Know Them By Their Fruit

Know Them By Their Fruit: A Guide to Identifying South African Trees by A.T. Ankiewicz is a comprehensive and meticulously crafted field guide designed to aid in the identification of South African trees through their fruits. Unlike many traditional guides that rely heavily on leaves, this book takes a distinctive approach by focusing on fruit characteristics, which tend to be more consistent and easier to identify throughout the year.

Drawing on nearly four decades of dedicated research and observation, Ankiewicz presents detailed, carefully rendered illustrations of the fruiting twigs of 381 different tree species native to South Africa. The illustrations are accompanied by coded keys that indicate fruit color and size, helping readers quickly narrow down possibilities during field identification.

The guide includes up-to-date botanical nomenclature along with previous names that reflect taxonomic revisions, as well as commonly used names to ensure accessibility for both scientific and casual users. Each species account is supplemented with valuable information about its natural distribution, preferred habitats, and the timing of its fruiting season, making the book not only a tool for identification but also a source of ecological insight.

It is an essential resource for botanists, ecologists, foresters, conservationists, educators, and nature enthusiasts interested in exploring and understanding South Africa’s rich and diverse arboreal heritage. Whether used in the field or as a reference at home, the guide offers a unique perspective on tree identification, fostering a deeper appreciation for the country’s natural environment.