Title: Wildflowers of the southern Namib
Authors: Coleen Mannheimer, Gillian Maggs-Kolling, Herta Kolberg, Silke Rügheimer
National Botanical Research Institute
Publisher: Macmillan
Windhoek, Namibia 2008
ISBN 9789991608785 / ISBN 978-99916-0-878-5
Softcover, 15x21 cm, 292 pages, countless colour photos, 2 maps

Description:

This photographic guide 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 also been included. The area 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. 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.