Cape floral kingdom - Colin Paterson-Jones

This photographic showcase features the rich and unique wild flowers of the Cape and opens with a portfolio of colourful representatives of the region's floral wealth. The flowers presented are grouped together according to geographical regions, beginning in the north-west near Niewoudtville, then moving southwards towards Cape Town and then eastwards as far as Port Elizabeth. Unique families are included, among them the Proteas, Ericas, Mesembranths, Bruniacea and amaryllas. Following upon the photographic portfolio the author explores this flora, the reasons for its uniqueness and variety and types of vegetation associated with the different areas. He looks at the role that fire plays in generating a range of otherwise dormant species and the effects of rainfall and other climatic factors on the type of flora in each area. Also discussed are the interrelationships between the flowers and other living forms, such as birds, insects and mammals.