Baja California Plant Field Guide [Paperback]

Norman Roberts (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0960314415 | ISBN-13: 978-0960314416 | Publication Date: September 1989 | Edition: Revised

This is a complete revision of the first botanical field guide on this subject. This revision, like the initial edition , discusses the more common and dominant woody plants, but also annuals that are often seen in Baja California. Over 400 plants are discussed along with 285 color photographs, and nearly 40 more pages of text have been added to bring the total to 256. The chapters on geography, geology, phytogeography, climate, cacti and endemism have considerably more information than the first printing; in addition there is a new chapter concerning coastal wetlands. Each illustrated plant has a description on the facing page assisting even the novice to identify the specimen. The scientific,common and Spanish names are given, as well as information concerning the region of the peninsula where the plant may be found and the habitat in which it thrives. Endemic plants are identified and discussed; there are also brief discussions of the uses of many of the plant! s by both the aborigines and the Baja Californians living there today. Both vegetative and topographical maps are included on the inside covers; There are also four pages of descriptive drawings. Other pages furnish a glossary of botanical terms and Spanish words plus an extensive bibliography of the natural history of Baja California. This comprehensive plant field guide will prove invaluable for both the casual visitor and the serious amateur as well as an excellent text for students. The cardon pictured on the cover may be the tallest ever photographed. It measures over 60 feet or 20 meters and is possibly 400 years old.; it is located in Llano San Pedro approximately 27 miles south of Bahia de los Angeles

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

The author is a biologist, a noted authority and a frequent traveler in the Baja California peninsula for over half a century. He is the author of numerous articles and two books concerning the natural history of the region. He and his Mexican wife Gelin are associated with the San Diego Natural History Museum and often serve as guides to individuals and groups interested in traveling or studying the natural history of peninsular Baja California and the surrounding seas and islands.

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Natural History Pub Co; Revised edition (September 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0960314415
• ISBN-13: 978-0960314416
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #421,655 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Overall, a good book, September 3, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Baja California Plant Field Guide (Paperback)

Overall, "Baja California Plant Field Guide" is a good book for the naturalist. However, its design may not help the begginer since it assumes that the readear has a well developed knowledge in plant morphology. Introductions to Baja California and its bioregions are very good but the section for plant identification may cause some trouble to the naturalist that is trying to identify a new plant species (unless it is a common one). If the book is re-edited it might be good to incorporate a format similar to some bird guides and particularly, newer plant guides.

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent! A must for anyone serious about Baja flora., October 18, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Spokane, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Baja California Plant Field Guide (Paperback)

Beautiful presentation for the novice and expert alike. Excellent photography. Gives botanical names, Spanish and English of plants. The folklore(medicinal) of native plants is also very interesting. Norman Roberts is a true friend of Baja.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very useful field guide to Baja flora!, November 28, 2009

By 

Randy J. Mercurio (Morrisville, NC USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Baja California Plant Field Guide (Paperback)

I agree with the 4 other reviews prior to the date of this one. The very beginning of this book starts with a basic geographic and phytogeographic map with the latter being useful for a quick visual to the region you may be in at any given time while traveling through Baja. The introduction contains information on Physical Geography, Geology, Climate, Regions of Origin, Endemism and Phytogeographic Areas which is broken down into 4 regions (Califronia, Desert, Cape & Coastal Wetlands and Dunes). There is a dicotomous key ot the families, a family list, illustrations of botanical terms, field guide with pictures, glossary (includes spanish words), bibliography and index. The photographs are all color and for the most part are very useful in identification. Each species account has some identifying characters, notes and some uses of the plant including ediblity/preparation. Great addition to any botanists library or anyone interested in the flora of Baja.