Grasses were the first plants to be cultivated by man for food and are still the most important food crop. Grass also plays a vital role in the ecology in terms of food for animals and protecting the soil from erosion.

Guide to Grasses of Southern Africa is the only full color guide to the common grasses of southern Africa and includes descriptions of the 320 most important grasses in southern Africa.

Other features are: an easy-to-use grass identification key, more than 1000 excellent color photographs and a series of icons that enable the reader to obtain key information at a glance.

FRITS VAN OUDTSHOORN grew up on a farm near Vivo in the Limpopo province of South Africa, where he developed a keen interest in the natural environment. He holds a Masters degree in Nature Consevation, specializing in Ecological Restoration. He is currently running an ecological consultancy company, Bushveld Eco Services, which specializes in ecological assessments and ecological and agricultural training.