Field Guide to Trees of Southern Africa: An African Perspective (Field Guide To... (Struik Publishers));

This authoritative southern African tree guide is written and photographed by leading tree experts. Newly updated and expanded, it covers some 900 species, as well as subspecies and variations. Arranged in groups based on easy-to-observe leaf and stem characters, species are concisely described and illustrated with full-color photographs, and distribution maps showing their range. Supplementary features include useful notes on tree identification and an illustrated glossary. It is designed with the non-specialist in mind: trees are arranged in color-coded groups based on easy-to-observe leaf and stem characters. Each species account is illustrated with at least one full-color photograph of the plant's most readily identifiable part or parts, as well as an image of the full tree, and a distribution map shows its range. The concise text also touches on the practical uses of plants; supplementary features include useful notes on tree identification and an extensive illustrated glossary. Authoritative, classic guide written by leading experts includes comprehensive photography for all species, showing both close-up details and full trees and carefully designed keys to enable accurate identification.

REVIEWS

"Identifying the trees of Southern Africa is a formidable challenge. The authors, recognized authorities on the subject, provide clues in the form of a classification system of identification, beginning with the biomes and vegetation types and then tree size, shape, and foliage. These details are followed by keys to the groups and family systems. Each description is accompanied by a clear photograph along with a distribution map, showing the region where it regularly grows. As the authors note, €œApart from the book itself, the most useful identification equipment is a pair of sharp eyes, along with a retentive mind, and a small field notebook and pencil.€"
Marilyn K. Alaimo, garden writer and volunteer, Chicago Botanic Garden