The Succulent Euphorbieae (Southern Africa)

Pasadena: Abbey Garden Press, 1941

4to, xiv + 990pp total + 11pp indices at rear of each volume. Hardcover bindings, with gilt lettering to spines. 10 full colour plates in vol. 1 and 16 in vol. 2. Various other monochrome illustrations throughout.

The great charm of the South African euphorbias lies in their varied appeal. They offer something for every taste. A collection may comprise a few selected species or a comprehensive one: Euphorbia is a large and inspiring group of plants to choose from.

The plants may be herbs, shrublets, shrubs or trees, herbaceous, woody or succulent, but are always characterized by conspicuous milky latex. Leaves in the succulent species are usually reduced or deciduous. Stipules are usually present, often modified into prickles and spines.

Euphorbia represents one of the largest and most diverse genera of flowering plants in the world, with ± 2 000 species, and with the exception of the polar regions, is present in almost every part of the world. Species of Euphorbia can be flat, prostrate weeds found in gardens everywhere, perennial herbs chiefly from Europe, North America and Asia, or majestic trees characteristic of the dry parts of eastern and southern Africa. Succulent species are mostly confined to Africa and Madagascar, where many species with prominent thorns or spines resemble one another and are often confused with the cacti of North and South America. The milky latex (often poisonous) produced when the plant is damaged, makes them easily recognizable. (https://pza.sanbi.org/euphorbia)

Condition: Very good. The spines have some sunning, and the lettering is faded. Slight bumping to corners of boards, and top corners of pages of vol. 1 are slightly bumped. Previous owner’s bookplates fixed to front pastedowns. Texts, illustrations and plates are clean. Solidly bound.