BULBOUS PLANTS OF SOUTHERN AFRICA- BOXED-SLIPCASE

Of all the plants in the rich Southern African flora, none offer the gardener more beauty and variety than the geophytes(commonly referred to as bulbous plants- which include bulbs, corms, rhizomes and tubers).Yet therecent surge of interest in cultivating indigenous plants has for the most part strangely passed them by.

This richly illustrated gardeners' and plant-lovers' guide to the wonderfully varied and beautiful bulbous plants of Southern Africa puts an end to this neglet- Niel Du Plessis and Graham Duncan blend botany with practical expertise to shed new light on a range of exciting plants known previously to only a few enthusiasts. They succeed, too, in dispelling the myth that most of these bulbous plants are difficult to grow. The book will whet the appetite of gardeners. Elise Bodley has succeeded in capturing not only the intricate botanical detail but also the beauty of the orginal plants in her illustrations.

Part One covers the botanical ground and deals eith topics such as floristic regions of Southern Africa; nomenclature; general pricipals of cultivation(including discussions of the cultivation of the dediduous winter and summer-growers, and the evergreens); propagation; and the control of pests and diseases.

Part Two deals with the plants themselves. Eacg chapter is devoted to a seperate family, and discusses matters such as distribution amd morphology of each genus, medicinal uses, growth cycles, methods of cultivation and propagation, and pests and diseases, before moving on to the descriptions of those species the authord consider most worth growing.

All in all about 700 species are described and over 300 plants illustrated in 47 colour plates. Hardiness ratings are given where these are known. A particularly valuable feature of the book for enthusiasts outside Southern Africa is the discussion of the problems of acclimatising rootstocks to the Northern Hemisphere. Full lists of references are given throughout the text, and there is a general bibliography and a comprehensive index.

Hardback with dustcover over crimson boards with vignette to front board and gilt lettering to spine. Illustrated map endpapers. 192 pages text with supporting colour plates. Fine condition.With matching slipcase.