The ways and wonders of South African Trees

The ways and wonders of South African Trees
Author: Willem Frost
Publisher: Penguin Random House South Africa
Total Pages: 804
Release: 2024-08-09
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 1775848884

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.

The Magaliesberg

The Magaliesberg
Author: Vincent Carruthers
Publisher: Protea Boekhuis
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2014
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 9781485300427

Carruthers describes the fauna and flora of the Magaliesberg Biosphere and the relationships between species and their environment and reminds us that the fragile habitats can be easily violated by over-exploitation.

Geological Wonders of Namibia

Geological Wonders of Namibia
Author: Michel Detay
Publisher: Penguin Random House South Africa
Total Pages: 258
Release: 2017-10-01
Genre: Travel
ISBN: 1775842959

This stunning depiction of geology in Namibia combines searingly beautiful photography with clear explanations of how the varied landscapes formed. Arranged chronologically (starting 13.8 billion years ago), the chapters each deal with a particular event or process that has resulted in the formation under discussion. These include the early beginnings of the Earth, meteorites, canyons and limestone caves, vast desert landscapes, moonscapes and bizarrely-shaped rocks, and Namibia’s astonishing underwater lakes and reservoirs. Picture-driven, with accessible text, this book features all the highlights of Namibian landscapes and landforms. A treat for travellers real and virtual – those on the road as well as those in armchairs.

Animals and Desire in South African Fiction

Animals and Desire in South African Fiction
Author: Jason D. Price
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 286
Release: 2017-07-15
Genre: Literary Criticism
ISBN: 3319567268

This book considers the political potential of affective experiences of desire as reflected in contemporary South African literature. Jason Price argues that definitions of desire deployed by capitalist and colonial culture maintain social inequality by managing relations to ensure a steady flow of capital and pleasure for the dominant classes, whereas affective encounters with animals reveal the nonhuman nature of desire, a biopower that, in its unpredictability, can frustrate regimes of management and control. Price wonders how animals’ different desires might enable new modes of thought to positively transform and resist the status quo. This book contends that South African literary works employ nonhuman desire and certain indigenous notions of desire to imagine a South Africa that can be markedly different from the past.

Sappi Tree Spotting

Sappi Tree Spotting
Author: Rina Grant
Publisher: Jacana Media
Total Pages: 252
Release: 2006
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 9781770092372

Sappi tree spotting is the well-known, easy method of tree identification, written for the newcomer to the area as well as the experienced tree enthusiast. Sappi Tree Spotting: Lowveld (including the Kruger National Park) is now in its third edition, and it will help the reader to recognize almost three quarters of the larger trees to be seen in the Lowveld. The title is based on three innovative concepts - it keeps the terminology simple. The average recreational tree spotter will never use 'pubescent' when 'hairy' will do Most trees are easy to find, as long as you look for the right trees in the right places. Some trees can be identified easily because of their Striking Features. These trees do not need a complex system of 'keying', because they are instantly recognisable.

In Defense of Plants

In Defense of Plants
Author: Matt Candeias
Publisher: Mango Media Inc.
Total Pages: 297
Release: 2021-03-16
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1642504548

The Study of Plants in a Whole New Light “Matt Candeias succeeds in evoking the wonder of plants with wit and wisdom.” ―James T. Costa, PhD, executive director, Highlands Biological Station and author of Darwin's Backyard #1 New Release in Nature & Ecology, Plants, Botany, Horticulture, Trees, Biological Sciences, and Nature Writing & Essays In his debut book, internationally-recognized blogger and podcaster Matt Candeias celebrates the nature of plants and the extraordinary world of plant organisms. A botanist’s defense. Since his early days of plant restoration, this amateur plant scientist has been enchanted with flora and the greater environmental ecology of the planet. Now, he looks at the study of plants through the lens of his ever-growing houseplant collection. Using gardening, houseplants, and examples of plants around you, In Defense of Plants changes your relationship with the world from the comfort of your windowsill. The ruthless, horny, and wonderful nature of plants. Understand how plants evolve and live on Earth with a never-before-seen look into their daily drama. Inside, Candeias explores the incredible ways plants live, fight, have sex, and conquer new territory. Whether a blossoming botanist or a professional plant scientist, In Defense of Plants is for anyone who sees plants as more than just static backdrops to more charismatic life forms. In this easily accessible introduction to the incredible world of plants, you’ll find: • Fantastic botanical histories and plant symbolism • Passionate stories of flora diversity and scientific names of plant organisms • Personal tales of plantsman discovery through the study of plants If you enjoyed books like The Botany of Desire, What a Plant Knows, or The Soul of an Octopus, then you’ll love In Defense of Plants.

100 Trees to see on Safari

100 Trees to see on Safari
Author: Quentin Luke
Publisher: Penguin Random House South Africa
Total Pages: 300
Release: 2020-04-01
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 1775846350

East Africa is a premier wildlife destination, well known for its mass migrations of herds and fearsome predators. But as iconic are the trees that grow there: among them mangroves, cycads, palms, marulas, acacias, sausage trees, fever trees, toothbrush trees and giant bamboos. This book showcases 100 of the region’s most visible and significant trees, arranged by the habitats in which they occur. It features: Concise descriptions of each tree and its parts, plus notes about the various uses of the tree parts; multiple images showing the full tree and key ID features, including flowers, leaves, fruit and bark; where to see the trees, including the national parks and nature reserves; a brief introduction to the trees of the region and their vegetation zones; colourful, interesting and geared for quick tree identification, this handy guide will enhance any safari experience in East Africa. Sales points: Features 100 of the most commonly seen trees in East Africa. Almost 500 photographs, depicting the full tree and its diagnostic parts; written by two of the region’s most accomplished botanists; will appeal to all tree enthusiasts, as well as visitors to the region’s parks and reserves.