FLOWERING PLANTS OF SOUTH AFRICA 



PREFACE 



The cultivation of South African plants in Europe dates 

 back to early times. 



Indeed, it may safely be assumed that it was in vogue 

 soon after the Dutch settlement at the Cape, for Holland 

 during the 16th and 17th centuries held first place in 

 European horticulture. Her cities even vied with one 

 another in the establishment of gardens of exotic plants, 

 many of which came from the Cape. 



These treasures created such interest and attracted such 

 attention that Cape plants soon became the fashion and object 

 of envy throughout Europe. Collectors were specially 

 despatched to these shores for the purpose of hunting out and 

 securing their botanical wealth. 



Evidence also is not lacking that the cultivation of indi- 

 genous plants was carried out at the Cape prior to 1700. 



Be this as it may, little remains to-day in South Africa to 

 do credit to the past preservation and cultivation of our 

 native flora. 



In recent years, however, considerable interest has again 

 sprung up in this direction; in fact, it is rapidly becoming 

 fashionable to have a rockery of aloes, vijgies, and other 

 succulents as one of the chief adjuncts to the garden. 



Apart from these — perhaps better-known plants — there are 

 many beautiful flowing herbs, shrubs and trees of the veld, 

 which might with advantage be grown in our gardens and 

 around our homes. 



It is with the object of bringing these gems of nature to 

 the notice of the public that this publication is offered. 



A work of this kind is of necessity a costly undertaking, and 

 its future existence and ultimate success will depend largely 

 on the support which it receives at the hands of the public. 



The publication of the present volume has only been made 

 possible through the interest and keenness of a South African 

 lady, whose love for her country and its natural beauties has 

 been the means of procuring the necessary funds for the 

 initiation of the work. 



B 



