paper, 136 pp., $13.95
Semi-arid South Africa, home to 47 percent of the world’s succulents, has one of the most diverse collections of such flora in the world. The ability of these plants to store water in their leaves, stems, or roots is their common characteristic. The different forms of succulents are displayed in the introduction to a directory containing more than 240 of the most interesting, commonly encountered succulents in the region. Listed by botanical name and identified with color photographs, each species contains a descriptive text and a map showing distribution of habitat. Written by prominent botanists in South Africa, this guide is a boon for naturalists, visitors to South Africa, and all gardeners who are charmed by the exotic beauty of succulents.
— Marilyn K. Alaimo, garden writer and volunteer, Chicago Botanic Garden