Flowering plants of the southern Kalahari: a significant contribution to southern African field guides

By Helga van der Merwe, Arid Systems Ecologist, SAEON Arid Lands Node Tweet

The guide illustrates 450 plant species, concentrating on the common and conspicuous species of the southern Kalahari, which also includes parts of Botswana and Namibia

The first edition of Flowering plants of the Kalahari dunes by Noel van Rooyen was published in 2001.

The current revised and expanded edition of the field guide (Flowering plants of the southern Kalahari) encompasses the diversity of flowering plants in the southern Kalahari and highlights the overall natural wealth and importance of this arid region.

Two SAEON research associates, Dr Noel and Prof Gretel van Rooyen, compiled this comprehensive field guide following many years of study and observations in the Kalahari. The guide illustrates 450 plant species, concentrating on the common and conspicuous species of the southern Kalahari, which also includes parts of Botswana and Namibia.

The area covered is divided into five regions – the Kalahari duneveld, Eastern Kalahari bushveld, Western karroid shrubland, Bushmanland grassland and the lower Gariep environs. The aim of the book is to assist in identification of plants by means of colour photographs and a description of each plant species.

Plant species are listed according to growth form, for example trees, shrubs, grasses and herbs (forbs), and then arranged according to either leaf form or flower colour. Besides the scientific name, the English and Afrikaans common names of the plant species are given.

Information on the size, leaf shape, flower colour, fruit type, timing of flowering, habitat preference and distribution of each species is provided. If available, the utilisation and medicinal value are also briefly discussed.

This field guide is guaranteed to enrich the botanical experience of the large numbers of amateur and professional botanists with a love for the Kalahari, a must for anyone interested in the vegetation of southern Africa.

Available from:

Noel & Gretel van Rooyen, 7 St George Street, Lionviham, Somerset West 7130, or send them an Email. 

Vlei lily (Nerina laticoma) (Photo: Shutterstock) Ground squirrel eating a flower in the Kalahari (Photo: Shutterstock)

Northern black bustard (Afrotis afraoides) (Photo: Shutterstock) Quiver tree flower (Photo: Shutterstock)

Flower power in the Kalahari (Photo: Shutterstock)