Vegetation of Southern Africa

Comprehensive illustrated guide to plant science and ecology of southern African vegetation.

R. M. Cowling (Edited by), D. M. Richardson (Edited by), S. M. Pierce (Edited by), B. J. Huntley (Foreword by)

9780521548014, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 1 April 2004

652 pages, 257 b/w illus. 106 tables
24.5 x 19 x 3.5 cm, 1.17 kg

'Experts and teachers interested in the overall pattern and problems of the biosphere will welcome the first section. … Everyone will find some particular details that to date have not been treated in average textbooks of geography. … Botanics will be pleased by the well-documented pattern of five phytogeographical regions …' Folia geobotanica

This impressive work is the first comprehensive account of the vegetation of southern Africa. The region contains a remarkable juxtaposition of different ecosystems, yet it forms a cohesive ecological unit with exceptionally high endemism. The book is divided into three major parts: Part I provides the physiographic, climatic, biogeographic and historical background essential for understanding contemporary vegetation patterns and processes. Part II includes systematic descriptions of the characteristics and determinants of major vegetation units (the major terrestrial biomes, coastal vegetation, freshwater wetlands and marine vegetation). Part III elaborates on selected ecological themes of particular importance including grazing, fire, alien plant invasions, conservation and human use of plants. These are discussed in the context of prevailing paradigms in the international literature.

Foreword B. J. Huntley
Preface
Contributors
Part. Physiography and History: Introduction
1. Evolution of landscapes T. C. Partridge
2. Climate R. E. Schulze
3. Phytogeography, flora and endemism R. M. Cowling, and C. Hilton-Taylor
4. Vegetation history L. Scott, H. M. Anderson, and J. M. Anderson
Part II. Biomes: Introduction
5. Categorization of biomes M. C. Rutherford
6. Fynbos R. M. Cowling, D. M. Richardson, and P. J. Mustart
7. Succulent karoo S. J. Milton, R. I. Yeaton, W. R. J. Dean, and J. H. J. Vlok
8. Nama-karoo A. R. Palmer, and M. T. Hoffman
9. Desert N. Jürgens, A. Günster, M. K. Seely, and K. M. Jacobson
10. Grassland T. G. O'Connor, and G. J. Bredenkamp
11. Savanna R. J. Scholes
12. Forest J. J. Midgley, R. M. Cowling, A. H. W. Seydack, and G. F. Van Wyk
13. Coastal vegetation R. A. Lubke, A. M. Avis, T. D. Steinke, and C. Boucher
14. Freshwater wetlands K. H. Rogers
15. Marine vegetation J. J. Bolton and R. J. Anderson
Part III. Ecological Themes: Introduction
16. Plant form and function W. D. Stock, N. Allsopp, F. van der Heyden, and E. T. F. Witkowski
17. Herbivory N. Owen-Smith, and J. E. Danckwerts
18. Fire W. J. Bond
19. Species diversity at the regional scale R. M. Cowling, D. M. Richardson, R. E. Schulze, M. T. Hoffman, J. J. Midgley, and C. Hilton-Taylor
20. Human use of plants A. B. Cunningham, and G. W. Davis
21. Human impacts on vegetation M. T. Hoffman
22. Alien plant invasions D. M. Richardson, I. A. W. Macdonald, J. H. Hoffmann, and L. Henderson
23. Conservation A. G. Rebelo
Glossary
Index.

Subject Areas: Plant ecology [PSTS], Ecological science, the Biosphere [PSAF]