By William Henry Harvey
1868
Second Edition.

A comprehensive catalogue of the plant genera found in South Africa, first published in 1868 and later reissued. This seminal work, based on the collections made by Harvey and other botanical collectors, describes the various plant genera in the region, contributing significantly to the understanding and classification of South African flora.

William Henry Harvey, FRS FLS (5 February 1811 – 15 May 1866) was an Irish botanist and phycologist who specialised in algae.

In 1835 Harvey went to South Africa aboard the vessel "Carnatic", with his brother Joseph, who had been mistakenly nominated as colonial treasurer by Thomas Spring Rice instead of William. When Joseph's health failed in the following year, William took over his duties. They left for Britain together on 14 April 1836 and Joseph died on the voyage.

Back in Cape Town, and now officially treasurer-general, William took up residence at Bishop's Court, rising before dawn every day, collecting in the mountains or sea-shore, and working on the plants at night. In March 1837 he wrote: 'I have taken so many excursions lately that I almost fear I shall earn the sobriquet of Her Majesty's pleasurer general'. In the same year he enlisted the services of botanical collector Karl Zeyher, who was in Uitenhage, to collect specimens. He developed a close friendship with Baron von Ludwig who had started his famous gardens in Cape Town, and dedicated his Genera of South African Plants to him.

Lacking additional leaf p.356 order musaceae.

Scattered foxing.
Custom made slipcase.
160mm x 235mm

R2,000