Colleen Dawson
reviews
Remarkable Trees of South Africa
by Neels Esterhuyse, Jutta von Breitenbach and Hermien Söhnge
(R169,95, Briza Publications )
Remarkable Trees of South Africa is about the oldest, tallest, largest indigenous and exotic trees of South Africa. The authors view trees as valuable national treasures or monuments. They celebrate the many uses of trees — as part of our history, as providers of food, building material and shelter, and as beautiful living things.
The first part of the book describes different types of vegetation, giving information about the size of the biggest trees, as well as descriptions of the trees grown as monuments in gardens and parks all over the country.
The second part of the book provides scientific descriptions of the different biological families of trees indigenous to South Africa.
There are also sections that will be useful to teachers dealing with different ecosystems or different species of trees in South Africa. Chapters on the forestry industry and on ‘Working for Water — Combating the Invaders” are topical and relevant to different parts of the new curriculum at different levels. The scientific Latin names of trees are given, along with their names in English, Afrikaans and several African languages.
Photographs are used on nearly every page to illustrate the magnificence of the trees described.
No matter which part of South Africa you live in, you will find descriptions of trees that grow well in the area, with photographs of some of the best examples of them. From giant nyala and baobabs in Limpopo and Mpumalanga to white milkwoods in Mossel Bay to mangroves in KwaZulu-Natal, the beauty of trees is captured and illustrated.
The only problem with an otherwise excellent production is that only about a dozen pages contain colour pictures. This is almost certainly an economic issue, but does make the book a little less attractive to read than it would be if it was all in colour.
But the authors are clearly passionate about trees and their enthusiasm is infectious. This book encourages us to regard trees as national treasures, to look after them and to plant more.
Other books on trees published by Briza:
– Making the Most of Indigenous Trees — R199,95
– Photographic Guide to Trees of Southern Africa — R229,95
– Guide to the Acacias of South Africa — R199,95
– Southern African Indigenous Trees — R119,95
Briza also publishes books on indigenous plants, problem plants, medicinal plants, poisonous plants and people’s plants or ethnobotany.
Available from bookstores, or order from Briza, (012) 329-3896, www.briza.co.za, PO Box 56569, Arcadia, 0007