Sappi Tree Spotting: Bushveld

Rina Grant and Val Thomas with illustrations by Joan van Gogh,
Jacana Education, Houghton

Other than the most distinctive and conspicuous species, tree identification has often proved difficult for non-experts and several field guides have been produced in recent years to meet this demand. The most comprehensive and authoritative of these is Palgrave's Trees of Southern Africa - first published in 1977 and currently being revised - but this book is rather daunting for amateurs.

This new book by Jacana publishers is the fourth in a series of regional guides which collectively cover the eastern half of South Africa. As with its predecessors (Lowveld, Highveld and Kwa-Zulu Natal) Sappi Tree Spotting Bushveld has a very different approach to other works in that it describes and illustrates the trees which one can look for in specific habitats within the "Bushveld" (which stretches from Pilanesberg to Messina and south to Pretoria and Nelspruit) in such a way that the user first decides which species he or she wants to find and then flips through the relevant section. To make this technique workable, the beginning of the book has comprehensive sections on basic plant anatomy as well as illustrated discussions on the characteristics of key habitats. It is essential for readers to understand these sections before setting off into the field with the book.

The book does not set out to be comprehensive, and just 73 species are featured, with each being treated to double pages in the book. A watercolour illustration of the entire tree (showing "typical" shape) as well as leaf, pod, flower and/or bark details is also given, and there is an accurate distribution map and descriptive text covering aspects such as striking features, links with animals and people, gardening use and seasonal changes. The illustrations by Joan van Gogh are generally of a very high standard and convey both the minute details and the character of each species. It is hard to fault the choice of tree species, with all of the most charismatic varieties - including marula, tamboti and leadwood being featured.

Of great interest to all tree enthusiasts - including botanists - is the fact that this is the first publication to feature the new "recommended English Names" as recently agreed upon by a panel of experts and numerous outside contributors. Most of these names make very good sense and, to a large extent, get rid of the weird anomalies that crept into use over the years. As just one example, the stately Faurea saligna - was previously known as the Transvaal beech but henceforth goes by the name of weeping faurea which avoids the nonsensical link of this member of the Proteacea family with the beeches of Europe.

Overall, the book is sure to achieve its stated goal of encouraging many people to explore the diversity of native trees which occur in the South African Bushveld - it is highly recommended for all residents and visitors.

Paperback, 428pp, 165x230mm, ISBN: 1-919777-17-2
Price: R155.00 available from all good bookshops

Posted: Plants by CC Africa, Date: 22 November 2006