Trees and Shrubs of Mpumalanga and Kruger National Park

Ernst Schmidt, Mervyn Lotter, Warren McCleland, John & Sandie Burrows

Jacana, 2002, 235x165, paperback, 702 pages, ISBN:
R250-00 available from good bookshops or from rfbooks@iafrica.com

This is a complete guide to every tree and shrub known from the Mpumalanga province - which has elements of sub-tropical savanna, arid savanna, afro-montane forest and high-altitude grassland - as well the entire Kruger National Park. Every species is illustrated with one of more colour photographs and a leaf drawing. Nearly 1000 species are featured, including invasive alien plants, shrubs and dwarf trees which have been considered too small for inclusion in other tree guides.

The authors, scientific editor and artist are part of the Plant Specialist Group - a dedicated band of tree enthusiasts committed to the understanding and appreciation of indigenous trees. The style of this field guide follows that pioneered by Elsa Pooley with her books on the flora of KwaZulu-Natal, but the page size and photographs are considerably larger. The introductory section on representative habitats is particularly useful, and there is an easy-to-use leaf key to steer users in the right direction when struggling to identify a plant.

This is, without doubt, the single most important book to have if you live in or visit the region - although it is well bound, it is heavy and the paper cover will need extra protection if it is not to fall apart with regular use. Congratulations are due to the committed trio of authors for creating this massive work.

- Duncan Butchart -

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