Figs of Southern & South-Central Africa

"Figs of Southern and South-Central Africa" by John and Sandra Burrows, the well-known husband & wife botanical team which also produced the definitive work on ferns of the region in their "Southern African Ferns and Fern-Allies" (1990), was eleven years in the making. This new authoritative work provides detailed information on the 48 native figs (Ficus) of South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Swaziland, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi. Also included are the commonly cultivated figs which were introduced into the region for economic and ornamental horticulture, and the other members of the Fig family (Moraceae) found in the region, including the cultivated mulberry (Morus), the breadfruit (Artocarpus), and the timber tree which produces iroko lumber (Milicia). A total of 88 species are covered.

John & Sandie have followed their dictum of not writing about a plant without first seeing it growing in habitat. To achieve this goal they have travelled, at their own expense, more than 70 000 km through all the countries of southern Africa, tracking down all but one of the species described in this work. This extensive field experience has provided the insight to help sort out some of the intractable nomenclatural problems with which tree-lovers are faced in this part of Africa. The engaging style in which they represent their observations and information, with an abundance of illustrations, is equally understandable to the layman and valuable to the professional botanist.

Three contributors have written chapters in their own specialist fields. Duncan Butchart provides detailed insight into the role the figs play in the lives of birds, animals and insects; Dr Simon van Noort illuminates the fascinating world of wasps and their involved relationship with figs, while Geoff Nichols covers the cultivation of figs.

Introductory chapters provide a general background to the family Moraceae and figs in the African sub-continent.

Each indigenous species has a distribution map, a detailed black & white illustration by Sandie Burrows, and photographs depicting habitat, bark, leaves and fruit. A key to the indigenous species of figs in southern Africa is provided.