Natural ecosystems of tropical Africa have a

remarkably rich grass diversity which provides food

for livestock and wild herbivores, as well as being of

immense practical value to people. These grasses

also play a vital ecological role in helping to prevent

soil erosion.

Grasses are quite difficult to identify in the field and

some groups such as Eragrostis have many species

that are difficult to differentiate. This book seeks

to provide practical information to facilitate the

recognition of the different species. It is intended

to meet the requirements of scientists, nature conservationists,

students and technicians involved in

environmental and agricultural studies such as botany,

ecology and agronomy. It aims also to serve as a

reference work for farmers with an interest in range

and wildlife management who need to be able to

identify Eragrostis species. Finally, it aims to contribute

to the knowledge of the plant diversity of

African tropical ecosystems.

Keay features of the book include:

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Ecology and economic importance of Eragrostis

species.

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Description of the main biomes of Zimbabwe.

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Authoritative descriptive accounts high-lighting the

most important characters for species identification

in the field.

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Drawings highlighting the characteristic form of

growing parts of the various species, facilitating their

identification.

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Distribution of each species.

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Up-to-date distribution maps showing the range

of each species in Zimbabwe.

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Ecology and habitat preferences of each species.

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Uses of each species in Zimbabwe as well as

in other African and/or tropical countries.