**Book set with slipcase**
Mr Van Wyk, a graduate of Potchefstroom University, was appointed to the Kruger National Park in 1961. Here his diligent studies have greatly enhanced our knowledge of the flora and his herbarium specimens have enriched the national collections. His energies have, in particular, been devoted to the trees and his careful documentation of their occurrence in the Park and of their distinguishing characters, ecology and reproduction form the basis of this book. Information of general interest is also provided on aspects of economic importance, such as timber quality, value for browsing animals and possible medicinal or other uses.
Every reader, whether layman or botanist, will find something in the text which will interest and fascinate him. The scientific plant names are in accordance with modern views on botanical nomenclature. Over the past twenty years or so a number of name changes have inevitably arisen in the course of taxonomic revisions undertaken for the new Flora of Southern Africa series and for the various Floras dealing with other parts of Africa. Fortunately, two of the most important genera in the Park, Acacia and Combretum, have been subjected to careful taxonomic study throughout their entire range in Africa so that, with these genera, a degree of stability has now been reached.
There is no doubt that the greatest enjoyment in consulting this book, for the serious student as well as for the tree-lover or casual reader, will be derived from the excellent series of colour photographs provided for each species dealt with. Not only has Mr Van Wyk shown himself to be a most competent photographer, choosing his subject to bring out the characteristic growth form of each species, but he has shown considerable patience and perseverance in obtaining diagnostic pictures of the flowers, fruit and bark (a character so often overlooked in botanical studies but important to the practical field observer) of every kind of tree in the Park.
The provision of a key based on vegetative characters, which may be used in conjunction with the illustrations and descriptions, will act as a considerable aid to the correct identification of the trees. Many species are illustrated here for the first time. Some are extremely rare and may not occur along the tourist roads, while many old favourites will be seen from a refreshing new perspective after reading the wealth of information provided. In any event, this book will stimulate a desire to know the trees better and will lead the discerning visitor to a greater appreciation of the vital role they play in their natural habitats, as well as supplying a permanent record of the wealth of beauty with which the Park has been endowed.
--DR L. E. CODD November, 1972 Director: Botanical Research Institute
