Vegetation of Southern Africa

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.

Covering all aspects of the ecology and botany of southern African vegetation, this landmark work is a valuable reference guide for researchers and graduate students alike. All major terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems are discussed, as well as the evolution of vegetation patterns and important ecological themes.