Lot 7: Goode (Douglas) - CYCADS OF AFRICA

Goode (Douglas) - CYCADS OF AFRICA
315 x 240mm
Book Description: 256pp" Hardcover with d.w.in matching laminated pictorial slipcase. Beautifully colour illustrated" with full-page depictions of the cycads in their natural environment" along with details of the leaflets" cones" seeds and cone-scales; distribution maps. Classic reference. """"Book condition:Fine unread copy. """" This monograph by Douglas Goode is the most complete review of the genus Encephalartos published to date and includes all 50 known species of this distinctively African group as well as the sole living representative of the genus Stangeria. It also includes a single species of Cycas - endemic to Madagascar but introduced to East Africa by Arab traders some centuries ago. Each species account is accompanied by three meticulously detailed full-colour plates"" showing the plant in its natural habitat"" details of leaf and cone-scale structure"" and the diagnostic features of the male and female cones. The comprehensive and up-to-date text focuses on cycads in the wild - not on horticultural specimen plants - and emphasises the desirability of conserving them in their natural environment. There are clear and concise descriptions of each species' habit and habitat"" its stems"" leaves"" cones and seeds"" together with an account of its geographical distribution"" its conservation status and its susceptibility to damage by fire"" mammals"" insects and plant-collectors. Two distribution maps accompany each species account. . Douglas Goode has successfully captured the form"" textures and colours of each cycad in a way that will delight all cycad enthusiasts"" particularly in the case of those groups of closely related species whose members can appear identical at first sight. This book takes the reader to all the habitats where these wonderful plants grow"" and where"" sadly"" some may already have become extinct in the wild"."""""""" The combination of authoritative text and sensitively executed illustrations will ensure that this book is widely acclaimed - not only by professional and amateur botanists and cycad enthusiasts"" but by connoisseurs of Africana and collectors of finely illustrated books."
Very good
Cape Town
Struik Winchester
1989