants and Alien Weeds of Southern Africa.

AMAZING FEATURES
The contents cover more than 800 problem plants of which 433 species are illustrated and their origin, environmental impact and control measures are described. Similar species are mentioned.
More than 900 colour photographs assist with identification, create more awareness and illustrate the problematic nature of plants.
Up-to-date distribution maps show the range in Southern Africa.
The existence of a herbicide registration (in South Africa) is indicated with “H” where applicable, and the latest government regulations (NEMBA categories: 1a, 1b, 2 and 3), as well as biological control, where applicable, are mentioned next to the distribution map.
Introductory chapters cover biodiversity and the threat of alien species; problematic indigenous vegetation including bush encroachment; veld degradation; control and management techniques; biological control; chemical weed control; herbicide resistance, and the threat posed by ornamental garden plants.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Clive Bromilow holds a degree in Applied Biology with a major in Ecology. He has been involved in the agricultural chemical industry all over the world for over 40 years and this has led to a lifelong interest in plants and weeds. His first book Problem Plants of South Africa was published in 1995 and was a huge success. This edition and the subsequent three revised editions were very successful and became reference books on the subject throughout Southern Africa and indeed the world.

The greatest botanical artists in the world capture one of the most diverse floral kingdoms on earth.

The traditional medium of botanical art is given a new lens with the aim to ultimately connect the reader to a bigger picture - one in which the intricate relationship between ourselves, the natural environment, plants and their pollinators is revealed. Expect meticulous detailing of floral structures, bursting seed pods, brightly coloured beetles, foraging ants, floating pollen and striped field mice...coupled with scientific facts and narrative stories about each plant.

This is a florilegium immersed in the natural world, informed by ecology and the fragility of our botanical heritage. Each chapter includes an up-front ‘Wunderkammer’ of artists' notes, colour swatches, working drawings and archeological details, revealing a glimpse into the creative process and ancient origins of the area.

A unique marriage of art, natural science and storytelling is used to share the treasures of our botanical heritage, diversity and sustainability.

Die grasfamilie, bekend as Poaceae, is waarskynlik die belangrikste plantfamilie op aarde. Grasse is die eerste voedselplante wat deur mense aangeplant is. Graangewasse, soos mielies, koring, rys en suikerriet (almal grasse), is steeds ons belangrikste bron van energie. Gras, in die vorm van voer, is ook die belangrikste bron van kos vir vee en die groot kuddes grasvreters in die natuur. Die akkurate identifikasie van grasse raak belangrik tydens veldbestuur aangesien grasse ten opsigte van hul weidingswaarde en ander ekologiese funksies verskil. Verder reageer verskillende onkruidgrasse anders op chemise onkruiddoders en moet daarom akkuraat geidentifiseer word. Hierdie boek, Gids tot Grasse van suider-Afrika, is die omvattendste volkleur identifikasiegids tot die algemene grasse in suider-Afrika en sluit onder meer die volgende kenmerke in: Beskrywings en illustrasies van die 320 belangrikste grasse in suider-Afrika; 'n Gebruikersvriendelike indentifikasiesleutel; Meer as 1 000 uitstekende kleurfoto's; Dertien kort en volledig geillustreerde inleidende hoofstukke oor grasse; Algemene grasname in verskeie inheemse tale; Simbole wat die leser in staat stel om inligting met 'n oogopslag te bekom.

I wonder what tree that is' - if this thought has ever occurred to you in the Kruger National Park, this book is intended for you. Virtually no visitor to the Kruger National Park has not, at some point, become a nature enthusiast once the Big Five hunger has been stilled. This book is about trees, but has been compiled around places in the Kruger National Park. It describes 51 species of trees in rest camps, picnic sites and bird hides as static objects. When you arrive in a rest camp, at a picnic site or bird hide, the book will draw your attention to a remarkable or interesting tree. The small map at the top left of each title page indicates in which part of the Kruger Park the tree is - the southern, central or northern region It is only when you have come to see and appreciate the magnificence of the veld, that you wish you knew more about the trees encountered along the way... This book is a glorious travelling companion that introduces you to the characteristics of specific trees. It accompanies you on your journey from stopping place to picnic place to rest camp. More than 220 beautiful photographs in full colour, user-friendly descriptions of 51 tree species and special anecdotes provide the reader with interesting general knowledge as well as an insight into the history of the Park.

Sappi tree spotting is the well-known, easy method of tree identification, written for the newcomer to the area as well as the experienced tree enthusiast. Sappi Tree Spotting: Lowveld (including the Kruger National Park) is now in its third edition, and it will help the reader to recognize almost three quarters of the larger trees to be seen in the Lowveld. The title is based on three innovative concepts - it keeps the terminology simple. The average recreational tree spotter will never use 'pubescent' when 'hairy' will do! Most trees are easy to find, as long as you look for the right trees in the right places. Some trees can be identified easily because of their Striking Features. These trees do not need a complex system of 'keying', because they are instantly recognisable.

The array of bottles is impressive, their contents finely tuned to varied tastes. But they all share the same roots in Mesoamerica's natural bounty and human culture. The drink is tequila--more properly, "mescal de tequila," the first mescal to be codified and recognized by its geographic origin and the only one known internationally by that name. In "ATequila! A Natural and Cultural History," Ana G. Valenzuela-Zapata, the leading agronomist in Mexico's tequila industry, and Gary Paul Nabhan, one of America's most respected ethnobotanists, plumb the myth of tequila as they introduce the natural history, economics, and cultural significance of the plants cultivated for its production. Valenzuela-Zapata and Nabhan take you into the agave fields of Mexico to convey their passion for the century plant and its popular by-product. In the labor-intensive business of producing quality mescal, the cultivation of "tequila azul" is maintained through traditional techniques passed down over generations. They tell how "jimadores" seek out the mature agaves, strip the leaves, and remove the heavy heads from the field; then they reveal how the roasting and fermentation process brings out the flavors that cosmopolitan palates crave. Today in Oaxaca it's not unusual to find small-scale mescal-makers vending their wares in the market plaza, while in Jalisco the scale of distillation facilities found near the town of Tequila would be unrecognizable to old JosA(c) Cuervo. Valenzuela-Zapata and Nabhan trace tequila's progress from its modest beginnings to one of the world's favored spirits, tell how innovations from cross-cultural exchanges made fortunes for Cuervo and other distillers, and explain howthe meteoric rise in tequila prices is due to an epidemic--one they predicted would occur--linked to the industry's cultivation of just one type of agave. The tequila industry today markets more than four hundred distinct products through a variety of strategies that heighten the liquor's mystique, and this book will educate readers about the grades of tequila, from blanco to aAejo, and marks of distinction for connoisseurs who pay up to two thousand dollars for a bottle. "ATequila! A Natural and Cultural History" will feed anyone's passion for the gift of the blue agave as it heightens their appreciation for its rich heritage.

• Common and uncommon tree species described in engaging detail
• Covers trees found in small woodlots, deep forests, backyards, and reverting fields

With populations of both northern and southern trees, Pennsylvania is home to a truly diverse array of species. This book describes more than 60 species of trees found in Pennsylvania and the northeastern United States in a straightforward, informative style. Includes identification details, range, growth patterns, seasonal adaptations, natural history, past and present uses, and current and future population trends, along with the author's personal observations of the trees themselves--what their nuts taste like, their barks feel like, or what it's like to see them in the wild. An invaluable addition to any nature-lover's library.

Die Suider-Afrikaanse subkontinent is besonder ryk aan inheemse boomspesies (sowat 2100) wat in grootte wissel van struikagtiges tot oeroue, hooggroeiende reuse. Baie van die boomspesies en die natuurlike omgewing waarin hulle voorkom, is al deeglik bestudeer en gedokumenteer in bele algemene beskikbare publikasies. Inligting oor hulle hour is egter beperk en nie maklik toeganklik vir die algemene publiek nie. Hierdie boek bevat inligting oor die hourkenmerke en houteienskappe van 140 Suider-Afrikaanse houtsoorte (134 inheemse en ses uitheemse spesies).

Benut ons Inheemse Bome is ongetwyfeld die nuttigste en mees praktiese boek wat oor die onderwerp in Suid-Afrika gepubliseer is.
Hierdie derde en hersiene uitgawe bevat 22 meer boomspesies. Die 163 boomsoorte is alfabeties volgens botaniese naam gerangskik, met meer as 850 volkleur foto’s geïllustreer en volledig bespreek.
Die volgende inligting is vir elke boomsoort ingesluit:
'n Inleidende afdeling oor die kweek van bome deur saad, steggies en stamsteggies.
'n Volledige spesiebeskrywing, kenmerke waaraan die boom uitgeken kan word, blom- en dratye, natuurlike verspreiding en habitat.
Die ekologiese rol en benutting deur soogdiere, voëls en insekte.
Ekonomiese waarde en gebruik deur die mens in tuine, op plase en elders as ’n bron van voedsel, vesel en medikasie.
Eienskappe van die hout en benutting daarvan deur die mens.
Duidelike riglyne oor die ent en kweek van elke boomsoort.
'n Kaart wat die natuurlike verspreiding van elke boomsoort aandui.
Meer as 850 volkleur foto’s wat met sorg uitgesoek is om die teks te komplementeer en te illustreer.
Die boek bevat ’n tabel wat boombenutting deur diere, voëls en insekte saamvat, bronverwysings en ’n indeks van algemene en botaniese name.
Hierdie waardevolle inheemse boomgids behoort die naslaan- en gebruiksbron te wees van elke tuinier, boer, natuurliefhebber, boomkweker, bosbouer en natuurbewaarder – trouens enigeen met ’n liefde en waardering vir bome.

Ook in Engels beskikbaar: Making the Most of Indigenous Trees

The grass family, known as Poaceae, is probably the most important plant family on earth. Grasses were the first food plants to be cultivated by man. Grass crops, such as maize, wheat, rice and sugarcane are still our most important food source to farm animals and the large herds of grazing animals in the wild. The identification of grasses becomes important during land management as the various grass species differ in their grazing value and other ecological functions. Furthermore, weedy grasses react differently to different herbicides and therefore need to be correctly identified. This title, Guide to grasses of southern Africa, is the most comprehensive colour identification guide to the common grasses of southern Africa and includes, among others, the following features: descriptions and illustrations of the 320 most important grasses in southern Africa, an easy-to-use grass identification key, more than 1 000 excellent photographs in full colour, thirteen short, fully illustrated introductory chapters with general information on grasses, common names of grasses in indigenous languages, icons that enable the reader to obtain certain information at a glance.