The Smallest Kingdom
Plants and Plant Collectors at the Cape of Good Hope
The Smallest Kingdom is a beautifully illustrated and lively account of the botanical exploration of South Africa’s Cape Floral Kingdom and the plants that this region has given to the gardens of the world. The Cape is the ancestral home of, for example, pelargoniums ('geraniums'), freesia, gladioli and agapanthus. The discovery and development of these and many more are described in the book.
Over Kew’s 250 year history, Cape plants and their collectors have contributed greatly to the Royal Botanic Gardens success and reputation.
The book is illustrated throughout with full colour botanical paintings, historical illustrations, and contemporary photographs. The Smallest Kingdom will appeal to gardeners, botanists, historians, botanical artists, naturalists, and visitors to the Cape.
Mike and Liz Fraser lived at the Cape for 12 years, spending much of their time immersed in its wonderful landscapes and wildlife. They were awarded the prestigious Marloth Medal of the Botanical Society of South Africa for promoting the conservation of the region’s unique and spectacular flora through their best-selling books "A Fynbos Year" and "Between Two Shores".
Specifications
220pp. 280 x 238mm. 100+ full colour botanical paintings; numerous historical illustrations and contemporary photographs. Hardback. £25 from Kewbooks.
ISBN: 9781842463895 - Kew Publishing 2011 Kewbooks.com
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