Phytomedicines, Herbal Drugs and Plant Poisons
Guide to the aloes of South Africa
Van Wyk, B-E., Smith, G.F. 2014. Briza Publications, Pretoria. Expanded 3rd edition. Briza Publications, Pretoria. (also in Afrikaans) (1st edition 1996, 2nd edition 2004, reprinted 2005, 2007, 2010); Translated into Korean (2010). ISBN 978-1-920217-38-9
376 pages. 552 colour photographs. 155 maps.
Detailed descriptions of all 155 species of South African aloes, with an easy-to-use identification system dividing the aloes into 12 groups. Introductory chapters on aloe-like plants, medicinal, cosmetic and tonic uses of aloes, conservation, cultivation and propagation, gardening and landscaping with aloes, pests and diseases and aloe hybrids. The third edition also includes the latest alternative classification system that has been developed on the basis of DNA evidence.
Culinary Herbs and Spices of the World
Van Wyk, B.-E. (2013). Co-production: Kew Publishers/Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, UK [ISBN-13: 978-1-84246501-1 (cloth)]; University of Chicago Press, USA [ISBN-13: 978-0-226-09166-2 (cloth), ISBN-13: 978-0-226-09183-9 (e-book); Briza Publications, Pretoria (2014) [ISBN 978-1-875093-93-9
320 pages
The first fully illustrated, scientific guide to nearly all commercial herbs and spices in existence. Covering more than 150 species-from black pepper and blackcurrant to white mustard and white ginger-detailing the propagation, cultivation, and culinary uses of each. Introductory chapters capture the essence of culinary traditions, traditional herb and spice mixtures, preservation, presentation, and the chemistry of flavors, and individual entries include the chemical compounds and structures responsible for each spice or herb's characteristic flavor. A global view is given of the most famous use or signature dish for each herb or spice, satisfying the gourmand's curiosity for more information about new dishes from little-known culinary traditions.
African Apiaceae: A synopsis of the Apiaceae/Umbelliferae of sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar
Van Wyk, B.-E., Tilney, P.M., Magee, A.R. (2013).Briza Academic Books, Pretoria. ISBN 978-1-920146-05-4
317 pages. 1650 colour photos and illustrations. 80 maps.
The Apiaceae/Umbelliferae includes many commercially important food plants such as carrots, celery, parsley, coriander, anise, dill, fennel, cumin, etc. In sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar, the family has remained scientifically poorly known despite the critical importance of African species in understanding the early evolutionary history of the family as a whole. This scientific review gives a bird's eye view of the morphological and anatomical diversity of the family in Africa and Madagascar. The book provides an introduction to the structural diversity and gives the correct botanical terminology - especially for the interesting fruits (schizocarps) that are typical of the family. Descriptions and illustrations for all members of the family known from sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar (77 genera and 368 known species) are provided, as well as a key to the genera.
Cut Flowers of the World
Maree, J.,Van Wyk, B-E. (2010). Co-production: Briza Publications, Pretoria; Timber Press, USA. ISBN 978 1 875093 68 7
400 pages. 750 colour photographs.
Desciptions of more than 330 species of cut flowers, foliages and potted flowers, including their history, cultivations, care and handling, quality criteria and properties such as vase life, ethylene sensitivity and fragrance. Introductory chapters on the history of cut flowers, the language of flowers, breeding and propagation, production, marketing, care and handling.
Medicinal Plants of South Africa
Van Wyk, B-E., Van Oudtshoorn, B., Gericke, N. 2009. Briza Publications, Pretoria. (second revised and expanded edition 2009; first published in 1997). ISBN 978-1-875093-37-3
336 pages. 500 colour photographs. 148 distribution maps. Chemical structures of active compounds and marker compounds.
The new edition features all of the best-known and most widely used South African species of medicinal plants and their close relatives. Each of the 150 monographs includes a description of the species (or others that are similarly used), the plant parts used, the medicinal uses, preparation and dosage, active ingredients and pharmacological effects; each entry also includes a distribution map, chemical structures of the main compounds and/or active/marker compounds and key literature references. Introductory chapters on cultural aspects of healing, methods of collection, preparation and administration. The new edition includes all the latest research findings.
Handbuch der giftigen und psychoactiven Pflanzen
Wink, M., Van Wyk, B-E., Wink, C. 2008. Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft, Stuttgart. ISBN 978-3-8047-2425-9
464 pages. 550 colour photographs.
Der Band gibt einen Uberblick uber alle bedeutenden giftigen und bewusstseinsverandernden Pflanzen der Welt. Das Buch umfasst mehr als 1.200 Pflanzen. Mehr als 200 bewusstseinsverandernde und Giftpflanzen werden ausfuhrlich in Kurzmonographien abgehandelt, mit diagnostischen Merkmalen, Herkunfts- und Verbreitungsgebieten, wirksamen Bestandteilen, Toxizitaten, Vergiftungserscheinungen und moglichen Wirkmechanismen. Das kompakte Format und der enzyklopadische Stil erleichtern den schnellen Zugriff auf alle Informationen.
Mind-Altering and Poisonous Plants of the World
Wink, M.,Van Wyk, B-E. 2008. Co-production: Briza Publications, Pretoria; Medpharm Publishers, Germany; Timber Press, USA. ISBN 978-1-875093-71-7 (SA edition); ISBN-13: 978-0-88192-952-2 (USA edition); Korean translation 2014.
464 pages. 550 colour photographs. Chemical structures of toxic and active compounds.
A bird's eye view of all the famous mind-altering and poisonous plants of the world. In-depth treatments of 200 of the most important species and their close relatives, including diagnostic characters, region of origin, history, active ingredients, toxicity, symptoms of intoxication, possible modes of action and first aid treatment. The main classes of toxins and psychoactive compounds are treated in detail, giving chemical structures, distribution in the Plant Kingdom, modes of action and toxicity. A quick guide to 1200 of the best-known poisonous plants, mind-altering plants and fungi is presented, which summarizes the critical information for each species.
Muthi and Myths from the African Bush
Dugmore, H., Van Wyk, B-E. 2008. Marula Books (an imprint of Briza Publications), Pretoria. (Also in Afrikaans: "Muti en Mites uit Afrika").
128 pages. In full colour, richly illustrated.
52 compelling tales about the use of traditional medicine or muthi on the African continent.
Guide to Garden Succulents
Smith, G.F.,Van Wyk, B-E. 2008. Co-production: Briza Publications, Pretoria (ISBN 978-187-5093670) and Timber Press (USA; USA title: The Garden Succulents Primer). ISBN-13: 978-0-88192-954-6
320 pages. 500 colour photographs.
A user-friendly guide to all of the most important succulent plants that are grown in gardens. Descriptions of more than 300 species and their close relatives, arranged by family. Introductory chapters on uses, conservation, cultivation, propagation and gardening with succulents. All the main succulent families are described so that the reader should be able to easily identify the genus and family to which a succulent belongs. A checklist of common names and geographic origins of practically all cultivated succulents is provided.
Food Plants of the World
Van Wyk, B-E. 2005. Briza Publications, Pretoria. ISBN 1 875093 56 7 (Timber Press, USA co-production, ISBN 0-881-927-430). German title: Handbuch der Nahrungspflanzen. Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft, Stuttgart. (480 pages). ISBN 3-8047-2246-6. Korean translation (2010)
480 pages. 1000 colour photographs.
A full colour encyclopedia with descriptions of practically all of the food and flavour plants that are commercially used in various parts of the world. Monographic treatments of 350 species and their close relatives, including the geographical origin, history, cultivation, harvesting, properties and culinary uses. The common name is given in various languages, including German, French, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Malay and others. Introductory chapters on each of the various categories of plant use: cereals, pulses (legumes), nuts and seeds, fruits, vegetables, culinary herbs, sugar plants, beverages, spices and flavourings. A quick guide to more than 800 of the most important and well-known food plants of the world is presented, including for each species the scientific name, common names, family name, region of origin, plant part used and main uses.
Handbuch der Arzneipflanzen
Van Wyk, B-E., Wink, C., Wink M. 2014. WissenschaftlicheVerlagsgesellschaft, Stuttgart. 3rd expanded and updated edition.(1st edition 2003; 2nd edition 2004).ISBN 978-3-8047-3409-8.
520 pages. 1000 colour photographs.
A comprehensive bird's eye view of medicinal plants and their uses. Short introductory chapters on the history of medicine, plant parts used, methods of preparation, uses, quality and safety, mechanisms of actions and the regulation of herbal products. The third edition includes updated monographs for 351 commercialised medicinal plant species.
Medicinal Plants of the World
Van Wyk, B-E., Wink, M. 2004. Briza Publications, Pretoria. (reprinted 2004, 2005, 2007). ISBN 1 875093 44 3.co-productions by Timber Press (USA), WSG/Medpharm (Germany), Times Media (Singapore); Korean translation (2007); Polish translation (2007).
480 pages. 800 colour photographs. Chemical structures of active compounds.
A full colour encyclopedia with descriptions of practically all of the commercially relevant medicinal plants used in various parts of the world. Monographic treatments of 320 species and their close relatives, including the geographical origin, therapeutic category, historical and modern uses, active ingredients and pharmacological effects. The common name is given in various languages, including German, French, Italian, Spanish and Chinese. Introductory chapters on various healing cultures of the world, general concepts, common ailments and their treatment with modern phytomedicines and with traditional remedies, as well as the active compounds and their pharmacological effects. A quick guide and checklist of 900 of the most important and well-known medicinal plants of the world is presented, including for each species the scientific name, common names, family name, region of origin, plant part used and therapeutic category.
Poisonous Plants of South Africa
Van Wyk, B-E., Van Heerden, F.R., Van Oudtshoorn, B. 2002. Briza Publications, Pretoria.(Reprinted 2005). ISBN 1 875093 30 3
288 pages. 450 colour photographs. 135 distribution maps. Chemical structures of active compounds.
A comprehensive guide to the most commonly occurring poisonous plants in South Africa, including introduced garden plants and those responsible for stock losses. Detailed descriptions of 135 species highlighting the type of toxin, the toxicity of the plant, its importance in human and livestock poisoning, the toxic chemical compounds and their pharmacological effects. Introductory chapters on human and animal poisoning in South Africa, first aid treatment, methods of testing for toxicity, extraction and isolation of toxic compounds, and poisonous principles and their effects. Also included are lists of poisonous plants arranged by class of toxin and type of livestock poisoning as well as a glossary of medical terms and comprehensive references.
Photo guide to trees of southern Africa
Van Wyk B., Van Wyk, P., Van Wyk, B-E. 2008. Briza Publications, Pretoria. (second revised edition 2008; first published in 2000 as Photographic guide to trees of southern Africa). (Also in Afrikaans: Fotogids tot die bome van suider-Afrika). ISBN 1 875093 24 9
360 pages. 920 colour photographs. 300 distribution maps.
An identification guide and reference work to 300 of the best-known and most widely used trees of southern Africa, both indigenous and introduced. It includes practically all the species that are used by man for food, beverages, medicine, poison, tans, dyes, clothing, fibre, craftwork, construction material, fuel, as well as in horticulture. The characteristic canopy outline of the tree and the branching pattern is shown as an aid to field identification. An innovated, easy-to-use identification guide is provided. Various aspects are covered in the introductory chapters, including biomes and trees, fruit trees, furniture and craftwork, firewood, medicinal uses, poisonous species, trees and animal interactions, the architechture of trees and the identification of trees.
People's Plants: a guide to useful plants of southern Africa
Van Wyk, B-E., Gericke, N. 2000. Briza Publications, Pretoria.(Reprinted 2003, 2007). ISBN 1 875093 19 2.
351 pages. 530 colour photographs.
The first fully illustrated ethnobotanical handbook for southern Africa. Traditional and contemporary uses of more than 650 plants are described and illustrated in 20 chapters, each dealing with a specific category of plant use: Foods & Drinks: (1) cereals; (2) seeds & nuts; (3) fruits & berries; (4) vegetables; (5) roots, bulbs & tubers; (6) beverages; Health & Beauty: (7) general medicines; (8) tonic plants; (9) mind & mood plants; (10) women's health; (11) wounds, burns & skin conditions; (12) dental care; (13) perfumes & repellents; (14) soap plants & cosmetics; Skills & Crafts: (15) hunting & fishing; (16) dyes & tans; (17) utility timbers; (18) fire-making & firewood; (19) basketry, weaving & ropes; and (20) thatching, mats & brooms. Key references are provided for each of the 20 categories of plant use.
Succulents of South Africa: a guide to the regional diversity
Van Jaarsveld, E., Van Wyk, B-E., Smith, G.F. 2000. Botanical illustrations by Elise Bodley. Tafelberg, Cape Town. ISBN 0 624 03838 6 (Also in Afrikaans: Vetplante van Suid-Afrika: 'n gids tot die streekverskeidenheid). ISBN 0624 03901 3
144 pages. 150 colour photographs. 20 botanical illustrations (plates). 20 maps.
A guide to the succulent plant wealth of 16 geographical regions in South Africa. For each region, a map is provided and the regions (and its subregions) are described in terms of the location, geography, geology, climate, conservation areas, as well as the succulent plant diversity and endemism.
Mesembs of the World: Illustrated guide to a remarkable succulent plant family
Smith, G.F., Chesselet, P., Van Jaarsveld, E., Hartmann, H., Hammer, S., Van Wyk, B-E., Burgoyne, P. Klak, C., Kurzweil, H. 1998. Briza Publications, Pretoria. ISBN 1 875093 13 3.
405 pages. Nearly 700 colour photographs. 123 distribution maps.
A comprehensive guide to all the mesemb genera, with 123 genera arranged in 14 groups for easy identification. Each generic monograph includes a detailed description, common names, distinguishing characters, flowering time, distribution and ecology, cultivation, a list of species, key literature references and illustrations of well-known or commonly cultivated species. A comprehensive key to the genera is provided. The introductory chapters focus on the distribution and ecology, conservation, uses, cultivation and identification of mesembs.
A synopsis of the genus Lotononis
Van Wyk, B-E. 1991. Contributions from the Bolus Herbarium 14. Bolus Herbarium, University of Cape Town. ISBN 0 7992 13187
292 pages, 93 black-and-white illustrations, diagrams and maps, one colour photo.
The genus Lotononis comprises some 150 species, the majority of which are endemic to southern Africa. A comprehensive new infrageneric classification system is proposed, based on cladistic analyses of morphological, anatomical, chemical and chromosome data. A taxonomic treatment is presented, including the nomenclature, synonymy, typification, diagnostic characters and geographical distribution of all 150 species of Lotononis, arranged in 15 sections and 22 subsections. Keys to the sections and species are provided and the diagnostic characters of the species are illustrated. The revision includes several taxonomic and nomenclatural changes.
Book Chapters
Plunkett, G.M., Pimenov, M.G., Reduron, J.-P., Kljuykov, E.V., Lee, B.-Y., Van Wyk, B.-E., Tilney, P.M., Watson, M.F., Ostroumova, T.A., Spalik, K., Henwood, M.J., Webb, C.J., Pu, F.-D., Mithchell, A.D., Muckenstrum, B. "Apiaceae". In: Kubitzki, K. 2014, "The Families and Genera of Vascular Plants", Springer, Berlin. (in press)
Magee, A.R., Manning, J.C., Van Wyk, B.-E, Tilney, P.M. Apiaceae. 2013. In: Manning, J.C. and Goldblatt, P. (eds) Greater Cape Plants I: Core Cape Region. Strelitzia 29, pp. 316-331. National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.
Van Wyk, B.-E. 2005. Tribe Podalyrieae. In: L. Lewis, B. Schrire, B. Mackinder and M. Lock (eds), Legumes of the World, pp. 267-271. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. ISBN 1 900347 80 6
Van Wyk, B.-E. 2005. Tribe Crotalarieae. In: L. Lewis, B. Schrire, B. Mackinder and M. Lock (eds), Legumes of the World, pp. 273-281. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. ISBN 1 900347 80 6
Polhill, R.M., Van Wyk, B.-E. 2005. Tribe Genisteae. In: L. Lewis, B. Schrire, B. Mackinder and M. Lock (eds), Legumes of the World, pp. 283-297. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Van Wyk, B.-E. 2005. Tribe Hypocalypteae. In: L. Lewis, B. Schrire, B. Mackinder and M. Lock (eds), Legumes of the World, pp. 336-337. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. ISBN 1 900347 80 6
Van Wyk, B.-E. 2004. Phyto Nova and Wildland Plants - An approach to HIV/AIDS. In: Martin, V.G. & Muir, A. (eds), Wilderness and Human Communities. The Spirit of the 21 st Century. Proceedings of the 7 th World Wilderness Congress, Port Elizabeth, South Africa (2-8 November 2001), pp. 262-277. Fulchrum Publishing, Golden, Colorado, USA. ISBN 1-55591-866-2
Van Wyk, B.-E., Tilney, P.M. 2003. Apiaceae. In: G. Germishuizen & N.L. Meyer (eds), Plants of southern Africa: an annotated checklist. Strelitzia 14: 123-132. National Botanical Institute, Pretoria. ISBN 1-919795-99-5
Van Wyk, B.-E. 2003. Bolusia. In: G.V. Pope, R.M. Polhill & E.S. Martins (eds), Flora Zambesiaca Vol. 3, part 7, pp. 228-233. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London. ISBN 1 84246 063 3
Geldenhuys, C.J. & Van Wyk, B.-E. 2002. Indigenous biological resources of Africa. In: Baijnath, H. & Singh, Y. (eds). Rebirth of Science in Africa. A Shared Vision for Life and Environmental Sciences, pp. 116-132. Umdaus Press, Pretoria. ISBN 1-919766-23-5
Van Wyk, B.-E. 2000. Apiaceae (Umbelliferae). In: Leistner, O.A. (ed.), Seed plants of southern Africa: families and genera. Strelitzia 10, pp. 62-71. National Botanical Institute, Pretoria. ISBN 1-919795-51-0
Chesselet, P., Smith, G.F., Burgoyne, P.M., Klak, C., Hammer, S.A., Hartmann, H.E.K., Kurzweil, H., Van Jaarsveld, E.J., Van Wyk, B.-E., Leistner, O.A. 2000. Mesembryanthemaceae. In: Leistner, O.A. (ed.), Seed plants of southern Africa: families and genera. Strelitzia 10, pp. 360-410. National Botanical Institute, Pretoria. ISBN 1-919795-51-0
Crisp, M.D., Gilmore, S., Van Wyk, B.-E. 2000. Molecular phylogeny of the Genistoid tribes of papilionoid legumes. In: Herendeen, P.S. & Bruneau, A. 2000 (eds), Advances in Legume Systematics Vol. 9, pp. 249-276. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. ISBN 1 84246 017 X
Smith, G.F. & Van Wyk, B.-E. 1998. Asphodelaceae. In: Kubitzki, K. (ed.). The Families and Genera of Vascular Plants. III. Flowering Plants. Monocotyledons: Lilianae (except Orchidaceae), pp. 130-140. Springer-Verlag, Berlin. ISBN 3-540-64060-6
Van Wyk, B.-E. & Schutte, A. L. 1995. Phylogenetic relationships in the tribes Podalyrieae, Liparieae and Crotalarieae. In: M. Crisp & J.J. Doyle (eds). Advances in Legume Systematics 7: Phylogeny, pp. 283-308. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. ISBN 0 947643 79 6
Van Wyk, B.-E. 1991. A review of the tribe Crotalarieae (Fabaceae). Contributions from the Bolus Herbarium 13, pp. 265-288. ISBN 0799213020