Gideon F. Smith - Böcker

Kalanchoe (Crassulaceae) in Southern Africa: Classification, Biology, and Cultivation provides a highly readable, illustrated account of the Kalanchoe species. The book includes an overview of the family Crassulaceae and genus Kalanchoe in global and subcontinental contexts that is followed by information on the taxonomic history of the genus. The characters and ecology of the species are also discussed, including their distribution ranges, where they occur, their habitat preferences, and where the species were formally recorded for the first time. For each indigenous and naturalized species, comprehensive taxonomic, descriptive and other information of interest is provided.

This is the must-have resource for plant scientists, plant taxonomists, ethnobotanists, herbarium curators, ecologists, pharmacologists, invasions scientists, horticulturalists and landscape designers.

Includes currently accepted scientific names and synonyms, common names in English, morphology, cytology, chemistry, toxicology, biogeography, pollination biology, dispersal, cultivation, biocultural applications, and moreContains a dichotomous identification key and descriptions, providing much needed tools for accurate species identificationProvides an extensive sets of illustrations for all species

An authoritative treatise on the history of botanical studies and exploration in Angola.  For any region, cataloging, interpreting, and understanding the history of botanical exploration and plant collecting, and the preserved specimens that were amassed as a result, are critically important for research and conservation. In this book, published in cooperation with the International Association for Plant Taxonomy, Estrela Figueiredo and Gideon F. Smith, both botanists with expertise in the taxonomy of African plants, provide the first comprehensive, contextualized account of plant collecting in Angola, a large country in south-tropical Africa. An essential book for anyone concerned with the biodiversity and history of Africa, this authoritative work offers insights into the lives, times, and endeavors of 358 collectors. In addition, the authors present analyses of the records that accompanied the collectors’ preserved specimens. Illustrated in color throughout, the book fills a large gap in the current knowledge of the botanical and exploration history of Africa.

An authoritative treatise on the history of botanical studies and exploration in Angola.  For any region, cataloging, interpreting, and understanding the history of botanical exploration and plant collecting, and the preserved specimens that were amassed as a result, are critically important for research and conservation. In this book, published in cooperation with the International Association for Plant Taxonomy, Estrela Figueiredo and Gideon F. Smith, both botanists with expertise in the taxonomy of African plants, provide the first comprehensive, contextualized account of plant collecting in Angola, a large country in south-tropical Africa. An essential book for anyone concerned with the biodiversity and history of Africa, this authoritative work offers insights into the lives, times, and endeavors of 358 collectors. In addition, the authors present analyses of the records that accompanied the collectors’ preserved specimens. Illustrated in color throughout, the book fills a large gap in the current knowledge of the botanical and exploration history of Africa.

Learn everything there is to know about cacti and succulent care in this newly updated, easy-to-use volume! Jam-packed with insight on more than 200 types of succulents and cacti, each plant profile contains gorgeous photography, botanical and common names, must-know advice, and more. Also included are simple, step-by-step instructions on choosing the right plants and helping them thrive, plus tips on how to propagate succulents and cacti, repotting, grooming, and pest control. This updated edition features all new photography, a new garden profile, updates to scientific names of original plants based on current standards, 70 new cacti species, and 20 new succulent species. Author and award-winning researcher Gideon F. Smith previously served as president for the International Organization of Succulent Plant Study and has published over 500 scientific and popular papers on the taxonomy, biology, and evolution of succulent plants.

The genus Aloe is arguably one of Africa’s most iconic and valued plant genera. It is immensely popular among succulent plant collectors and horticulturalists, and is also the source of several commercially used natural products.The aloe names book brings together, for the first time, information on the current taxonomy of each species, the plethora of common names by which aloes are known globally, derivative natural products, as well as hundreds of historical names and the richly descriptive meanings of Latin names used for aloes. Lists of common names, synonyms and aloe-derived products allow quick and easy searching. The text includes an introduction to aloes, comprehensive reference list and colour photographs.The aloe names book is essential for succulent enthusiasts, nurserymen, CITES agencies, and natural resource managers. It will also be useful as a field companion for researchers and natural historians interested in ethnobotany and plant use.

Guide to the Aloes of South Africa is a beautifully illustrated full-colour guide that makes it easy for both the layperson and scientist to identify aloes in the field and in gardens. This updated and expanded third edition reflects the latest scientific findings and includes: Detailed descriptions of all 155 South African species currently recognised by aloe experts, including information on the plant's distinguishing features, flowering period, habitat and distribution, conservation status, the origin of its scientific and common names, as well as general notes on cultivation and traditional uses of the plant. More than 400 colour photographs, showing habitat and growth form, as well as close-up photographs of flowers and leaves. Distribution maps of all the species, as a further aid to identification. An easy-to-use identification system, dividing the aloes into 12 groups based mainly on growth habit. Introductory chapters focus on aloe-like plants; medicinal, cosmetic and tonic use of aloes; conservation, cultivation and propagation; gardening and landscaping with aloes; pests and diseases; and aloe hybrids and modern cultivars.Index to scientific and common names, an illustrated glossary and a list of further reading.