Gasterias of South Africa-A Book Review

The written information for each species tells you who and when the plant was discovered and often why a particular name was assigned it. A detailed description is given that requires frequent reference to the glossary. If desired, a plant collector could follow the distribution information to locate colonies of each species in the wild. Distinctive characteristics are identified to make it easier to tell which species you have and any known cultivars of the particular species are listed. The section on vouchers is, for the amateur reader, a distinct weakness in the book. I assume a botanist understands this but it would have been nice if a brief explanation of what the names and numbers mean had been given for the hobbyist.

The book includes several appendixes. The ones I found most valuable for me as a hobbyist are the one discussing cultural uses and native names for Gasterias, the list of synonyms and, of course, the glossary. I believe this book should be in the library of everyone collecting Gasterias. This is one of the few plant families where it may be possible for a collector to actually acquire a specimen of each species. That could be a lifetime goal for a hobbyist!

Order your copy of this book at Timber Press.

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