J. D. Carr (Author)
1976 edition - long out of print
This book is in excellent condition, as you can see by examining the photos of the book.
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FOREWORD
The genus Acacia, which is the largest in the sub-family Mimosoideae and the second largest in the family Leguminosae, is one of the most widespread and important in Africa. Its species are dominant over extensive tracts of land, especially in tropical and sub-tropical areas and in southern Africa at least, are of economic significance from the aspect of encroachment into grassland grazing areas.
Forty-three species of Acacia are recognized in southern Africa. Some species are very widely distributed and occupy a diverse range of habitats, while others are very restricted in their distribution and are confined to special ecological niches. Acacias are such a conspicuous feature of much of our vegetation that there is much demand for information about them, and the present book by Mr. J.D. Carr, with its in formative text and photographs, will go a long way towards fulfilling this need.
Of the forty-three species in southern Africa, several are very distinctive and easily recognized by their characteristic growth form, by bark, or by some other peculiarity. The recognition and identification of others, however, is by no means always simple. This is partly because of the existence among the southern African acacias of several complexes, each containing a number of closely related and taxonomically difficult species. The difficulty experienced in identifying some of the species within each com plex in aggravated by the fact that some, for example Acacia karroo Hayne, exhibit a tremendous range of morphological variation. Indeed, the extremes often appear to be so very different that to include them all in the same species may seem ridiculous. However, when the entire range of variation is inspected it is found that there is no satisfactory means of dividing it. One of the consequences of such a range of variation is that it tends to blur or obscure the limits of individual species thus making the delimitation of specific limits difficult.
The existence of this marked morphological variation and the lack of clearcut specific limits makes the compilation of a simple key to the identification of all of the southern African Acacia species well nigh impossible. The keys that do exist are of necessity complex and likely to be of little use to the uninitiated. Consequently, Mr. Carr has divided the species into seven broad, easily recognised groups. In attempting to identify the species within these groups the user will be greatly assisted by the series of photographs that accompany and illustrate each species.
A considerable amount of careful work, extending over several years, has gone into the preparation of this book. Many thousands of kilometres have been travelled and many a hectic action-packed week-end has been spent in pursuit of an elusive species of Acacia.
Of particular interest is the chapter devoted to the propagation and cultivation of acacias. Here the reader is able to derive the benefit of Mr. Carr's own work on this aspect. Many of the Acacia species commend themselves to cultivation and the in formation provided in this chapter will undoubtedly assist those who wish to venture into this field. Seed of most of the species germinates readily and many of the species grow relatively quickly into most attractive plants. The cultivation of the indigenous Acacia species is strongly recommended and is to be encouraged.
Although written for the layman, this book will appeal to a wide spectrum of users including the professional botanist. If the result of this work is an increased interest in the indigenous acacias in particular and an awareness of our wonderful Flora in general, then the author can feel the satisfaction of knowing that he has achieved his purpose.