Signs of the Wild: Southern Africa

Neither plant nor animal, mushrooms constitute a unique group of organisms. They appear in a staggering variety of shapes, sizes and colours, and identifying them can be difficult. This compact, beautifully illustrated guide is the perfect tool for identification in the field. It features 200 of the most distinctive and conspicuous mushrooms and other fungi found in South Africa. Each species is presented with a clear description and several full-colour photographs to aid quick and accurate identification. Notes on distribution, ecology, size, edibility, toxicity and other interesting facts complete the entries.

A brief introduction outlines the basic anatomy and biology of mushrooms and the vital role they play in sustaining all life. There are also guidelines to foraging and to photographing mushrooms, and a small selection of simple but delicious mushroom recipes.

Packed with more than 850 photographs, this is both a practical guide and a beautiful book that will inspire nature lovers, foragers, epicureans and anyone curious about these extraordinary life forms.

Fully updated and expanded, this third edition of the top-selling Field Guide to Common Trees & Shrubs of East Africa now features more than 520 of the trees and shrubs – indigenous and naturalized exotics – commonly found in the region.

Each of the four sections – trees, shrubs, palms and mangroves – is arranged in alphabetical order according to scientific name. The book features:

An informative introduction to families.
Species accounts describing the plants’ habitat, bark, leaves, flowers and fruit.
General and commercial applications and uses in traditional medicine.
Almost 2,000 photographs depicting the species, its fruit, flowers and bark.
Glossaries, both textual and illustrated, of botanical and medical terms.