Sketches of the botany of South Africa

Abstract

This paper, "Sketches of the Botany of South Africa" by Mr J. Bowen, aims to guide individuals toward studying the indigenous flora of the Cape by providing a list of species that typically flower during the summer months: December, January, February, and March. Bowen notes the difficulty of selecting a concise list due to the immense floral diversity of the region, emphasising the need to document general floral changes and global affinities (e.g., the Amaryllideae, which connects African, South American, and Asian species).

The author highlights that prevailing summer droughts cause the lower-ground vegetation to suffer, while the mountain productions flourish. The text provides a systematic list, organised by plant family (e.g., Polygalaceae, Leguminosae, Ericaceae), detailing genera and species with their scientific and common names (where possible). Bowen specifically draws attention to the dangers of imprecise local names and urges the use of more consistent indigenous names. He also includes notes on the domestic and medicinal uses of some plants, such as Cyclopia (a restorative tea) and Bryonia (an emetic/purgative).