Plants of the Baviaanskloof

About this book

Tucked away in the southwestern corner of the Eastern Cape, South Africa, lies a narrow valley, flanked by the Baviaanskloof and Kouga mountain ranges. Named after the chacma baboons that long ago made this 200-km-long kloof their home, the Baviaanskloof is part of the Cape Floral Region World Heritage Site. It is a meeting point of several different ecosystems, with almost all of South Africa's eight biomes represented, making for an exceptional diversity of species, including many endemics.

Plants of the Baviaanskloof describes well over 1,000 plant species. It includes:
- Succinct descriptions of each plant species with full-colour photographs
- Brief family and genus descriptions, and species counts for the area

An introduction covering the geology, climate and vegetation types of the region Compiled over two decades, Plants of the Baviaanskloof is sure to become an enduring record of the diversity of plant life found here. The only botanical guide for this area, it is a must-have for botanists, gardeners, road-trippers, hikers, travellers and all who have a deep interest in plants.

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Biography

Douglas Euston-Brown works as an independent botanical consultant, with a special focus on vegetation monitoring and conservation of natural ecosystems, especially in wild, remote areas. His interest in the Baviaanskloof was sparked when he studied the vegetation of the area for his Master’s degree in the 1990s. He has since made the Baviaanskloof his second home, and his fieldwork in the region has led to the discovery of several new species, which are introduced here for the first time.

Magriet Kruger is co-owner with her husband Pieter of Zandvlakte Private Nature Reserve. They have lived in the Baviaanskloof since 1979. Magriet started photographing flowers in the first week of her arrival and has been doing so ever since. She is dedicated to the conservation of the area’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Magriet and her husband are widely known for their nature restoration initiatives and work in the local community.