Trees and Shrubs of the Okavango Delta -Veronica Roodt

When I picked up the book for the first time I thought "What will I do with a book like this?"

Whilst paging through the book I become aware of a sudden urge in me"I want this book now" I was hooked on this book. It is now one of my favourite books.

Why this sudden change in me?

The book is not about trees and shrubs only but it give the reader much more information that is very interesting to read. On page 15 you find information on the Real Palm Fan tree and when you turn the page over you find extra information on the tapping of Palm Wine and on Basket Ware. This supplement the tree information.

On all the pages there is sketches that enhances the look & feel of the book. It is just done so well that you enjoy the book.You tend to read the extra information first and then the rest.

There is a key on each page of the book on the right hand corner. This refers to the key that you will find on page 12 & 13. This is a effective way of looking at leaves and then turn to the key and find the tree easy.

Veronica Printed the first edition 1998. It is distributed by Briza Publications in Pretoria.

Is the book useful in SA? My experience is that it is useful as it covers most of our trees that we found in the bush veld.

The description of each tree is according to a standard layout as indicated below:

Botanical, English and Local names with a short description of the Latin meanings , which is helpful to understand the botanical name.

A general description is given followed by a grey box that describes the bark, leaves, flowers and the fruit descriptors.

Distribution is then covered and is followed by a description of the wood.

Emphasis is then placed on the nutritional value and medicinal use of the tree. It is done in such a manner that it makes interesting reading matter.

It concludes with a paragraph or two on the superstitions and then closes down with a heading of other.

Each page has drawings done by Veronica that shows the tree from a distance (shape) with branches and seeds and flowers from nearby for identification purposes. These drawings make it readable. It keeps your attention with the text and drawings in a balanced combination.

The most attractive part is all the extras that you find in this book of trees. The text is enhanced with descriptions for eg on page 41 " how do trees grow"On page 104 you will find a short description on "The age of Lead wood Trees"

This type of of short descriptions in boxes make the book very interesting and you tend to start reading the boxes first and then the rest.

The last part of the book gives a list of trees of the Okavango Delta, which is useful if you travel in those parts of the African Continent.

A comprehensive bibliography is available for further research.

Who can use this book?

Every ranger, nature guide and nature enthusiast. Training Institutions should have this book in their library.

This book is not only for people living in Botswana but also for tourists to Botswana. It can be used by the nature "lover" living in SA.