Southern African Wild Flowers

Field Guide to Wildflowers of South Africa describes more than 1 100 of the shrubs and herbs of the region, highlighting the most conspicuous species and those most likely to be encountered across the country. The emphasis is on identifying plants progressively to family, genus and species level: a novel identification aid and easy-to-use keys guide users to the correct family and genus, while individual species descriptions, accompanied by a clear photograph, distribution map and an indication of flowering season, help them to pinpoint the plant. By using the guide, wild-flower enthusiasts at all levels will now be able to accurately identify plants in any part of South africa.

Southern African Wild Flowers takes readers on a journey through the diverse landscapes of the subregion, showcasing the unique richness of its wild flowers along the way. Each chapter focuses on a specific region, highlighting the most beautiful, interesting and rare plants occurring there. The journey begins at the Zambezi river and then moves down the eastern part of southern Africa through the well-watered ‘land of plenty’. From here, the reader is taken through the splendours of the Cape fynbos and then northwards, to end in the parched ‘thirstlands’ of the west. Beautiful full-colour photographs by well-known botanical photographer Colin Paterson-Jones celebrate the flora of the region, while the authoritative text reveals insights into the plants themselves, their origins, interactions with other living organisms, and their often remarkable adaptation to sometimes hostile environments. Emphasis is given to the context in which the flowers grow; and the changing vegetation and landscapes are featured throughout, displaying the extraordinary diversity within southern Africa.

Field Guide to Wildflowers of South Africa describes more than 1 100 of the shrubs and herbs of the region, highlighting the most conspicuous species and those most likely to be encountered across the country. The emphasis is on identifying plants progressively to family, genus and species level: a novel identification aid and easy-to-use keys guide users to the correct family and genus, while individual species descriptions, accompanied by a clear photograph, distribution map and an indication of flowering season, help them to pinpoint the plant. By using the guide, wild-flower enthusiasts at all levels will now be able to accurately identify plants in any part of South africa.

Pocket Guide: Wild Flowers of South Africa covers some 260 flowers representing all of the region’s major vegetation types: Accounts are conveniently organised by flower colour. Key ID features are supplied for each flower, as well as interesting facts. A photograph and distribution map accompany each species. Includes common and conspicuous plants as well as some alien species that are naturalized in the region. This book showcases some of the region’s diverse, strikingly beautiful floral splendours.

South Africa's varied landscape is home to some 19,000 shrubs and herbs, a large number of which bear flowers of intricate and often stunning beauty. This field guide covers more than 1,100 species, focusing on the most common, conspicuous and 'showy' plants of the region. It offers easy-to-use keys for identifying plant families, species descriptions with vivid photographs, distribution maps and indication of flowering season. It will enable flower enthusiasts to accurately identify flowering plants encountered across South Africa.

A field guide to the wildlife of southern Africa, describing over 2,000 plants and animals, with accurate illustrations in full colour. This book has been a trusted fi eld companion for many years. Comprehensively updated, it now features range maps for most groups. The chapters are colour-coded for easy reference, and diagnostic features appear in bold type within the descriptions. Each chapter is written by a leading expert in the field. All the main plant and animal groups are covered: Lower invertebrates, Spiders and other arachnids, Insects, Freshwater fishes, Frogs, Reptiles, Birds, Mammals, Grasses, sedges, ferns and fungi, Wild flowers, Trees

The genus Gladiolus has fascinated plant collectors, taxonomists and the general public for centuries. Known for their spectacular flowers, these highly adapted and specialised plants occur throughout Africa, Madagascar, Europe and the Middle East. South Africa is home to more than half of the world’s Gladiolus species and the Western Cape is the heart of species diversity. Saunders’ Field Guide to Gladioli of South Africa is the first of its kind to offer a complete photographic record of the 166 species that occur in the region. Posthumously completed, this book is the culmination of the Saunders’ long search to find and photograph every known species of Gladiolus in South Africa. It includes: An introduction comprising a brief history of gladioli, information about the morphology and taxonomy of the genus, and guidelines for use in the field. Detailed descriptions of the main floral parts of each species, along with information about ecology, pollinators, similar species and conservation status; field notes were written by Rachel Saunders. Over 1,000 exquisite photographs taken in situ detailing morphology and habitat. Up-to-date distribution maps indicating where species have been recorded. A glossary of terms with illustrations unpacking difficult terminology. A coveted record of the life’s work of a couple who contributed to botany and horticulture in South Africa; it will be treasured by anyone with an interest in these magnificent flowers. Sales points: Accessible coverage of all known gladioli in South Africa; identification at a glance; full-colour photographs of all species described; expert authors.

Sasol First Field Guide to Wild Flowers of Southern Africa provides fascinating insight into the wild flowers of the region. Through full-colour photographs and easy-to-read text, the beginner and budding naturalist will be able to identify the more common wild flowers that grow in southern Africa, discover where they are found, and learn about their unique features.

This book introduces nearly 600 wild flower species and is a must-have guide for visitors to Namaqualand, southern Africa.