Flore du Gabon volume 57: Boraginaceae, Buxaceae, Cactaceae, Centroplacaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Putranjivaceae

Each volume of the Flore du Gabon provides an essential tool for reliable identification of the taxa covered. Its editorial team make sure that the identification keys are simple and straightforward, that the descriptions have their diagnostic features highlighted in bold type, and clear illustrations. As such, it hopes to assist researchers, foresters, conservationists, amateur botanists and policy makers alike and to contribute to the survival of Gabon’s unique biodiversity.

The Flore du Gabon series provides access to the information on the great botanical wealth of this central African country, reputedly harbouring the richest lowland rain forest in Africa. With 12.5% of all plant species being endemic to the country and some 85% of its surface being covered with a highly diverse lowland rain forest, Gabon is a botanical paradise and hotspot. Over 10% of its surface is under protection, which renders this country a Mecca for conservationists, ecotourism and scientists. For an effective conservation management, but also to support a wise and sustainable use of this unique diversity, it is essential to be able to simply identify the plants that play such an important role, be it as food for gorillas, birds, etc., as medicine, nutrition or timber, or just as one of these essential elements of the ecological network.