Plants of the Baviaanskloof


Book Description

Tucked away in the southwestern corner of the Eastern Cape lies a narrow valley, flanked by the Baviaanskloof and Kouga mountain ranges. Named after the chacma baboons that long ago made this 200-km-long kloof their home, the Baviaanskloof is part of the Cape Floral Region World Heritage Site. It is a meeting point of several different ecosystems, with almost all of South Africa’s eight biomes represented, making for a remarkable diversity of species, including many endemics. Plants of the Baviaanskloof describes well over 1,000 plant species. It includes: An introduction covering the geological history, climate and vegetation types of the region. Detailed family and genus descriptions, including species counts. Succinct descriptions of each plant species with full-colour photographs. Species common names in several South African languages (where available). Compiled over more than two decades, Plants of the Baviaanskloof is sure to become an enduring record of the diversity of plant life found here. The only botanical guide for this area, it is a must for botanists, gardeners, road-trippers, hikers, travellers and all who have a deep interest in plants. Sales points: Presents over 1,000 plant species. Easy ID with full-colour photos of all featured species. Accessible descriptions of plant species. Detailed illustrations unpack intricate botanical information.




Plant Roots


Book Description

Following its predecessors, Plant Roots: The Hidden Half, Fifth Edition is thoroughly updated and reports the major changes that have taken place in root research since the last edition published over 10 years ago. Considered a widely acclaimed book in the field of plant sciences, this edition includes a broad array of topics reflecting progress being made in the subdomains of root biology, featuring chapters on modern topics, while retained chapters are fully updated to demonstrate significant developments made in our understanding of root biology and in fast-evolving research methodologies and techniques. It reviews all root-related processes, from the evolution of roots in past eras to single-cell genomics, allowing readers to grasp an overall view of the state-of-the-art research in this field. Among the 104 contributors to this book are seasoned experts in the field, as well as uprising specialists who have already made a distinguished mark in scientific literature. All of the chapters are extensively referenced featuring specific information on any topic related to the biology of the hidden half of plants. Featuring full color illustrations throughout, this handbook is an essential source of information for both expert and novice root scientists.




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.




Exploring Fynbos: Plants, Animals, Interactions.


Book Description

Die ten volle hersiene, bygewerkte uitgawe bevat kleurryke illustrasies, tabelle en diagramme, bied leiding oor die toerusting wat nodig is om sterre mee waar te neem en nuttige inligting oor die naghemel soos dit vanuit die Suidelike Halfrond te sien is.




Building Resilience to Climate Change


Book Description

With climate change now a certainty, the question is how much change there will be and what can be done about it. One of the answers is through adaptation. Many of the lessons that are being learned in adaptation are from success stories from the field. This publication contains eleven case studies covering different ecosystems and regions around the world. Its aim is to summarize some current applications of the Ecosystem-Based Adaptation concept and its tools used around the world, and also draw lessons from experiences in conservation adaptation.




CRC World Dictionary of Plant Names


Book Description

This volume provides the origins and meanings of the names of genera and species of extant vascular plants, with the genera arranged alphabetically from R to Z.




On Route in South Africa


Book Description

From Pofadder, eMkhuze and Haenertsburg to Cookhouse, Klipplaat, Maokeng and Taung ... South Africa's amazing diversity is an invitation to take to the road. This revised and updated edition of On Route in South Africa has a new, contemporary look, but contains all the features that have made it such a classic. Previous editions won a special place in the hearts of those both living in, and visiting, South Africa. No other book available offers such a range and depth of information about the villages, towns and cities of this land, and on the intriguing and informative tales they have to tell. The 37 chapters are arranged in logical sequence, beginning with Cape Town and radiating outwards. Each chapter corresponds to an established and coherent geographic or demographic area. Included are detailed regional maps, incorporating up-to-date place names, and complemented by route directions within the text. With its expanded text and more than 500 photographs, On Route in South Africa contains a remarkable wealth of information, making it the perfect travel planner and companion.




East of the Cape


Book Description

The story of East of the Cape: Conserving Eden is a story about nature and people. The drama takes place in a region located on the south-eastern coast of Africa where nature’s diversity is manifest: rainforest, karoo, fynbos, grassland and savanna are juxtaposed in complex and intriguing ways. Aptly called Eden, this region is also home to thicket, a Lilliputian forest of great antiquity that harbours the ancient stock of many plant lineages found in southern Africa’s contemporary ecosystems. Eden is also home to a diversity of human cultures, each of which has left its mark on nature. From the birth of humankind to the present day, the footprint of Eden’s inhabitants has become progressively heavier. For the past 150 years, since the onset of South Africa’s industrial age, a growing population and increasing demands on nature have ravaged Eden, especially its thicket. But just as people have been the cause of Eden’s degradation, so too can they provide the solution. In East of the Cape, authors Richard Cowling and Shirley Pierce present a blueprint for conservation that seeks to engender a culture of managing natural resources wisely and safeguarding nature and its services for a sustainable Eden.




Vegetation of Southern Africa


Book Description

Comprehensive illustrated guide to plant science and ecology of southern African vegetation.