Field Guide to Common Trees & Shrubs of East Africa

Book excerpt: Due to its diversity of habitat and climate, East Africa boasts a tremendous natural wealth of flora - indigenous, naturalized and exotic. This second edition of Field Guide to Common Trees & Shrubs of East Africa features more than 400 of the trees, shrubs, palms and mangroves that are commonly found in the region. The book is divided into four parts – trees, shrubs, palms and mangroves – with each part arranged in alphabetical order according to scientific name. The species accounts describe the plants’ habitat, bark, leaves, flowers and fruit, as well as their general and commercial applications and uses in traditional medicine. The text is accompanied by more than 1 200 photographs depicting the species, its fruit, flowers and bark. Glossaries of botanical and medical terms, as well as an Illustrated glossary showing flower parts, leaf shapes and leaf arrangements are provided to clarify the terms used in the book. This invaluable guide will help plant enthusiasts identify prominent species in gardens and parks, along roadsides and in easily accessible parts of the countryside.