With a sensitive eye, this study reveals the beauty and infinite variety of the trees of the Bushveld in all their shapes and their ever-changing colours. Photographs are accompanied by detailed illustrations and thought-provoking text; together they describe not only the trees, but also their flowers and fruits, their uses, and the many and varied animals that live in association with them.
This highly visual new guide introduces readers to 100 of the most memorable trees in the bushveld – the northern and eastern regions of South Africa, encompassing both the lowveld and the highveld. An introduction covers the basics of tree anatomy, supported by a pictorial glossary, and details the author’s streamlined ID method that enables even novices to make quick and sure identifications. Most trees are generously featured across double-page spreads; full tree images along with diagnostic photos (bark, leaves, thorns, flowers, pods, fruit, etc.) enable readers to distinguish even those trees that are most confusing, such as the ‘acacias’ or the bushwillows; concise text highlights each tree’s key features; interesting facts, multiple uses and particular value the trees have among local populations are given. With its abundant, detailed photographs and straightforward text, this guide will help readers unlock the complicated world of trees.
This is a guide to every tree and woody shrub indigenous to the province of Mpumlanga and the entire Kruger National Park. Designed for use by beginner tree enthusiasts and the seasoned botanist, it details more than 950 species of trees and shrubs.
"African Trees" is primarily an art book containing breathtaking images of some of the most extraordinary and beautiful indigenous trees in Southern and East Africa. Through photographs and text it conveys the magic of African trees and their vital interrelationship with the continent's people, animals, birds and insects. Charles Bryant and Brita Lomba share a passion for trees, photography and Africa. They live in Cape Town and are avid collectors of fine art photography.
A celebration of the rich diversity and beauty of indigenous trees, The Ways and Wonders of South African Trees uncovers the fascinating world of trees and how they function. Presented in two parts, the first explores the physiology and behaviour of trees and the second the grandeur of a select number of species, richly supported by photographs. A comprehensive introduction focuses on the complex life of trees, uncovering how they grow, compete for water, defend themselves and make use of photosynthesis to survive; their role in pollination; and the symbiotic relationships they have with each other and other life forms. Record-breakers such as the oldest, tallest and biggest trees are also featured. The second half of the book showcases some 160 conspicuous species, including the iconic baobab, sausage tree and mopane tree, as well as lesser-known but interesting trees such as baboon’s breakfast. These accounts describe the unique traits of different trees and their various parts, and discusses how they are used by animals and birds, and by humans. Sales points: Will appeal to all tree enthusiasts. Explains complex concepts in simple terms. Feautures 160 common or interesting south African trees.
This bumper edition, comprising three lively children’s nature guides, brings together a treasure trove of information, colourful images, games and activities for young readers. A local guide leads adventurers on safaris into three surprisingly varied worlds: the bushveld, a river and a desert. Each environment brings its unique flavour to the adventure; multiple images (both photos and illustrations) and interesting habits and lifestyles. Readers are encouraged to play along by means of engaging activities, games and quizzes, with answers at the end of each section. Nature’s edible treats and useful props are introduced, along with survival techniques for the young explorer. This volume illuminates three important southern African natural arenas, and will engage readers from cover to cover.
Southern Africa is certainly not a naturally bounded area so that there are several possibilities for delineating it and concepts about its extent. Wellington* discussed the various possibilities for delineation and suggested that one line stands out more clearly and definitely as a physical boundary than any other, namely the South Equatorial Divide, the watershed between the ZaIre, Cuanza and Rufiji Rivers on the one hand and the Z ambezi, Cunene and Rovuma Rivers on the other. This South Equatorial Divide is indeed a major line of separation for some organisms and is also applicable in a certain geographical sense, though it does not possess the slightest significance for many other groups of organisms, ecosystems or geographical and physical features of Africa. The placing of the northern boundary of southern Africa differs in fact strongly per scientific dis cipline and is also influenced by practical considerations regarding the possibilities of scientific work as subordinate to certain political realities and historically grown traditions. This is illustrated, for example, in such works as the Flora of Southern Africa, where the northern boundary of the area is conceived as the northern and eastern political boundaries of South West Africa, South Africa and Swaziland. Botswana, traditionally included in the area covered by the Flora Zambesiaca, thus forms a large wedge in 'Southern Africa'.
This book describes and illustrates 80 of the larger, more conspicuous and charismatic tree species likely to be seen while travelling in the Kruger National Park. With the aim of assisting readers to make accurate identifications of these majestic plants, each spread contains photographs and succinct text with minimal botanical jargon. To aid identification, a series of maps demarcating 35 different vegetation zones or ‘landscapes’ within the Kruger Park helps readers to determine which tree species are likely to be seen in which area. Sales points: Ideal companion for exploring Kruger. Easy ID with supporting colour photos of full trees and diagnostic features. Minimal botanical jargon. Colour-coded ‘landscape’ maps with related checklists. Written by a leading authority.
