A review of the monotypic southern African endemic genus Curtisia Aiton is presented. Detailed studies of the fruit and seed structure provided new evidence in support of a close relationship between the family Curtisiaceae and Comaceae. Comparisons with several other members of the Comales revealed carpological similarities to certain species of Comus s.I., sometimes treated as segregate genera Dendrobenthamia Hutch, and Benthamidia Spach. We also provide information on the history of the assegai tree, Curtisia dentata (Burm.f.) C.A.Sm. and its uses, as well as a formal taxonomic revision, including nomenclature, typification, detailed description and geographical distribution.

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The distribution of major vegetation units or veld types in the Zuurberg National Park, situated on the eastern limits of the Fynbos Biome, is presented. Structural and floristic criteria are used to describe and map five basic units, namely Afromontane Forest, Subtropical Thicket, Mountain Fynbos, Grassy Fynbos and Grassland.

A comprehensive checklist of Sesotho names of both indigenous and exotic food plants is presented, based on a literature survey and the first author's experience. The list includes the scientific names. English common names and parts of the plant that are used. Where possible, the origin or meaning of the Sesotho names is given. Exotic edible plants for which the English common names are in general use have been excluded. The list includes 164 indigenous and 39 names of exotic species.

In the Kingdom of Lesotho, 20 plant species are commonly known as 'Miisa-pelo. The term literally means 'the one who brings back or tums around the heart'. 'Musa-pelo is traditionally used as a sedative and is given as a first aid treatment to bereaved people who are under severe psychological duress or stress. Of the 20 species known as 'Musa-pelo, 17 belong to nine genera of the Fabaceae (Argyrolobium, Crotalaria, Indigofera, Lessertia, Lotononis, Melolobium, Sutherlandia, Tephrosia and Trifolium). The three remaining species namely Cleome monophylla, Heliophila carnosa and Cysticapnos pruinosa, belong to the families Capparaceae, Brassicaceae and Fumariaceae, respectively. In this paper, the concept o f 'Musa-pelo in traditional medicine is explored.