A Numbered Checklist of Trees Shrubs and Noteworthy Lianes Indigenous To Kenya 1970

Abstract

In contrast to the wildlife, the plants of Kenya are relatively unknown to residents and tourists alike. This unfamiliarity is encouraged by the richness and diversity of the flora, which intimidate all but the true botanist. Quite a number of descriptive books have been written on the flora of Kenya (see Section V of the Introduction). However, it is one thing to describe a plant, but quite another actually to identify and name a speci- men in the field from such descriptions. This difficulty can be over- come by means of specimen trees and shrubs numbered so as to correspond with a numerical list. This system originally proposed by M. A. Imbert, formerly of the Kenya Game Department, will facilitate easy labelling by numbered boards of conspicuous specimens along the park routes. The numerical list has been compiled by the Kenya Forest Department in co-operation with the E.A. Herbarium. It is hoped that the adoption of this system will not be confined to the National Parks, but that other public and private authorities such as educational institutions, town and county councils, lodge and hotel keepers, will use this system. We would refer such prospective users to Part III of the Introduction. The Check-list covers indigenous species which are reputed to attain a height of at least two metres (about six feet). In addition, a few other species have been included because of their conspicuousness, ubiquity or particular interest.