Books

Wildflowers of the Southern Namib

Wildflowers of the Southern Namib

This full colour photographic guide, written by four Namibian botanists, covers the south-western corner of Namibia, mainly the southern Namib Desert ('Sperrgebiet'), although a number of common plant species that occur as far east as the Fish River have been included. The area concerned is largely a relatively pristine wilderness that is geologically and topographically very diverse, providing many habitats and niches where unique organisms have evolved mechanisms that enable them to survive in this inhospitable corner of the subregion. It harbours a unique plant species composition that includes approximately 25% of the Namibian flora as a whole (over 1000 species), and encompasses numerous endemic and near-endemic species.

Over 350 species are covered by this guide. The emphasis is on wildflowers, but a few of the most common ferns, grasses, shrubs and trees have also been described. Wherever possible, photographs of the whole plant as well as close-ups of the flower have been included. A simple description of each plant and a brief overview of distribution, habitat and uses are provided, as well as common names used in the area.

To those who are interested in plants the southern Namib flora will provide an ongoing source of both fascination and challenge. Different species are seen from year to year, depending on rainfall patterns, and in order to see a wide variety of the plants and the mass displays in good years, enthusiasts will visit again and again. This handbook is a must for anyone with an interest in the indigenous flora of Namibia.

[C.A. Mannheimer, G. Maggs-Kölling, H. Kolberg, S. Rügheimer, 2008. ISBN 978-99916-0-878-5. A5, soft cover, colour plates, 292 pages.]

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Grasses of Namibia

Grasses of Namibia

The book "Grasses of Namibia" by the late Dr. Mike Müller was first published in 1988. This very popular book described a number of common grasses found in Namibia, but was out of print for a number of years.

Staff of the NBRI, led by Johan van Eck, prepared this revision, updating the information and increasing the number of grasses covered to 135 species and subspecies. It will be invaluauble to farmers, extension workers, scientists and students alike.

The revised edition was published by the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry in May 2007 and is available for N$60.00 from the Ministry.

[M.A.N. Müller, 2007 (2nd revised edition). ISBN 0 86976 201. A5, soft cover, line drawings, 320 pages.]

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Toxic Plants of Veterinary Importance in Namibia

Toxic Plants of Veterinary Importance in Namibia

The book is currently being reprinted

This attractive book covers 69 species of indigenous and exotic toxic plants known to affect livestock in Namibia.

A distribution map and a brief description are given for each species/group as well as a short overview of clinical symptoms. In some cases, a short discussion on habitat or spread is also presented.

Poisonous plants cause considerable stock losses in Namibia each year. As these losses can translate into many thousands of Namibian dollars, it is essential to obtain, collate and disseminate information on poisonous plants and their distribution. The NBRI works in collaboration with the Directorate of Veterinary Services to acquire such information in order to be able to supply more detailed distribution maps as well as precautionary and other information required by individual members of the public, farmers, veterinary surgeons and extension workers.

[S. Schubert, A. Marais & C. Mannheimer, 2006. ISSN 1015-2334. A5, soft cover, colour plates, 80 pages. Currently out of print.]

A free identification service is available from the National Herbarium of Namibia.

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Tree Atlas of Namibia

Tree Atlas of Namibia

The Tree Atlas of Namibia presents the distribution and estimated abundance of over 400 species of woody plants in Namibia. It is the culmination of six years of data collection by volunteers with a keen interest in trees and is a product of the Namibian Tree Atlas Project. Over 300 distribution maps show where the major species are found, while graphs depict their height and habitat, and the months of the year when each species has leaves, flowers or fruit.

Although not intended as a field guide, this book gives a brief description of each species, highlighting the most distinguishing features, and illustrates most species with a line drawing of the leaves and flowers or fruit. Notes are included on general biology, uses and conservation concerns. The introduction summarises the Tree Atlas Project and highlights aspects of the ecology of woody species in Namibia. Naturalised alien species are also included.

[B. Curtis & C. Mannheimer, 2005. ISBN 99916-68-06-3. B4, soft cover, line drawings, maps as well as black and white photographs, 688 pages. Also available on CD.]

You can search the Tree Atlas database and draw species distribution maps on the Tree Atlas pages of Namibia's biodiversity website.

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Forthcoming Books

• Müller and Le Roux's Fieldguide to Trees and Shrubs of Namibia.
  [Expected publication date: 2008]