Submitted by David on
This publication is another fantastic guide by the doyenne of summer-rainfall plant books, Elsa Pooley. Over 1000 wild flowers, trees, shrubs and ferns are featured with concise yet relevant information. The books are grouped by flower colour and include etymologies, fine distribution maps, common names and medicinal uses.
The breathtaking scenery of this region, from the sandstone cliffs to the basalt peaks, is frequently covered with snow and ice in winter. These harsh conditions favour high altitude plants with a dwarf growth-form known as “alpines”. Almost 400 species are endemic to this part of the world. This mountain region includes Thabo Ntlenana in Lesotho, at 3482m, the highest peak south of Mt. Kilimanjaro. In 2002 a large part of the area was declared a World Heritage site to protect the rich diversity of plant and animal life, spectacular natural landscapes and outstanding rock paintings.
