The Color Encyclopedia of Cape Bulbs
diana chapman (Tue, 18 Feb 2003 09:01:37 PST)

Hi Alberto:

I was terribly disappointed to see that the genus Oxalis was not included
in the Encyclopedia. I think I know why. The only authoritative text is
"The Genus Oxalis in South Africa" written by T. M. Salter in 1943. I have
it. While the descriptions of the individual species are very helpful with
identification, the key is extremely difficult to use, to the point of
being almost useless. There has been no revision since 1943, probably
because the genus is so huge it would take two lifetimes to even address
it. It is unfortunate that academics tend to bite off manageable topics
for theses or publications, leaving Oxalis out in the cold. I imagine that
the lack of a usable key was one of the reasons Oxalis was excluded.

Diana

[Original Message]
From: Alberto Castillo <ezeizabotgard@hotmail.com>
To: <pbs@lists.ibiblio.org>
Date: 2/18/2003 8:24:46 AM
Subject: [pbs] The Color Encyclopedia of Cape Bulbs

Dear all:
Everybody sounds shocked by the incredible development of PBS in
such a short time. And grateful for all the time and effort that Mary Sue
has put in the endeavor. I have an additional reason for being grateful

for

thanks to her I am the happy owner of a copy of this monumental work, the
Encyclopedia, a mountain of information that will take long to climb!
It was sent as a Christmas gift and arrived yesterday right in time as

due

to the immense rainfall lots of Cape bulbs are sprouting since the

beginning

of February say two months in advance. I have had to hurry repot as many

as

possible before they all sprout. The final count gave 367 species

yesterday

which is not bad (with the substantial help from two Australian friends
(Thanks guys!). Therefore the Encyclopedia will provide great help in
habitat information among many other things. Those botanical keys at the
end, ALL IN ONE SINGLE BOOK are invaluable.
I can not figure why Oxalises have been excluded.
Well, many thanks Mary Sue for both reasons.
Kind regards
Alberto

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