People’s Plants

People’s Plants is a scientific review of the most important useful plants of
southern Africa and remains the first and only fully illustrated ethnobotanical
reference source for the region. This fully updated and expanded second
edition describes traditional and contemporary uses of more than 700 plants
across 20 comprehensive chapters, each addressing specific categories of plant
use.

The book covers food and drink (cereals, seeds, fruits, vegetables, beverages),
health and beauty (medicines, tonics, cosmetics, dental care), and skills and
crafts (hunting tools, dyes, timbers, basketry, thatching). Plants and plantderived
products of special cultural or commercial significance are highlighted,
supported by nearly 900 excellent photographs showing plants, products and
traditional usage methods.

Numerous original anecdotes enrich the scientific content, whilst key
references provide pathways for further research. This fascinating resource
is essential for anyone interested in useful plants, new crop development,
medicinal plants, product innovation, ecotourism, rural development,
traditional crafts, African culture, ethnobotany and botany. The authors
champion developing exceptional quality products from indigenous plants to
benefit regional and global markets through sustainable eco-entrepreneurship.