Wild Flowers Of The Eastern Cape Province

Wild Flowers of the Eastern Cape Province by Auriol Batten and Hertha Bokelmann is a landmark 1966 publication that brings to life the remarkable botanical diversity of South Africa's Eastern Cape. Published by Books of Africa in Cape Town, this large-format hardcover volume spans 192 pages and is richly illustrated with over 100 full-colour plates by Auriol Batten, one of the country's most celebrated botanical artists.

The book presents detailed descriptions of more than 600 indigenous plant species found across the varied terrain of the Eastern Cape, including grasslands, forests, mountains, and coastal areas. Each entry includes clear botanical observations alongside notes on habitat, flowering period, and distribution, making it a valuable reference for botanists and nature enthusiasts alike. The illustrations are faithfully reproduced from Batten's original watercolours, each opposite the corresponding text, allowing for easy visual identification and appreciation of the plants' intricate forms and colours.

More than a field guide, this volume is a testament to the beauty and scientific richness of the region's flora. It reflects a deep respect for the natural world and serves as both a work of scholarship and an artistic achievement. The collaboration between Batten and Bokelmann captures not only botanical detail but the essence of a unique and ecologically significant part of South Africa.

This first edition remains a highly regarded reference in botanical literature and a collector's treasure in the field of Africana, botany, and natural history art.