A Field Guide to Wild Flowers of Kwazulu-Natal and the Eastern Region

Original contemporary red leather and marbled boards. with gilt lettering to spine. With matching slipcase. Presented to L.J. Thomas- Durban, September, 1998.

The eastern provinces of South Africa, from the shores of the Indian Ocean to the peaks of the Drakensberg from the Kei to the Limpopo, encompass an astounding diversity of habitats, fauna and flora. This natural wealth has been valued and ultilised for centuries, most significantly in the long history of traditional medicine and magical practice of the Zulu people.

The European settlers that came to the region in the mid nineteenth century soon recognised the natural beauty of the country. Early travellers and botanical collectors were amazed at the richness of the grasslands, savannas and forests of the often hot, drought prone hills and valleys. The grasslands, in particular, produced a delightful show of colour after early spring veld fires, a sight which has become increasingly difficult to witness as agricultural, industrial and urban development has overtaken our countryside.

Although this book also includes the flowers of Lesotho, Swaziland, southern Mozambique and the eastern parts of the Free State, Gauteng and Mpumalanga, there are three important 'hot spots' of botanical diversity in the region- the Drakensberg, Maputaland and Pondoland centres- which are now internationally recognised.

The flora of these areas is being surveyed by bio-prospectors for use in pharmaceutical development and by horticulturists for the massive global trade in cut-flower and bedding plants. Currently this book is the definitive work.

Map to from endpaper. Presentation Label- Signed Author & Chairman-Natal Floral Trust. Title. Contents. Foreword. Dedication. The Natal Flora Publications Trust. Subscribers etc. 630 pages text with numerous colour photographs, maps and distribution data and information. Map and measure to rear endpaper.

FINE