By Alana Bailey

The largest variety of succulent plant species on earth is found in South Africa, namely more than 4 700 different species. They range from giant tree aloes to tiny plants that thrive in diverse habitats under extreme conditions.

A beautiful and fun new publication of Penguin Random House South Africa introduces some of these special plants to young and old.

Vetplant fairies is a collection of verses and illustrations about indigenous succulents that are also fairies. The book is similar to a previous publication, Fynbos fairies. Antjie Krog and Ingrid de Kok are responsible for the verses and Fiona Moodie for the artwork. The plants’ folk names are used, but the scientific names are also included. The book is available in Afrikaans and English and will bring joy to any lover of these special plants.