Clivia: Nature and Nurture, by Dirk Swanevelder and Roger Fisher

Clivia: Nature and Nurture, by Dirk Swanevelder and Roger Fisher. Briza Publications. Pretoria, South Africa 2009. ISBN 9781875093618 / ISBN 978-1-875093-61-8

Clivia: Nature and Nurture, by Dirk Swanevelder and Roger Fisher. Briza Publications. Pretoria, South Africa 2009. ISBN 9781875093618 / ISBN 978-1-875093-61-8

This book, Clivia: Nature and Nurture, found its origins in discussion with Professor Braam van Wyk of the Department of Botany University of Pretoria. It was he who introduced the authors, Dirk Swanevelder and Roger Charles Fisher, and, in turn, the authors to the publishers.

Dirk Swanevelder  Roger Fisher  

The project was met with enthusiasm and the proposed outline without change. However as the project has progressed and the contents realised, the format has evolved into what you have before you. Since Harold Koopowitz published Clivias in 2002, two new species have been described in the genus, namely the surprising occurrence of Clivia mirabilis, and the definite relegation of the so-called "swamp clivia" to the status of species, namely Clivia robusta. Braam van Wyk & Gideon Smith's book on Regions offloristic endemism has also assisted in a more detailed discussion of each of the species in habitat. The intention is to give the reader a clear understanding of each of the species as a naturally occurring plant, and explain its specific characteristics in terms of adaptation to its particular habitat. It is possible that the rapidly growing popularity of the genus will lead to the discovery of yet more species, or through the focus of genetic research on the genus, there will be further splitting of the species. This lies in the future, and will be followed in further editions, should demand dictate. A further aspect of this book is to present the genus as exemplar of the family Amarylidaceae. This entails the setting out of a theoretical history, a detailed anatomy and some physiology, specifically with a view to growing them as garden or pot plants. Finally, there is a layman's guide to understanding the complexities of genetics and inheritance of characteristics. The Clivia Society is the official registering body of cultivars for the genus. This is a recent enterprise and registration has been tardy. The long cycle to maturation and blooming of the clivia - at least five years from pollination - does not encourage the development of exact replicas of plants. Each plant sexually reproduced, although from the same breeding line, is unique. The added plasticity of the gene pool of the genus, the easy interspecific hybridisation, and the somewhat undisciplined approach of most hobbyists in their breeding programme is counter to the establishment of cultivars. Yet named plants fetch hefty prices, and are traded internationally. We have collected, with the support and assistance of the Clivia Society and its membership, many examples of traded named plants. This will grow with future editions. Then, as is the nature of books in the era dominated by electronic imagery we have attempted to keep the text brief, clear and readable and supplement these with alluring graphics. Unique to this book are the drawn illustrations of each of the species by Sibonelo Chiliza, botanical artist in training at the South African National Biodiversity Institute in Pretoria. He has undertaken this as a private commission in his spare time specifically as illustrations for this book. It is the first time all the species of Clivia have been depicted in full scale by one hand. He is also South Africa's first black African botanical artist. We are privileged to have this, and they are here for you to enjoy.

This is an excerpt from the book: Clivia: Nature and Nurture, by Dirk Swanevelder and Roger Fisher.

Title: Clivia: Nature and Nurture
Author: Dirk Swanevelder; Roger Fisher
Publisher: Briza Publications
Pretoria, South Africa 2009
ISBN 9781875093618 / ISBN 978-1-875093-61-8
Softcover, 17 x 24 cm, 224 pages, distribution maps, 400 colour photographs

Swanevelder, Dirk und Fisher, Roger im Namibiana-Buchangebot

Clivia: Nature and Nurture

Clivia: Nature and Nurture

Clivia: Nature and Nurture describes all varieties, habitats, distribution, ecology and endemism, with emphasis on South African origins, ecology and habitat.

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