What Flower is That?

Since 1984 when the very first edition of The South African What Flower is That? was published, this book has been the reference of choice for South African gardeners (or aspiring gardeners) in flower identification. Now totally revised and updated by Professor Gideon F Smith, this new fourth edition has finally appeared, 15 years after the death of original author, Professor Kristo Pienaar.

Not only has it been adapted for Southern Africa (and reflected as such in the current title), but the alphabetical arrangement has been rearranged according to family name first, followed by genus, also alphabetically. Naturally, all the latest family delimitations, as well as changes in species name according to current taxonomic studies are featured. Additional common names are included, as well as icons indicating ‘waterwise’ and ‘invasive species’ characteristics. All in all The Southern African What Flower is That?remains a comprehensive and informative reference for anyone who loves to grow garden- and house-plants, but doesn’t always know much about them, or who needs to identify a favourite or a new cultivar.

Approximately 1 600 annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees and vines commonly found in Southern African gardens, parks and roadsides are easily identified by superb full-colour photographs. The accompanying text is brief, but details each plant’s origin, appearance, how, when and where to plant it and even how it can be propagated. Clear informative icons tell the reader at a glance of a plant’s needs, whether it is sun or shade loving and much more.