8 Books That Bring Southern Africa’s Trees to Life

Discover the captivating world of South Africa’s trees with this selection of essential reads. Whether you’re an experienced botanist or just beginning to explore the region’s natural beauty, these books offer rich insights into Southern Africa’s diverse flora. From comprehensive field guides and pocket-sized companions to in-depth studies of iconic species like the baobab, each title presents a unique perspective on the trees that define our landscapes. Explore the physiology, survival strategies, and ecological roles of these remarkable trees, beautifully illustrated and thoroughly researched to enhance your understanding and appreciation of Southern Africa’s arboreal wonders. 

The Ways and Wonders of South African Trees – Willem Frost 

The Ways and Wonders of South African Trees delves into the diverse world of indigenous trees. The first part explores their physiology, behaviour, and survival strategies, while the second showcases 160 species, including the iconic baobab and lesser-known trees like baboon’s breakfast. Richly illustrated with photographs, the book reveals how trees grow, compete, and interact with other life forms, making it a comprehensive guide to South Africa’s arboreal wonders. 

Field Guide to Trees of Southern Africa
Braam van Wyk & Piet van Wyk

This expanded edition of the region’s top-selling field guide to trees offers extensive updates, including new species entries, distribution maps, and a new 87-page section of full-tree photographs. It describes and illustrates over 1,000 tree species in Southern Africa, focusing on the most common and likely to be encountered. Species are grouped by leaf and stem features, with full-colour photos and notes on practical uses.

Ook beskikbaar in Afrikaans.