Trees of Natal, Zululand & Transkei

Trees of Natal, Zululand & Transkei by Elsa Pooley was first published in 1993 by the Natal Flora Publications Trust, and remains a foundational guide to the woody flora of this botanically rich region. The book spans 512 pages, and includes illustrations, line drawings, maps, and a new easy-to-use leaf-identification key. Pooley’s work reflects years of field exploration and her in-depth knowledge of the indigenous trees, making it accessible to both professional botanists and amateur naturalists.

In her guide, Pooley describes over 750 species, giving botanical, ecological and ethnobotanical insights: each entry includes habitat, growth form, flowering/fruiting times and the sometimes surprising uses of species in medicine, timber or local tradition. She presents distribution maps and includes scientific, English, Afrikaans, Zulu, Xhosa and Thonga names, emphasizing both scientific precision and local relevance. The guide’s approachable format encourages readers to identify and appreciate indigenous trees in their natural settings.

This volume has become a staple in southern African botanical literature and is especially valued by conservationists, educators, field guides, landscapers and plant enthusiasts. Trees of Natal, Zululand & Transkei is more than a reference; it is a celebration of the region’s remarkable tree diversity and an invitation to understand and protect it.