The Baobabs: Pachycauls of Africa, Madagascar and Australia

• Κύριος συγγραφέας: Wickens, Gerald E. (Συγγραφέας)
• Συγγραφή απο Οργανισμό/Αρχή: SpringerLink (Online service)
• Μορφή: Ηλεκτρονική πηγή Ηλ. βιβλίο
• Γλώσσα: English
• Έκδοση: Dordrecht : Springer Netherlands, 2008.
• Θέματα: Life sciences.; Agriculture.; Forestry.; Trees.; Plant science.; Botany.; Nature conservation.; Agricultural economics.; Life Sciences.; Plant Sciences.; Tree Biology.; Agricultural Economics.; Nature Conservation.

 This is the only comprehensive account of all eight species in the genus Adansonia. It describes the historical background from the late Roman period to the present. It covers the extraordinary variety of economic uses of baobabs, famous trees, folk traditions and mythology, art associations, life cycle, natural history, cultivation, conservation, distribution and ecology, and phytogeography. There are also appendices on vernacular names, gazetteer, economics, nutrition and forest mensuration. This book fills a gap in the botanical literature. It deals with a genus that has fascinated and intrigued scientists and lay persons for centuries. It will appeal to scientists and academics as well as tropical horticulturalists, conservationists and general interest readers. It includes all the available scientific information about each of the eight species, and contains a good deal of original research on the history, ethnobotany and biology of the genus. There is even a chapter devoted to areas where further research is required. 

 Historical Background -- Famous Trees -- Folklore and Tradition -- Food and Fodder -- Human and Veterinary Medicine -- Other Uses of the Baobab -- Art and Iconography -- Baobab Biology -- Natural History -- Conservation -- Cultivation -- Taxonomy -- Distribution and Ecology -- Phytogeography -- Unfinished Business.