The Apocynaceae of Namibia


Book Description

"The flora of Namibia is dominated by the families Poaceae, Asteraceae and Fabaceae. Here an account of the Apocynaceae, the seventh largest family in Namibia, is presented. A total of 153 species belonging to 46 genera are recorded as occurring naturally for the country and 19 of these species are endemic to Namibia, with two endemic genera. More than half of these 153 species belong to the tribe Ceropegieae, with the highly succulent group, the stapeliads, respresented by 58 species. It is shown that the family is most diverse in the extreme south of the country, in the Rosh Pinah and in the Karasburg districts. The distribution of each species is mapped and, for many genera, one species is illustrated with line drawings. Lectotypes are selected for several species."--Back cover.




Apocynaceae Plants


Book Description

This book provides a concise overview of the Apocynaceae plant family, focusing on its morphology, diversity, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and biological activities. It explores biotechnological advances in large-scale production of therapeutic bioactive compounds and conservation efforts using plant tissue culture. The family Apocynaceae is one of the largest and important families in angiosperm, with several members having medicinal properties used to treat various ailments. Most of them are consumed as food by tribal people, while a few plants are used as a source of poison, insecticides, gum, and many other important products. Members of this family are rich in alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, flavonoids, glycosides, simple phenols, lactones and hydrocarbons. Other compounds such as sterols, lignans, and sugars have also been systematically studied. Extracts and isolated compounds from Apocynaceae members exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities. Notable plants like Holarrhena antidysenterica, Rauvolfia serpentina, Carissa carandas, and Tabernaemontana divaricata have been extensively researched. The family presents a diverse range of bioactive compounds with medicinal and pharmacological properties, holding promise for future applications. The book also covers endophytic microorganisms with their diversity, biological activities in Apocynaceae plants. It also highlights the role of endophytes in conservation of Apocynaceae plants. By identifying existing knowledge gaps, it aims to inspire further research in the field, making it a valuable resource for students and researchers in Life Sciences, agriculture, medicine, and pharmaceutical sciences.







Field Guide to Common Trees & Shrubs of East Africa


Book Description

Fully updated and expanded, this third edition of the top-selling Field Guide to Common Trees & Shrubs of East Africa now features more than 520 of the trees and shrubs – indigenous and naturalized exotics – commonly found in the region. Each of the four sections – trees, shrubs, palms and mangroves – is arranged in alphabetical order according to scientific name. The book features: an informative introduction to families. Species accounts describing the plants’ habitat, bark, leaves, flowers and fruit. General and commercial applications and uses in traditional medicine. Almost 2,000 photographs depicting the species, its fruit, flowers and bark. Glossaries, both textual and illustrated, of botanical and medical terms. An invaluable ID guide to the trees and shrubs in gardens, parks and along roadsides of East Africa.




Pachypodium (Apocynaceae)


Book Description

A taxonomic monograph of the genus Pachypodium based on herbarium material and living plants of all species. It is a detailed study of the habitats and ecological preferences of most species including a chapter on cultivation, which describes the successes of artificial propagation.




Flora of Tropical East Africa - Iridaceae (1996)


Book Description

Part of a series of volumes on the flora of tropical East Africa, this text covers the Iridaceae family.