Aloes in Southern Africa


Book Description

Aloes are stately succulent plants that capture the allure of the African savanna. Aloes in Southern Africa explores the character and biology of African aloes, their habits, characteristic features and distribution in nature. It details 58 aloe and related species, cultivation and propagation, gardening styles and plants that flourish in different regions, plus medicinal, cosmetic and culinary uses. Whether you are starting a garden, redeveloping one or simply looking to expand your knowledge of these fascinating succulents, Aloes in Southern Africa will prove an invaluable guide.







Southern African Wild Flowers - Jewels of the Veld


Book Description

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.




Aloes


Book Description

In addition to being an important component of the floras of Africa, Arabia and Madagascar, aloes are widely cultivated by hobbyists in Europe, the Americas, Australasia, Africa, India and other parts of the world. Aloe vera is one of the most important cultivated medicinal plants. Consequently they are of considerable importance in the horticultural trade and for their commercial value. Aloes: The definitive guide is a comprehensive account of all known aloes.For the first time since the publication of G.W. Reynolds' two books over 40 years ago, all currently accepted Aloe taxa are brought together, with descriptions, illustrations, reference toprotologues, location of types, distribution, habitat, and brief notes on diagnostic features and relationships. Dichotomous keys lead to identification of all taxa arranged in 10 groups based on habit and size, from small to large. An extensive, illustrated chapter on the history of discovery, especially in tropical Africa, adds interest. The text includes a pictorial glossary, bibliography, and index with synonyms.A must-have reference for succulent plant enthusiasts, hobbyists, nurserymen, CITES agencies, research workers and libraries, and botanists.




Veld


Book Description

Patrick Watson is currently South Africa’s most innovative and versatile landscape architect. Known for designing extensive mega-sites, such as Sun City and an entire Indian Ocean Island, he is also the creator of exquisite small home gardens and quiet spaces for reflection, such as at the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg. A highly sought-after designer, he has created over 200 gardens in Africa and many others elsewhere. He seldom works from carefully drawn plans, instead combining artistic intuition with extensive botanical knowledge and a deep concern for the conservation and restoration of nature. His projects are creative, fresh with inspiration, and often bold, and he uses mostly indigenous plants, colours, landforms and space to create visual and emotional experiences. Covering 23 gardens and landscapes, and richly supported by exquisite photographs and specially commissioned artworks, Veld is a beautiful tribute to a remarkable talent and visionary whose work is deeply informed by nature. It recognises and celebrates the combination of knowledge, skill and instinct that make up the man, and the radical influence he has had on his profession, and the landscapes he has restored. Sales points: An exquisite record of a broad spectrum of gardens and landscapes. Lavishly illustrated with superb photographs and specially commissioned artworks. A must-have reference for professional landscape designers, architects, landscape photographers and all aspirant gardeners.




Flowering Plants of South Africa


Book Description

A magazine of colour plates with descriptions of flowering plants of Africa and neighboring islands.




The Flowering Plants of Africa


Book Description

A magazine of colour plates with descriptions of flowering plants of Africa and neighboring islands.




Field Guide to Wild Flowers of South Africa


Book Description

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.