An illustrated 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 over the last four centuries. Over Kew's 250 year history, Cape plants and their collectors have contributed greatly to the establishment of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew as the pre-eminent centre for botanical research.
Liz Fraser's original botanical illustrations are a wonderful addition to the text, which is further enhanced by archival illustrations and present-day photographs from the Cape. The book has a wide appeal and will be of interest to conservationists, gardeners, botanists, historians, botanical artists, naturalists, and visitors to the Cape.
Liz and Mike Fraser were awarded the prestigious Maloth Medal of the Botanical Society of South Africa in 1996 for their work in promoting conservation of endangered wildlife of the Cape through their publications. Mike is a writer, teacher and ecologist, has written over 150 scientific and popular articles and is editor of Scottish Bird News. Liz (nee McMahon) currently teaches art and design, and paints botanical subjects. In 2004 she was awarded an RHS Silver Gilt medal for her paintings of Flora Capensis.