Gauteng Smallholder July 2016 | Page 46

BOOKSHELF

Additions to your nature library

Here are some newlypublished works that should feature on the bookshelves of any nature-aware smallholder. ❑ The Pocket Guide: Insects of South Africa by Charles Griffiths and Mike Picker covers both common and interesting insects from South Africa, making it possible to identify a wide range of local species. Some 431 insects are featured, many of which we may have spotted in our houses and gardens. Each is described with its key identification features, a colour photograph and distribution map. An illustrated quick reference guide on the inside front and back covers makes it quick and easy to navigate to the right insect group. It is published by Struik Nature and the recommended price is R150. ❑ The third revised edition of Making the most of Indigenous Trees by Fanie and Julye-Ann Venter is now available from Briza

Publications. This valuable guide to indigenous trees should be within reach of every gardener, farmer, naturalist, nurseryman, forester and conservationist – in fact, anyone with a love and appreciation of trees. This edition contains 22 more tree species. The 163 tree species are alphabetically arranged according to the botanical name, illustrated with more than 850 photographs in full colour and discussed in detail. The following information is provided: ❑ An introduction section on tree propagation by seed, cuttings and truncheons. ❑ A detailed species description, diagnostic features, natural distribution and habitat. ❑ The ecological role and utilisation by mammals, birds and insects. ❑ Economic value and use by people, including use in gardens and on the farm, as a source of food for humans
and animals, fibre and medicine. ❑ Properties of the wood and its utilisation by people. ❑ Specific guidelines on propagation and cultivation of each species. ❑ A map indicating the distribution of each species. ❑ More than 850 carefully selected colour photographs complement and illustrate the text. A table on the utilisation of indigenous trees by wildlife, references for further reading and an index to the common and botanical names are included. To order contact the publishers on 012 329-3896.
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