Pooley’s Trees of Eastern South Africa

Pooley’s Trees of Eastern South Africa is an authoritative and extensively revised field guide, originally compiled by Elsa Pooley and updated by Richard Boon in this 2010 “Sponsors Edition.” The book spans about 624 pages and describes more than 1,100 woody species — trees, shrubs and climbers — found in the eastern region of South Africa. This edition includes nearly entirely new photography, updated maps and diagnostic keys for identifying species, making it a modern and indispensable reference.

Boon’s revision retains the accessible tone of Pooley’s original work while enhancing it with scientific rigour. Each species account features a descriptive text alongside colour photographs, leaf line drawings, seasonal flower and fruit side-bars, and distribution maps. The guide also includes notes on ecology, uses (such as medicinal or timber), and multiple vernacular names (English, Afrikaans, Zulu, Xhosa, and Tonga), giving readers both breadth and depth of information.

Ideal for botanists, conservationists, field guides, gardeners and nature enthusiasts, this edition of Pooley’s Trees functions both as a practical field companion and as a scholarly work. Its updated content and visual richness make it a critical tool for anyone exploring or studying the rich tree flora of KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Swaziland and beyond. The sponsor edition adds collector value while retaining scientific usability