Field guide to the woody plants of Taita hills, Kenya

Abstract

This field guide represents a comprehensive treatment of the 184 woody plant species occurring in the Afromontane cloud forests of Taita Hills, Kenya. The first part contains an introduction to the Taita Hills and Eastern Arc Mountains, a list with endemic plant species, the multiple benefits the forests provide, additional references and a manual to use this guide. The second part contains identification keys that allow the reader to find the correct scientific name based on easy observable leaf characters rather than on more complex flower structures. The third part contains species fact sheets. These sheets are arranged alphabetically by their scientific names and include local vernacular names, diagnostic characteristics, (traditional) uses, photographs and illustrations. The last part contains a glossary of botanical terms and a species index.

Keywords: Afromontane cloud forest, biodiversity hotspot, East Africa, Eastern Arc Mountains, tree identification