Africa’s rattans are the basis for many rural crafts and economies and urban based industries, and have the potential to become a major crop on the world markets as a non-timber forest crop. Written for the worker in the field, whether scientist, forester or farmer, Field Guide to the Rattans of Africa is a simple easy to use guide to all 22 species found in Africa, their ecology and distribution, and their sustainable management.

Species descriptions are based largely on leaf and stem characteristics – not flowers and fruits – and are extensively illustrated with more than 120 colour photographs, meticulous line drawings and distribution maps.

Colloquial, vernacular and common names are included, with notes on local uses, trade and conservation status. And to aid the botanist collecting specimens, some very practical advice on handling plants for the herbaria is included.