Fabulous reads – Get to the root of tree identity
Book overview - How to Identify Trees in Southern Africa by Braam van Wyk and Piet van Wyk.
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How to Identify Trees in Southern Africa, Braam van Wyk and Piet van Wyk, Penguin Random House, ISBN: 9781775846802
THIS book’s title says it all! Now in an updated second edition, it provides a clear understanding of how trees are constructed and what to look for when identifying a tree.
The book is divided into two parts: part 1 describes and clearly illustrates the different parts of a tree and the roles they play in tree identification; part 2 features a key to 43 tree groups, based on easy-to-observe stem and leaf features. It carefully outlines each group and the southern African tree families represented in the different groups.
Numerous colour photographs and explanatory illustrations support the text, making this an accessible and easy-to-use guide.
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How to Identify Trees in Southern Africa will equip readers with a sound understanding of how trees are constructed and what to look for in order to make a positive identification.
Braam van Wyk is an Emeritus Professor in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences at the University of Pretoria.
He is a plant taxonomist and has authored and co-authored numerous publications on the botany of southern Africa, including Field Guide to Trees of Southern Africa and Guide to Trees Introduced into Southern Africa.
Piet van Wyk (1931–2006) was a graduate of Potchefstroom University, and worked as a biologist with the Kruger National Park’s research team.
Among his published works are Field Guide to the Trees of the Kruger National Park and a co-author of Field Guide to Trees of Southern Africa.
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