Second Revised Edition

This attractive book covers 80 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 other features is also available. 

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.

New features in this ediction includes several species, a glossary of technical terms and a table of species versus clinical symptoms, grouped by syndromes for quick reference. 

This full-colour photographic guide, written by four Namibian botanists, covers the south-western corner or Namibia, mainly the southern Namib Desert (Sperrgebiet), although a number of common plant species that occur as far east as the Fish River have also 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 to survive in this inhospitable part 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.

Our trees and shrubs serve a multitude of uses. They provide us with fuel and materials for building and crafting; some are a source of medicine or food, or hold special significance in our varied cultures; many feed our livestock and wildlife; and they all help to bind the soil, preventing erosion. Yet, despite their importance to us, a record of basic information on their distribution, abundance and general biology has been lacking.

The Tree Atlas Project (TAP) was initiated to help gather this information, record it, and make it available for the management and conservation of this important resource. The Project was launched on Arbour Day in October 1997 when it first invited the participation of interested volunteers - atlassers - to gather information and share their knowledge of trees and shrubs. Information was collected over six years - until December 2003 - and entered into a database housed at the National Botanical Research Institute. The book gives a synthesis and summary of the information in that database. It provides a 'snapshot' of which woody plants are found in Namibia, where they are found, and in what abundance during the time period of the project, as well as some biological and ecological characteristics of these plants.