Author: Pieter van Wyk
First Edition 1972
Published by: Purnell & Sons (Pty) Ltd.
EXCEPTIONALLY RARE! Volumes are in mint condition. The covers are slightly scuffed (see photos).
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Foreword
Our knowledge of the tree flora of South Africa has increased greatly in
recent years and nowhere is this more evident than in the Kruger National Park. It was to me a great honour and pleasure to be associated in the early botanical exploration of the Park and, since the appointment of a trained botanist on the staff of the Park more than twenty years ago, a comprehensive survey of the vegetation has been possible. Not only has this resulted in a large number of new and interesting records which are of importance to an understanding of the geographic distribution of plants, but fresh light has been thrown on the ecological requirements of the individual species. It has also made possible a study of the intricate interaction between plant and animal life and drawn attention to the importance of maintaining a balance between the two. The vexed question of veld-burning is also being carefully investigated in connection with overall management policy.
Perhaps it is natural that, in the early development of our National Parks,
the accent was largely on the unique fauna while the equally interesting flora, which plays a vital role in the maintenance of the animals, tended to be taken for granted. However, this is no longer the case
on conservation of the ecosystem as a whole.
Mr Van Wyk, a graduate of Potchefstroom University, was appointed to the Kruger National Park in 1961. Here his diligent studies have greatly enhanced our knowledge of the flora and his herbarium specimens have enriched the national collections. His energies have, in particular, been devoted to the trees and his careful documentation of their occurrence in the Park and of their distinguishing characters, ecology and reproduction form the basis of this book. Information of general interest is also provided on aspects of economic importance, such as timber quality, value for browsing animals and possible medicinal or other uses.
Every reader, whether layman or botanist, will find something in the text
which will interest and fascinate him. The scientific plant names are in accordance with modern views on botanical nomenclature. Over the past twenty years or so a number of name changes have inevitably arisen in the course of taxonomic revisions undertaken for the new Flora of Southern Africa series and for the various Floras dealing with other parts of Africa. Fortunately, two of the most important genera in the Park, Acacia and Combretum, have been subjected to careful taxonomic study throughout their entire range in Africa so that, with these genera, a degree of stability has now been reached.
There is no doubt that the greatest enjoyment in consulting this book, for the serious student as well as for the tree-lover or casual reader, will be derived from the excellent series of colour photographs provided for each species dealt with. Not only has Mr Van Wyk shown himself to be a most competent photographer, choosing his subject to bring out the characteristic growth form of each species, but he has shown considerable patience and perseverance in obtaining diagnostic pictures of the flowers, fruit and bark (a character so often overlooked in botanical studies but important to the practical field observer) of every kind of tree in the Park. The provision of a key based on vegetative
characters, which may be used in conjunction with the illustrations and descriptions, will act as a considerable aid to the correct identification of the trees.
Many species are illustrated here for the first time. Some are extremely rare and may not occur along the tourist roads, while many old favourites will be seen from a refreshing new perspective after reading the wealth of information provided. In any event, this book will stimulate a desire to know the trees better and will lead the discerning visitor to a greater appreciation of the vital role they play in their natural habitats, as well as supplying a permanent record of the wealth of beauty with which the Park has been endowed.