The Color Encyclopedia of Cape Bulbs

The Cape Region, at the southern tip of Africa, is easily among the richest centers for bulbous plants and probably the most famous. Nearly 1200 species of bulbous plants find their home there and almost three-quarters of them occur nowhere else. This first complete account of all the bulbous plants of the Cape Floral Region is an essential aid to the identification of all species presently in cultivation as well as the many others that are potentially valuable horticultural subjects. The book is richly illustrated with high-quality color photographs of more than half the species of Cape bulbs, many of which have never been illustrated before.

Media reviews of this book:

"The horticultural world owes the authors — and the publishers — a great debt of gratitude for this exceptional work."

—Pacific Horticulture, Spring 2003

"Just before leaving for South Africa, I asked a botanist there if I should bring this book. Too late. He considered this such an important volume that he had purchased his copy as soon as it was published. After seeing the book I understood why. It is the definitive volume for anyone interested in this incredibly diverse group of South African geophytes."

—Lytton John Musselman, Plant Science Bulletin, Spring 2004

"The authors have largely succeeded in making accessible this rich flora to the interested horticulturalist in terms that are not too complex or techinical. Highly recommended."

—Paul I. Forster, Plant Systematics and Evolution, November 2003

"I find browsing through this book after a stressful day a most relaxing exercise. Sell your television and buy yourself a copy."

—Rosa Steppanova, Shetland Times, September 19, 2003

"Definitely a reference book for bulb enthusiasts, we strongly recommend it if you are interested in the subject."

—Bloomings Books, September 15, 2003

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Customer reviews of this book:

"Excellent reference book and very well illustrated."

—Annonymous from Cleckheaton, England, June 27, 2007

"Great book! I'm so glad you publish this type of book, for most are very incomplete and have misinformation."

—Frederick C. from Redding, California, July 29, 2005

"A good book that can be used by those with little existing knowledge."

—M. G. from Bloemfontein, South Africa, December 4, 2003

An excerpt from this book:

The Cape Floral Region is a botanical anomaly. Not only does it have more plant species than would be anticipated given its latitude and climate, it is also home to far more bulbous plants than anywhere else in the world. Its flora is in fact so singular in many respects that the region is classified as one of the world's six floral kingdoms. This is truly remarkable given the unusually small area occupied by the Cape Floral Region, only 0.04% of the earth's land surface. The other floral kingdoms, in comparison, occupy all or most of one or more continents. Elsewhere in the world the number of plant species per unit area increases form temperate to tropical latitudes and from arid or semiarid habitats to well-watered ones ...

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