Botany: Starting out

Haemanthus, a genus of 25 attractive bulbous plant species endemic to southern Africa, is a member of the sub-Saharan and Arabian Peninsula Haemantheae, the only tribe in Amaryllidaceae with baccate fruits. Haemanthus has a brush-type inflorescence of many small flowers surrounded by several large spathe bracts. This account provides a phylogeny-based subgeneric classification and two subgenera are recognised: Haemanthus, endemic to the winter-rainfall region, includes 18 species of hysteranthous-leaved plants with pink or red flowers; and Serena, restricted to regions of summer or nonseasonal rain, encompasses seven species of synanthous- or near synanthous-leaved plants with white or pink flowers.

Reptiles across South Africa, Eswatini, and Lesotho face increasing threats to their survival, including habitat loss, climate change, and exploitation for the pet trade. However, amidst these challenges, there is a growing recognition of the importance of conservation efforts to protect these invaluable species. A team of herpetologists, including Krystal Tolley from the South African National Biodiversity Institute and Graham Alexander from the University of the Witwatersrand, have collaborated on this book, Conservation Status of the Reptiles of South Africa, Eswatini, and Lesotho. Published as part of the Suricata series, this comprehensive publication delves into the conservation status of all 401 indigenous terrestrial reptiles in the region. The authors estimate that the proportion of species threatened with extinction in this region has almost doubled since 1990, underscoring the evolving challenges faced by these animals. Of particular note is the decline of the lizard Scelotes inornatus over the last 50 years, emphasising the importance of timely conservation interventions.

Forged by unique geological and climatological processes, the Pondoland Centre of Endemism is a botanical hotspot on the South African shores of the Indian Ocean. Many plants occupy specialised ecological niches in the gorges and grasslands along the Pondoland coast – often occurring in only one or two ravines. Readers are introduced to the natural history of Pondoland and illustrated descriptions of approximately 170 species that are endemic to the area and/or are of conservation concern. The species accounts presented here will complement existing field guides for adjacent regions. It is hoped that knowledge of these botanical treasures will instil a deep appreciation for this exceptional, yet highly threatened, region and highlight its conservation importance.

Demystifying Orchid Pollination explores the fascinating natural history of orchids and the extraordinary means by which they reproduce. Author Adam P. Karremans reveals their hidden secrets, from the cruel obsession of sexual deception to sweet rewards and highlights the key role of pollinators such as bees, flies, moths and butterflies in securing the survival of these delicate plants. The book navigates the colourful factoids that most of us hold true about orchid reproduction and places them in the light of past and present scientific knowledge, showcasing their flowers as an evolutionary model with an intrinsic mystical element. It celebrates biodiversity while stressing the importance of further ecological studies and at the same time advocating for increased conservation efforts and conscientious research and development.

Volume 3 includes family chapters dealing with 51 of the 108 families of flies that occur in the region and covers the Brachycera: Cyclorrhapha, excluding Calyptratae (sometimes termed the higher Diptera). Each chapter includes a diagnosis of the family, sections dealing with biology and immature stages, classification and identification, an identification key to genera (if more than one) and a synopsis of the fauna section, arranged genus by genus alphabetically.

This guide describes the diversity of insects that are well known for their shrill song on hot summer days, but which are so skilfully concealed, that they are often only seen when disturbed, or after a careful and surreptitious search. This book is an identification aid to all those admirable specialists and dedicated amateur workers and volunteers in museums, those active in conservation, ecological impact studies, data-basing and other vital biodiversity and environmental studies. It can also be of assistance to teachers and lecturers in natural sciences, and the guides in our diverse national parks, nature reserves, botanical gardens and other conservation areas.