KOEKEMOER, M., STEYN, H.M. & BESTER, S.P. 2013. Guide to plant families of southern Africa. Strelitzia 31. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.

This publication can be obtained from the SANBI bookshop in Pretoria: [email protected], tel: +27 12 843 5001; fax: +27 12 804 3211

The aim of this guide is to enable the reader to identify plants to family level. The 52 families are arranged in three main categories: grasses and grass-like plants, monocotyledons (excluding grasses and grass-like plants) and dicotyledons. Within these categories, the families have been sorted into six groups using a combination of common characters (see Key to groups of plant families below). Families within a group are in alphabetical order.

When trying to identify a plant, it is recommended that the reader use the Key to groups of plant families to establish a possible family group. Once the group has been identified, the reader can use the Quick guide to plant families (see below) or page through the relevant group and either read the diagnostic characters of the relevant families or compare the images of members of the families with the unknown plant.

Each family page contains a short introductory paragraph, a section with General information to give an indication of size, growth form and habitat as well as a species-richness map to show the Distribution within the region. The Flagship species (chosen by the authors and guided by availability of information and images) gives more information on a well-known member of the specific family. Notes on the Significance of the family and illustrated diagnostic characters (How to identify) are also included. The section Families with specialised flowers (see below) deals with the six families in which flowers are difficult to interpret.