Aloes in Southern Africa -

[Harriet]

I picked up this book a while back after seeing the recent trip logs from South Africa (thanks Jenni and Buck!) and getting re-interested in succulents. The authors are Gideon F. Smith and Braam van Wyk. Both of whom are noted plant people.

There is lots of information in the book along with pictures, maps, etc. It has a little of everything from plant structure to ID to how to grow.

Of note is a brief page or two on "Aloe intelligence" and good information on frost and freezing. Both subjects of recent posts here.

If nothing else it has helped expand my aloe wish list. Enjoy!

[Buck Hemenway]

I think that the title is Guide to the Aloes of South Africa. For reference, it is the only book that we took with us to South Africa, both trips. It is spot on re: habitat location and the manner in which the plants are segregated for identification.

[Harriet]

Hmmm... maybe there are two versions. Or a new release with a new title. Sounds like the same book though...

[Buck Hemenway]

My mistake, we bought that one this time there. It is an excellent study on the genus and its close kin. Not as much information about individual species, but a lot of good general knowledge on the genus, including cultural requirements. Same authors, both considered to be among the tops in the succulent field.

[Harriet]

Glad to know I'm not totally loosing it! I'll probably end up with both books!

[Shmuel]

Sounds like a great book(s) and I wish I had access to them to try to ID my aloes.
But"

Of note is a brief page or two on "Aloe intelligence"

Is that how smart the plants are or how to spy on them???

Actually, what is that?

Shmuel

[Harriet]

The "Intelligence" refers to adaptability and plant behavior, some of which can be compared to and associated with animal intelligence and behavior. The brief section discusses aloe's responses to environmental conditions.