"For any region, understanding historical botanical exploration, plant collection, and preserved specimens is critically important for research and conservation. In this book, Estrela Figueiredo and Gideon F. Smith, both botanists with expertise on the taxonomy of African plants, provide the first thorough and comprehensive account of plant collecting in Angola, a large country in south-tropical Africa. An essential book for anyone concerned with the biodiversity and history of Africa, this authoritative work offers insights on the lives, times, and endeavors of 358 collectors. In addition, the authors present analyses of the records that accompanied the collectors' preserved specimens. Illustrated in color throughout, the result fills a serious void in the current knowledge of the botanical and exploration history of Africa"--

This open access multi-authored book presents a 'state of the science' synthesis of knowledge on the biodiversity of Angola, based on sources in peer-reviewed journals, in books and where appropriate, unpublished official reports. The book identifies Angola as one of the most biologically diverse countries in Africa, but notes that its fauna, flora, habitats and the processes that drive the dynamics of its ecosystems are still very poorly researched and documented. This 'state of the science' synthesis is for the use of all students of Angola's biodiversity, and for those responsible for the planning, development and sustainable management of the country's living resources. The volume brings together the results of expeditions and research undertaken in Angola since the late eighteenth century, with emphasis on work conducted in the four decades since Angola's independence in 1975. The individual chapters have been written by leaders in their fields, and reviewed by peers familiar with the region.

Common Names of Angolan Plants presents an updated and expanded catalogue of several thousand common names recorded for the indigenous and exotic floristic riches of Angola. Separate alphabetical lists of common names and accepted scientific names are provided and reference is made to the synonyms under which they were recorded. Where known, the languages are given throughout. The book provides biodiversity specialists and researchers in a broad spectrum of scientific and other endeavors, linguists, students and other stakeholders with the basic information on the common names of Angolan plants that has been unavailable for a long time. It represents a further critically important step towards assembling the knowledge of the flora of the country into a single, modern, easily accessible and scientifically sound framework.