Wildflowers of the Central Highlands of Namibia, by Coleen Mannheimer

Wildflowers of the Central Highlands of Namibia, by Coleen Mannheimer. ISBN 9789991625584 / ISBN 978-99916-2-558-4

Coleen Mannheimer, a well-known Namibian botanist, translated her knowledge on the plants of this area into this practical, easy-to-use, and beautifully illustrated publication, Wildflowers of the Central Highlands of Namibia.

Coleen Mannheimer  

The Central Highlands Savannah of Namibia is a fascinating place for plant enthusiasts and biologists, both professional and amateur. Not only does it provide spectacular scenery and diverse terrain for outdoor activities, it also harbours a complement of plants and animals sufficiently diverse to keep everyone happily interested, no matter whether they are plant crazy, bird twitchy, bug obsessed, or otherwise enthralled by almost any biotic group out there. I wrote this book for plant enthusiasts, tour guides and students in particular, and allowed myself some latitude, not only to include hints that help me tell species apart, as well as other personal observations, but also to detour from a strict description format when I so wished. I hope that the book will prove useful and informative, and that it will stimulate an interest in our fabulous flora, as well as helping scholars, students and the public in general to know and appreciate our plants better. Pressure on Namibia's natural resources, whether fauna, flora or scenery, is rapidly increasing, and we usually only conserve what we know and appreciate. It is also my hope that tour guides will find this a useful tool for their trade - a trade that may be regarded as a permanent source of employment and income for many of our people if the Namibian environment is treated with respect. I urge guides to resist the temptation to allow visitors to disturb or collect plants or animals to their detriment. The short-term gain will cause long-term damage to the very resource that provides them, and should provide future generations, with a livelihood. This book only covers around half the plant species found in the highlands (if grasses, trees and shrubs are included in that number). Only grasses that are relatively easy to identify were chosen, but a substantial number of the herbs found in the area are described. It is always difficult to decide which species to include in a field guide. I tried to choose those that are commonly seen, species that I often get asked about, and also some of my personal favourites. No doubt there will be some others that should perhaps have been included, but, hopefully, there will be the opportunity to expand the list in future editions.

This is an excerpt from the guide: Wildflowers of the Central Highlands of Namibia, by Coleen Mannheimer.

Title: Wildflowers of the Central Highlands of Namibia
Author: Coleen Mannheimer
Publisher: Macmillan
Windhoek, Namibia 2012
ISBN 9789991625584 / ISBN 978-99916-2-558-4
Softcover, 15x21 cm, 489 pages, throughout colour photos, 1 map