Tree Atlas of Namibia

The Tree Atlas of Namibia presents the distribution and estimated abundance of over 400 species of woody plants in Namibia.
Curtis, Barbara; Mannheimer, Coleen; Loutit, Blythe
tree-atlas-of-namibia
9991668063
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Title: Tree Atlas of Namibia
Authors: Barbara Curtis; Coleen Mannheimer; Blythe Loutit
Genre: Botanical guide
National Botanical Research Institute of Namibia
Windhoek, Namibia 2005
ISBN 9991668063
Softcover, 18 x 25 cm, 674 pages, countless illustrations and maps

Description:

We finally have the definitive reference work to tell us where each of Namibia’s 408 species of trees and large shrubs occurs. The Tree Atlas of Namibia is the culmination of six years of data gathering by a team of enthusiastic tree-lovers. Without receiving any remuneration or compensation, they took themselves off to all corners of Namibia and identified trees, faithfully recorded their observations and patiently sent their atlassing data to the co-ordinators of the Tree Atlas Project, appropriately abbreviated TAP. For scientists who monitor our natural resources, the Tree Atlas gives a snapshot of Namibian tree biodiversity in the early years of the 21st century. This will be our scientific baseline against which to compare future patterns of tree distribution and occurrence as our population expands, as our natural resources are used and possibly abused, and as the changes wrought by global warming take their toll. The book starts with info about the process of atlassing, and then goes on with some very useful data on the vegetation biomes in Namibia, patterns of plant diversity and ecological aspects, some of the threats facing our woody resources, and what is being done about them. For a tour guide who needs to talk knowledgeably about plants and to give more than just a name to the odd species that the inquisitive tourist asks about, this section will be very useful. The bulk of the book contains the species accounts, filling just over 600 pages. Almost every species is graced with a botanical drawing of the leaves and fruit, most of which were done by the late Blythe Loutit, who sadly never saw the completed product. Her finely detailed and elegant drawings remind us that we have lost not only a dynamic conservationist, but also a botanical artist of distinction. The drawings accompany short notes on the identifying features of the plant, while some of the plants are illustrated by means of a photograph. The most important feature for each is the species map, showing precisely where the tree was recorded.