In this book are fifty-two compelling tales that will lead the reader on a journey of discovery of the African continent. It tracks the ancient grail of traditional African medicine or muthi. The journey takes one year, with one story for each of the fifty-two weeks. Many of the stories inherited through Africa’s compelling oral tradition are between these covers: committed to paper for the first time ever.

The ancient African people were the first aromatherapists who well understood the effect of plants on the human body, mind and soul. Innately spiritual, the thousands of lineages of African people across thousands of years have all used plant medicines for healing, always with the blessing of their ancestors.

Knowledge of African plant mythology and its associated healing practices is most certainly a grail because on this great continent we call Africa, knowledge has always been an oral tradition. Because it was never written down, thousands of years of healing wisdom and intelligence have been lost in the transference from one generation to the next.

This book endeavoures to bring to light the deep history of fifty-two of the thousands of indigenous medicinal plants of Africa, before it is too late. The focus is towards Southern Africa because this region is a hotspot of cultural and botanical diversity. Unlike the healing knowledge of other ancient cultures, such as India or China, little of Africa’s healing history is recorded.

As you read the stories about fifty-two of the continent’s prominent indigenous plant cures, the authors hope you, too, will experience some of the magnetism, mystery and wisdom of Africa. They hope it will help you understand a bit more about yourself and about our species: the human being.

Culinary Herbs & Spices of the World is a reference guide to more than 120 different culinary herbs, spices and flavourings from all the well-known culinary traditions of the world. It is a scientifically accurate and richly illustrated review of the physical appearance, correct names, botany, geographical origin, history, cultivation, harvesting, culinary uses and flavour ingredients of more than 120 different herbs and associated species. A new perspective on the botanical and chemical principles of tastes and flavours is presented, making it an interesting and colourful contribution to the culinary exploration of the world. A fully illustrated, scientifically accurate guide to practically all commercial herbs and spices, with more than 600 colour photographs. Written in an easy style with notes on propagation, cultivation and culinary uses, the book will appeal to a wide readership, from gardeners and food enthusiasts to botanists and academics. Some exotic herbs and spices - especially from Africa and China - are introduced for the first time to European and American readers. The best-known use or signature dish for each herb or spice is given, highlighting hitherto poorly known culinary traditions. Introductory chapters include a concise overview of the main culinary traditions of the world and a fascinating glimpse into the chemistry of taste and flavour. Includes a quick guide and checklist to the culinary herbs and spices of the world.

Harde band, meer as 400 volkleurfoto's

Ook beskikbaar in Engels - Guide to the Aloes of South Africa

Gids tot die Aalwyne van Suid-Afrika is die eerste volledige en moderne aalwyngids in Afrikaans. Dit is 'n volkleur-handleiding en die hoë gehalte foto's maak dit vir die algemene belangstellende sowel as die wetenskaplike maklik om aalwyne in die natuur en in tuine te identifiseer. Die inhoud weerspieël die nuutste wetenskaplike bevindings en bevat:
Volledige beskrywings van al 155 spesies wat tans deur aalwynkenners erken word, met inligting oor kenmerke waarvolgens die plante geïdentifiseer kan word, blomtyd, habitat en geografiese verspreiding, bewaringstatus, oorsprong van die wetenskaplike name, en volksname, asook algemene riglyne vir die kweek van die plante, en inligting oor hul tradisionele gebruike.
Meer as 400 kleurfoto's wat die habitat en groeivorm aantoon, sowel as nabyfoto's van die blomme en blare.
Verspreidingskaarte van al die spesies, as 'n verdere hulpmiddel vir identifisering.
'n Gebruikersvriendelike klassifikasiestelsel wat die aalwyne in 12 groepe verdeel, hoofsaaklik aan die hand van hul groeivorms.
Inleidende hoofstukke wat die fokus plaas op aalwynagtige plante (wat met aalwyne verwar kan word); medisinale, kosmetiese en tonikumgebruike; bewaring; kweking en vermeerdering; tuinmaak en landskapontwerp met aalwyne; hibriede en kultivars, plae en siektes; en verwantskappe en genuskonsepte.
'n Geïllustreerde woordelys van plantkundige terme, indeks tot die wetenskaplike en volksname, asook 'n literatuurlys vir verdere leeswerk.

Die outeurs: Ben-Erik van Wyk is 'n professor in Plantkunde aan die Universiteit van Johannesburg en het 'n navorsingsbelangstelling in plantsistematiek en plantbenutting. Hy is die skrywer van internasionale wetenskaplike topverkopers soos Medicinal Plants of the World en Food Plants of the World.
Gideon F. Smith is Hoofdirekteur van Biosistematiek en Versamelings by die Suid- Afrikaanse Nasionale Biodiversiteitsinstituut, professor in Plantwetenskap aan die Universiteit van Pretoria, en 'n navorsingsgenoot aan die Universiteit van Coimbra in Portugal. Hy is die skrywer of medeskrywer van meer as 40 boeke oor onder meer aalwyne, sukkulente, tuinbou, tuine, Angola, taksonomie en indringerplante.

Hierdie wetenskaplik akkurate handleiding is daarop gemik om tuiniers en tuinboukundiges te help om vetplant- en rotspesies van oral in die wereld te identifiseer. Inleidende hoofstukke oor waterwys tuinmaak, gebruik, bewaring, verbouing en voortplanting van vetplante, tesame met 'n gedeelte oor tuinmaak met vetplante, wat nuttige wenke gee.

Medicinal plants and plant-derived medicine are widely used in traditional cultures all over the world and they are becoming increasingly popular in modern society as natural alternatives to synthetic chemicals. As more and more natural remedies are being commercialised, there is a need for a user-friendly reference guide to the plants and their products. The book gives the reader a bird's eye view of more than 350 of the bestknown medicinal plants of the world and their uses, in a compact, colourful and scientifically accurate reference text. It provides quick answers to the most obvious questions: Where does this plant originate? What does it look like? In which culture is it traditionally used? What is it used for? Which chemical compounds does it contain? How safe is it? What is known about its pharmacological activity? What evidence is there that it is effective? The authors also provide short overviews of the various health conditions for which medicinal plants are used and the active compounds (secondary metabolites) found in the plants and their modes of actions.

This full-colour photographic guide describes and illustrates over 350 different species of widely used cut flowers and foliage plants. Cut Flowers of the World is a user-friendly but scientifically accurate, quick reference guide to the most important commercial cut flowers, foliage greens and potted flowers that are sold in florist shops all over the world. This second edition has been expanded to include updated cultivar photos, and a new section on the practical aspects of cut flower production. For each flower, the following information is given: description of the plant; geographical origin; historical overview; cultivation; properties such as colours, scent and vase life; quality criteria (how to select for quality); and the proper care and handling of the flowers. Also included are introductory chapters on basic aspects such as cultivation methods, harvesting and shipping techniques, cultivar development, and modern trends in marketing.

Since ancient times, poisonous plants and mushrooms have been used for hunting, murder and magic. Most cultures of the world have learnt to avoid these plants or to use them with discretion. Many of the plants are still widely used as traditional medicine for their therapeutic value in the treatment of diseases. Others are popular as recreational drugs or for ceremonial and spiritual purposes. Hazardous plants are commonly used as garden ornamentals, pot plants or florist flowers, and many people are no longer aware of the inherent dangers posed by toxic plants or medicines derived from them. Also included in this illustrated guide are plants causing irritation and inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes. A special focus is on psychoactive plants which can have stimulant, sedative, hypnotic, narcotic or hallucinogenic properties, such as coca, opium, cannabis and scopolamine.

This guide gives the reader a bird's eye view ot all the famous and well-known poisonous and mind-altering plants ot the world. The book is presented as a compact, colourful and scientifically accurate reference text. It covers more than 1200 of the most important plants that people are likely to be exposed to. More than 200 of the most important poisonous and mind-altering plants are treated in depth in short monographs, covering their diagnostic characters, region of origin and distribution, active ingredients, toxicity, symptoms of intoxication and possible modes of action. Each monograph provides information on first aid treatment. More than 550 superb colour photographs facilitate plant identification.

This guide is a must for gardeners, farmers, veterinarians, students, botanists, pharmacists, chemists, doctors and Poison Centres. The compact format and encyclopaedic style will be useful to rapidly access information on poisonous plants.

This photographic guide describes and illustrates more than 330 different species of commercially important flowers, foliages and potted flowers. The emphasis is on flowers that are commonly used in the cut flower industry and the book gives useful hints about the selection and handling of these flowers. The book includes: Detailed descriptions of more than 330 plant species and their close relatives. For each flower, the following information is given: description of the plant; geographical origin; historical overview; cultivation; cultivars; properties such as colours, scent and vase life; quality criteria (how to select for quality); and the proper care and handling of the flowers. More than 700 excellent full-colour photographs, showing the beauty, colour variation and diversity of the flowers. Important foliage plants and potted flowers are also included, making this a useful reference guide for florists, retailers and wholesalers. Introductory chapters on basic aspects such as cultivation methods, harvesting and shipping techniques, cultivar development, modern trends in marketing (including the role of colour in customer preferences) and perhaps most importantly, the basic principles of the selection, handling and use of flowers and foliage. Separate common name indexes to the most familiar and well-known cut flowers, foliages and potted flowers, a comprehensive index to all the scientific and common names mentioned in the text, a glossary explaining specialist terms and a list of references for further reading.

People’s Plants is a scientific review of all of the most important useful plants of southern Africa. It remains the first and only fully illustrated ethnobotanical reference source for southern Africa. In this expanded and updated second edition, traditional and contemporary uses of more than 700 plants are described and illustrated in 20 chapters, each dealing with a specific category of plant use:
• FOODS & DRINKS – (1) Cereals, (2) Seeds & nuts, (3) Fruits & berries, (4) Vegetables, (5) Roots, bulbs & tubers, and (6) Beverages.
• HEALTH & BEAUTY – (7) General medicines, (8) Tonic plants, (9) Mind & mood plants, (10) Women’s health, (11) Wounds, burns & skin conditions, (12) Dental care, (13) Perfumes & repellents, and (14) Soap plants and cosmetics.
• SKILLS & CRAFTS – (15) Hunting & fishing, (16) Dyes and tans, (17) Utility timbers, (18) Fire-making and firewood, (19) Basketry, weaving & ropes, (20) Thatching, mats & brooms.
This fascinating book is a must for anyone interested in useful plants, new crop plants, medicinal plants, new product development, ecotourism, rural development, traditional crafts, African culture, ethnobotany and botany in general.

The Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) of sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar have remained scientifically poorly known despite their critical importance in understanding the early evolutionary history of the family. This scientific review gives a bird's eye view of the morphological and anatomical diversity of the family in Africa and Madagascar. The book is aimed at helping botanists, ecologists and conservationists to identify the remarkable African members of the family. It will hopefully also inspire the younger generation of botanists to expand our knowledge of the family. It is likely that more exciting discoveries still await us. The book provides an introduction to the structural diversity in the family and gives the correct botanical terminology - especially for the interesting fruits (schizocarps) that are typical of the family. Descriptions and illustrations for all 77 genera and 368 known species are provided, as well as a key to the genera. Introductory chapters focus on habit (growth form) and roots, leaves, synflorescences, flowers, fruits, chromosome numbers, pollinators, chemistry, plant uses, and phylogenetic relationships of African Apiaceae. Includes a checklist of the Apiaceae of sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar as well as an extensive list of references.

This scientifically accurate guide is aimed at assisting gardeners and horticulturalists to identify commonly used succulent and rockery species from all over the world. Introductory chapters on waterwise gardening, uses, conservation, cultivation and propagation of succulents, together with a section on gardening with succulents, which gives useful hints.

Medicinal plants and plant-derived medicine are widely used in traditional cultures all over the world and they are becoming increasingly popular in modern society as natural alternatives to synthetic chemicals. As more and more natural remedies are being commercialised, there is a need for a user-friendly reference guide to the plants and their products. The book gives the reader a bird's eye view of more than 350 of the best known medicinal plants of the world and their uses, in a compact, colourful and scientifically accurate reference text. It provides quick answers to the most obvious questions: Where does this plant originate? What does it look like? In which culture is it traditionally used? What is it used for? Which chemical compounds does it contain? How safe is it? What is known about its pharmacological activity? What evidence is there that it is effective? The authors also provide short overviews of the various health conditions for which medicinal plants are used and the active compounds (secondary metabolites) found in the plants and their modes of actions. This new edition has an additional 30 plant species, many new and improved photographs and the text has been fully updated to reflect the latest regulatory status of each plant.

Food Plants of the World is a comprehensive overview of the commercially important plants that provide us with food, beverages, spices and flavours. It includes descriptions of around 380 food and flavour plants and their close relatives. For each plant, the following information is given: plant description, origin & history, cultivation & harvesting, culinary uses & properties, and nutritional value. This revised edition is thoroughly updated throughout, and includes around 30 additional species, as well as an introduction to functional foods. This is an indispensable reference guide for anyone interested in the botanical origin of food ingredients and flavours.

A photographic guide to the most commonly used and best known South African plant medicines, including their botany, main traditional uses and active ingredients. This edition has been fully updated to incorporate the latest research findings. The title includes: detailed species descriptions of more than 150 medicinal plants and their close relatives, or other species used in a similar way. Each entry includes the following information: a description of the plant, the plant parts used, medicinal uses, preparation and dosage, active ingredients and pharmacological effects. In addition, each entry includes a distribution map and a diagram of the chemical structure of the main active ingredient. More than 500 excellent photographs of the plants, plant parts used and products. Introductory chapters on, among others, cultural aspects of healing, methods of collection and storage, methods of preparation and administration. A plant list according to ailments. A glossary, detailed index and comprehensive references for further reading. This title is a must for anyone with an interest or involvement in health care and botany.

This full-colour photograpic guide describes and illustrates more than 350 different species of commercially important flowers, foliages and potted flowers.
The emphasis is on flowers that are commonly used in the cut flower industry mand the book gives useful hints about the selection and handeling of these flowers.
Cut flowers of the World is a comprhensive review and practical guide to the most important types of commercial flowers that are sold in florest shops every day.
The book includes:
* Descriptions of more than 350 plant species and their close relatives. For each flower, the lollowing information is given: description of the plant; geographical orign: historical overviewlcultivation;cultivars; properties such as colours, scents and vase lif; quality criteria (how to select for quality); and the proper care and handling of the flowers.
* More than 600 excellent full-colour photgraphs, showing the beauty, colour variation and diversity of the flowers. Important foliage plants and potted flowers are also included, making this a useful reference guide for florists.
* Indroductory chapters on basic aspects such as cultivation methods, harvesting and shipping techniques, cultivar development, modern trends in marketing (including the role of colour in customer preferences) and perhaps most importantly, thr basic principles of the selection, handeling and use of flowers and foliage.
* A new selection on production tequiques and a quick guide and checklist of more than 1 000 of the most important and well known cut flowers, potted flowers and foliage plants, listed according to scientific name but giving the common names, family name, region of origin, parts used, colour, fragrance, ethylele sensitivity and storage temperature.
* Separate common names indexes to the most familiar and well known cut flowers, foliage and potted flowers; a comprhensive scientific index to all the scientfic and common names mentioned in the text; a glossay explaning specialist terms; and a list of references and further reading.

ABOUT THE BOOK Plants and plant-derived products make up the bulk of what we eat and drink every day, and people often wonder where their favourite food or drink comes from. This scientifically accurate photographic guide provides quick and colourful answers. Food Plants of the World (revised) is a comprehensive overview of the plants that provide us with food, beverages, spices and flavours. It is written in easy language but gives accurate scientific information on the plants and their uses. This expanded and revised second edition of the book includes the following:
Descriptions of more than 350 food and flavour plants and their close relatives. For each plant, the following information is given: plant description, origin, history, cultivation, harvesting, properties and culinary uses.
More than 1000 excellent full-colour photographs, showing the plants, flowers and actual plant parts used
Introductory chapters on each of the various categories of plant use: cereals, pulses (legumes), nuts & seeds, fruits, vegetables, culinary herbs, sugar plants, beverages, spices & flavourings
Interesting facts about the historical and contemporary uses of the various plant-derived products
A checklist of more than 900 of the most important and well-known food plants of the world, listed according to scientific name but giving the common names, family name, region of origin, main uses and plant parts used

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ben-Erik van Wyk is a professor of Botany and holds the DST-NRF National Research Chair in Indigenous Plant Use, based at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa. He has a research interest in systematic botany and plant utilisation.

Poisonous plants of South Africa is a guide to the most commonly occurring poisonous plants in South Africa. The title includes: Detailed species descriptions of 135 poisonous plants. Each entry includes the following information: a description of the plant, the type of toxin, the potential toxicity of the plant and its importance in human or livestock poisoning, the poisonous ingredients and their pharmacological effects. Distribution maps for poisonous plants that occur naturally in the wild. More than 450 full-colour photographs that will assist in the identification of poisonous plants and plant parts. Introductory chapters on human and animal poisoning in South Africa, first aid treatment, methods of testing for toxicity, extraction and isolation of toxins and poisonous principles and their effects. Plant lists according to class of toxin and type of livestock poisoning as well as a useful checklist of poisonous plants and a glossary of medical terms.