Gideon F. Smith

An authoritative treatise on the history of botanical studies and exploration in Angola. For any region, cataloging, interpreting, and understanding the history of botanical exploration and plant collecting, and the preserved specimens that were amassed as a result, are critically important for research and conservation. In this book, published in cooperation with the International Association for Plant Taxonomy, Estrela Figueiredo and Gideon F. Smith, both botanists with expertise in the taxonomy of African plants, provide the first comprehensive, contextualized account of plant collecting in Angola, a large country in south-tropical Africa. An essential book for anyone concerned with the biodiversity and history of Africa, this authoritative work offers insights into the lives, times, and endeavors of 358 collectors. In addition, the authors present analyses of the records that accompanied the collectors’ preserved specimens. Illustrated in color throughout, the book fills a large gap in the current knowledge of the botanical and exploration history of Africa.

An authoritative treatise on the history of botanical studies and exploration in Angola. For any region, cataloging, interpreting, and understanding the history of botanical exploration and plant collecting, and the preserved specimens that were amassed as a result, are critically important for research and conservation. In this book, published in cooperation with the International Association for Plant Taxonomy, Estrela Figueiredo and Gideon F. Smith, both botanists with expertise in the taxonomy of African plants, provide the first comprehensive, contextualized account of plant collecting in Angola, a large country in south-tropical Africa. An essential book for anyone concerned with the biodiversity and history of Africa, this authoritative work offers insights into the lives, times, and endeavors of 358 collectors. In addition, the authors present analyses of the records that accompanied the collectors’ preserved specimens. Illustrated in color throughout, the book fills a large gap in the current knowledge of the botanical and exploration history of Africa.

Learn everything there is to know about cacti and succulent care in this newly updated, easy-to-use volume! Jam-packed with insight on more than 200 types of succulents and cacti, each plant profile contains gorgeous photography, botanical and common names, must-know advice, and more. Also included are simple, step-by-step instructions on choosing the right plants and helping them thrive, plus tips on how to propagate succulents and cacti, repotting, grooming, and pest control. This updated edition features all new photography, a new garden profile, updates to scientific names of original plants based on current standards, 70 new cacti species, and 20 new succulent species. Author and award-winning researcher Gideon F. Smith previously served as president for the International Organization of Succulent Plant Study and has published over 500 scientific and popular papers on the taxonomy, biology, and evolution of succulent plants.

Kalanchoe (Crassulaceae) in Southern Africa: Classification, Biology, and Cultivation provides a highly readable, illustrated account of the Kalanchoe species. The book includes an overview of the family Crassulaceae and genus Kalanchoe in global and subcontinental contexts that is followed by information on the taxonomic history of the genus. The characters and ecology of the species are also discussed, including their distribution ranges, where they occur, their habitat preferences, and where the species were formally recorded for the first time. For each indigenous and naturalized species, comprehensive taxonomic, descriptive and other information of interest is provided. This is the must-have resource for plant scientists, plant taxonomists, ethnobotanists, herbarium curators, ecologists, pharmacologists, invasions scientists, horticulturalists and landscape designers.

Cacti and Succulents Handbook is your guide to the selection and cultivation of these diverse and fascinating plants. Appealing to both the novice and experienced gardener, this book provides comprehensive information on more than 140 common species and varieties, including their ideal locations, natural habitats, and care and feeding needs. Complete descriptions and color photographs make plant identification easy, and detailed care instructions will help make sure that plants thrive, whether they?re being grown indoors or out, in the city or in the country. Beautiful specimen plants are fully detailed from six garden collections around the world, from Zurich to Phoenix. Inside Cacti and Succulents Handbook Everything you need to know about cacti and succulents packed into one easy-to-use volume. Comprehensive well-illustrated plant directory of more than 140 popular varieties. Covers easy-to-grow choices suitable for beginners, as well as more difficult and desirable species. Color identification photos, botanical and common names, and essential advice. Simple, step-by-step instructions on choosing the right plants and helping them thrive, with tips on propagation, repotting, grooming, and pest control. Features beautiful specimen plants from six garden collections around the world.

Guide to the Aloes of South Africa is a beautifully illustrated full-colour guide that makes it easy for both the layperson and scientist to identify aloes in the field and in gardens. This updated and expanded third edition reflects the latest scientific findings.

The genus Aloe is arguably one of Africa’s most iconic and valued plant genera. It is immensely popular among succulent plant collectors and horticulturalists, and is also the source of several commercially used natural products. The aloe names book brings together, for the first time, information on the current taxonomy of each species, the plethora of common names by which aloes are known globally, derivative natural products, as well as hundreds of historical names and the richly descriptive meanings of Latin names used for aloes. Lists of common names, synonyms and aloe-derived products allow quick and easy searching. The text includes an introduction to aloes, comprehensive reference list and colour photographs. The aloe names book is essential for succulent enthusiasts, nurserymen, CITES agencies, and natural resource managers. It will also be useful as a field companion for researchers and natural historians interested in ethnobotany and plant use.