Botanical Society of South Africa KwaZulu-Natal Coastal Branch · Botanical Society of South Africa KwaZulu-Natal Coastal Branch ... Surrounding foliage: the perimeter of the pond

Botanical Society of South Africa KwaZulu-Natal Coastal Branch

Winter /Spring 2016NEWSLETTER Plant Fair August 2016By Janet Longman Photos by Di Higginson Keath

When the Plant Fair committee came together after recov-ering from last year’s event, we debated whether we could

pull it off again. On the plus side, the Sustainable Living Expo organisers were keen for us to join them for the third year, the Durban public had supported us well, and a lot of indigenous plants had found new homes in gardens around the city. Howev-er, our working committee was very small, and some portfolios were without a leader. After much discussion, we took the de-cision to go for one more year, with as little change as possible. Last year’s site manager had to pull out due to business commit-ments, but new manager, Josh Methley, took the whole event in his stride. We prepared well this year and had all the plant labels out in position before a single delivery arrived. The shade house was in place, and the 3rd year horticultural students from the Durban University of Technology with other volunteers helped with plant layout. Once the fencing and marquees arrived on Thursday, we were looking good! Friday was a lovely day; with tills switched on and trolleys, sponsored by Checkers, Spar and Game, ready, we were all set to go. As the Gate opened on the stroke of 9 am, we were rewarded with a stream of customers searching for their special plants. The Alberta magna trees were among the first to go, and some of the more unusual succulents and aloes were in demand. School parties came to visit and collected the ‘Why Plant Indigenous’ educational flyers and free seed to take back to their schools to plant. Our 2016 Indigenous Gardening Handbook, with the Left from top: Rob Jamieson, and Executive Director of BotSoc, Zaitoon Rabaney; DUT students were a great help with the layout.

• Cover Story BotSoc Plant Fair • Talks Botany of a Plate of Biryani Plants in a Changing Climate Amazing China Gardening for Frogs - article• Outings A Garden descending the Kloof Gorge - article Simbithi Eco-Estate July Walk - article• Events Annual General Meeting 2016 Obituary - Chris Reim Memorial Tea BAASA Workshop - article• General Interest Story A Charaxes Butterfly is Born• Summer Flowers Berkheya speciosa Dombeya rotundifolia Polygala virgata• Coastal Diary October - November 2016

CONTENTS - Click on title to navigate to page.

Above from left: A family shopping experience; Plant volunteer, Blessing Majoka, assists an eager gardener; Below: Gazanias and nemesias are the favoured choice for these important future gardeners.

Above: Cheerful colour on a rain-drenched Satur-day. Below: Eye-in-the-sky - a drone captures the Plant Fair layout from above.

theme: ‘Gardening in a Changing Climate’, was a great hit and is still available from the office if you missed getting your copy. Saturday started cool and cloudy, dry in the city at the Plant Fair but raining in the sub-urbs. Numbers were low, but sales steady. We tried something different this year, and had some photos taken by a drone camera; it was very interesting to see the Fair from the sky! Once the sun came out, the nemesias and pelargoniums sold fast, and aloes were very popular as people replaced plants in their dry gardens. A massive storm hit us in the afternoon; good for watering the plants but not for visitors! Dur-ing the night the high wind damaged a gazebo and pulled some of the banners down. The weather was much kinder to us on Sunday, with many visitors, but not enough to make up for the loss of customers the day before. The herbaceous shrubs sold well as people were looking for plants for small gardens. The volun-teers enjoyed themselves, visitors learnt about our in-digenous flora, and local nurseries had an extra outlet for their plants over the weekend. We hope to have made a small surplus to invest in BotSoc projects as well! A big thank you to the dedicated Committee, the Volunteers, the DUT Students, the Sea Scouts and everyone who worked so hard to make it all work.

Ever thought of your plate of food in a botanical scientific way, other than a culinary delight?

That’s what happened at a recent BotSoc Talk/Din-ner where guests sat down to tables decorated with pashminas, fresh vegetables, and Indian Cookery Books. The delicious meal was prepared and cooked by Sarika who served the Biryani and the dessert, Sooji, for us. While we were savouring our meal, Hugh regaled us with the lore and travels of spices, cereals, and vegetables, with their botanical names & accompanied by pictures on the big screen. Here are just a few of the travels & stories.

• Rice has its origins in China (2500 BCE) and can grow in a wide spectrum of climates. It is even cultivated in the Potchefstroom University garden, so why not in the Durban Botanic Gardens?

• Potato, from Peru, was known as edible in the Old World only since the 18th century.

• Lentils (Dhal) which are only known from cultivation, the wild ancestor is extinct, probably the Middle East.

• Saffron travelled from Spain to Iran and Pepper from South India and later cultivated in Indonesia, Brazil & Madagascar.

• Carrots, the orange ones, arose in cultivation in the Netherlands in the 17th century.

• Turmeric and Cardamom (elachi), both of which are related to ginger and are from South India.

• Cinnamon is from India and seen in the Durban Botanic Gardens. Cinnamomum verum reported in John Medley Wood’s Guide to Trees and Shrubs 1897. This tree is one of the Garden’s Centenarians! We

were invited to crush the leaves on the table to smell the cinnamon and were informed that it is the bark that is used for culinary purposes.

• Cumin, or Jeera, travelled from North India to Iran.• Mustard seeds of several species, another North

Indian to eastern Mediterranean species. • Chillies travelled from the Caribbean to Mexico

and were grown in Goa since 1520 – a very interesting history & study in themselves.

• Garlic is possibly a cultigen, but there are 700 species of Allium, “…and they’re difficult.”

• Coriander, or Dhania: its origin is in the Mediterranean countries. The Greeks named this herb after a bedbug (koris) indicating that the leaves smelled unpleasant. Around 1400 BCE, it was a reputable medicine in Egypt.

Apart from the tasty meal accompanied with wine or beer or fruit juice- that of grapes, hops, and fruits - the evening was highly entertain-ing and where we broadened our five senses, namely of taste, smell, touch, sight, and hearing. Let’s hope we can enjoy another cultural meal, another time.

Below: Speaker, Dr Hugh Glen, admires the table set-ting.

Right from top: The attractive table décor was arranged by Di Higginson Keath and sold off by donation to raise funds for the BotEdTrust

Cheers! Guests celebrate their meal after an interesting talk.

Eager guests help themselves to the delicious meal prepared and served by Sarika.

Botany of a Plate of Vegetable Biryani - An Illustrated talk by Dr Hugh Glen

Article and photos by Di Higginson KeathTALKS

TALKSAmazing China

Charles Botha gave another round of this popular talk at the Botanic Gardens in July.

Public demand has ensured that audiences from the North Coast down to the South Coast have helped raise significant funds for the Botanical Education Trust, of which Charles is the Chair-man. Above: Enjoying tea and eats after the talk are Steve Woodhall, Charles and Julia Botha, and Judy Mann. Below from left: A Chinese Opera singer; Chinese public gardens are stunning. China photos: Charles Botha.

An illustrated talk by Charles Botha

Gardening for Frogs

Although garden ponds are critically important to the life cycle of frogs and toads, they do not offer a complete solution; amphibian life is a lot more complex than the provision of a water source suggests with much of adult life spent on dry land. Plus, with such a diversity of amphibian species, there is a corresponding need for a diversity of environs.What habitats should gardens provide? • Water for mating and egg laying• Cool, moist land habitats• Food sources• Protective areas and over-wintering spots. We offer a few pointers:

Ponds: Ponds should be deep and large enough to prevent rapid water heating in summer. Protect water quality by ensuring there is no run-off from fertilised lawns. Build an exit ramp; Toads, for example, often drown during mating season when their combined weight makes climbing out difficult. Baby frogs newly emerging from the water also need an easy exit. Dense foliage – stems of reeds and perennials - act as ladders, but these plants must give access to dry land. Use a variety of plants to provide cover and a place to lay eggs - species like Clicking Stream Frogs lay eggs on moist surfaces like rocks; Platannas deposit eggs on submerged vegetation. Surrounding foliage: the perimeter of the pond - the entire garden, in fact - are as important as the pond itself. Dense cover from ground level gives safe passage to other areas of the garden; a variety of flowers bring in their main food source, insects; nearby trees provide perches from which Tree

Above: Male Tree Frog. Photo: Jeanne Tarrant Below: Painted Reed Frogs tuck into the leaves of a Cyperus species. Photo: Anno Torr

Plants in a Changing Climate

Dr Sershen of the Dept. of Life Sciences, University of KZN, gave a presentation,

‘Plants in a Changing Climate – Promises and Perils’, in April. For more information, please see Di Higginson Keath’s article in the 2016 Plant Fair Handbook.Above: Speaker, Dr Sershen.

An illustrated talk by Dr Sershen Naidoo

An illustrated talk by Dr Jeanne Tarrant & Anno Torr

Photos by Di Higginson Keath

Frogs, Forest Tree Frogs, and even the Painted Reed Frogs, call to their mates. Forest Floor: According to V. Carruthers, a fifth of Southern African frogs live in forest habitats. Of the 14 Rain frogs, for example, 7 are forest dwellers. Forest foliage provides protective cover, thick leaf litter is used protective cover and in which to lay eggs. It offers cool, regulated temperatures, a moist atmosphere, and protection from frost, and winds, and sun that can cause rapid dehydration.

Thickets, shrubberies, long grass, and trees: Many species make use of upper-level perches from where they hunt food, call to potential mates and retreat to in the heat of the day. Species like clicking SF and Painted RF, are often found in patches of long grass, and in multi-stemmed shrubs. Feeding: Frogs eat insects and other invertebrates, so gardening for frogs requires that you garden for insects as well. What does this mean? As frogs utilise both water and land environs, do not poison in any area of the garden. In your shade areas, don’t tidy away the leaf litter. Forest species feed on earthworms, woodlice and soil organisms, and shade-living insects. Others eat insects attracted by sunny area flowers, and creatures hiding beneath rocks and groundcovers. Include a variety of flowers year-round. Protection: In general, habitat loss and water quality are widespread threats. Within gardens, insufficient habitat types push populations out of our garden spaces into more dangerous areas in the search for suitable conditions in which to complete their life cycles. Amphibians rely on a network of water sources that provide the younger frog generations with a place to breed and improves resilience by the mixing genes with other groups. Multiple habitat areas also offer another source of insect food, reducing competition for and stress on resources, and provides some measure of habitat security should a pond close down, as a result of pollution, drought, or an unfriendly gardener. What are the specific garden dangers? Maintenance activities like strimming

(trimming with a weed eater) and too regular and untimely pruning of shrubs and grasses can injure frogs and scare them away. A lack of adequate low-growing shrub cover to provide for safe movement around the garden exposes them to predators. Tidying away their habitats – leaves, dead wood piles – robs them of protection and food sources. Poisons and high fertiliser use can poison them both on land and in the water. Winter protection: a variety of environs will keep frogs and toads tucked up for the winter. Provide evergreen shrubs with dense, low-growing foliage and thick leaf mulch beneath trees and shrubs. Even upturned flower pots can act as frog nests, as will wood/ log piles, stones, dense foliage at the water’s edge, and even compost heaps. Frogs are an important part of the food chain, keeping down populations of many insects, including mosquitos, and in turn, being a food source for birds, snakes, and small mammals like bush pigs. Even some species of spiders eat the tiniest frogs. But, unfortunately, most gardens are not purposefully designed as habitat resources. Overly maintained gardens with wide expanses of lawn and too many exotic plants are tough environments and do not provide the helping hand these amphibians need to thrive and keep the food chain functional. It is not difficult to do; the garden conditions that suit frogs also best suits the butterflies and birds, and the insects on which they all feast. In providing for the needs of a wide variety of animals, your garden will give these most threatened vertebrates a chance to enact their roles as superb predators of our garden pests.

Above: Pickersgill’s Reed Frog. Photo: Sam Phillips Below: Hunting insects food, a tiny frog hides in the petals of a Berkheya speciosa flower.

Far left from top: Floating and edge plants offer protection from predators and hot sun, attract insect food, and enable frogs to exit the water. Photos: Andrea Abbott & Anno Torr

Right from top: An aloe display welcomes visitors to the front door; Chris chats about plants and design; Aphids and a feeding ladybird on the Milkweed plant, Gomphocar-pus physocarpus. Far right from top: Looking into the garden below, visitors take in the steep gradient; An African Monarch butterfly rests on its host plant, Gomphocarpus physocarpus; A winter’s view across the gorge. Photo: Anno Torr

A winter walk on a sunny day in July was another popular and success-ful event for this Branch. Chris Dalzell and Pamela Evans opened

their lovely home for the Botanical Education Trust Fundraiser. Welcom-ing us to the entrance of the home were drifts of yellow flowering Bulbine natalensis, pinky-red Crassula multicava, and robust aloes, A. chabaudii, A. vanbalenii and A. ferox. Descending the wooden pathway was a landscape’s colour palette of blue to purple to shades of orange. Hypoestes aristata (the purple flower Ribbon Bush), Tecomaria capensis (the orange Honeysuckle bush), Barleria obtusa (Bush Violet), blue and white Plumbago auriculata, among other bushy plants in full bloom, attracting butterflies and a whole community of in-sects and bugs to pursue their tasks in their balance with nature. Chris is passionate about plants and ecology and gave inspiring gems of knowledge about the indigenous plants and layout of the garden which he started eight years ago. And what a rewarding steep slope garden it has developed into with meandering manicured paths that belied the gradient. The lovely warm colours of the winter vegetation were seen in the Knipho-fia praecox (Red Hot Pokers), Aloe ferox, and A. arborescens amongst the leafless flowering Erythrina lysistemon (Coral Trees). Chris drew attention to a fruity Gomphocarpus physocarpus (Balloon Cottonbush) infested with yellow aphids attracting pretty little yellow and black ladybirds. Also on show on this larval food plant were the reddish-orange African Monarch butterflies and caterpillars and wasps. A hive of activity but left to nature as nature be. The ascent back to the house was rewarded with a hearty ‘tea’ on the view-ing- deck. Good coffee & tea; quiche, cakes, and social chats. Our grateful thanks to Chris and Pamela for allowing us to have the run of their home and to Chris for his boundless energy conducting the tours throughout the day.

A Garden descending the Kloof Gorge

OUTINGSText and images by Di Higginson Keath

Right from top: View across the damJohan Bodenstein, our guide for the day.The visiting group pauses along a forest path.Above: Swamp Fern, Stenochlaena tenuifolia, climbs a Syzygium cordatum.

A group of BotSoc members visited Simbithi Eco Estate recently; named after the Zulu name for Millettia grandis, umSimbithi, that

occur in the forest. The outing was organised by Johan Bodenstein, the conservationist appointed in 2002 to oversee the rehabilitation of this 650Ha sugar farm into a nature-friendly housing estate. Fortunately, the previous owner had preserved the wetlands and the coastal and swamp forests which have now been extended. A big job has been reha-bilitating the grassland. Grassland needs managing, and various ante-lope have been tried, but it has been decided that the browsing of a few sheep and goats, moved to various parts of the estate, will do the trick. There was some experimenting with different grasses, and they are now actively growing a perennial variety and transplanting it to other areas. Several new species are coming in naturally. Of course, a grassland must have wildflowers, and many came from the site on which West-wood Mall was built. Thousands of Soap Aloe, (A. maculata,) Hypoxis and Gladiolus were harvested, and he grew Berkheya spp. at his home. It is a testament to Johan’s efforts that the ecosystem is now working naturally. For instance, he was very pleased to see a Rawsonia lucida tree, a climax forest species. Proof that the wetland is healthy is that it is home to the critically endangered Pickersgill’s Reed Frog, Hyperolius pickersgilli. The estate won an award for having this rare species thriv-ing here. During a survey of chameleons ten adults and 60 babies were caught on most evenings. As Johan said, from sugar cane to so many chameleons is a success story indeed. Of the many beautiful trees we saw in the forest, a particularly attractive one was an enormous Syzyg-ium cordatum covered in both orchids, and the climbing Swamp Fern (Stenochlaena tenuifolia). We examined leaves that had been stung by a microscopic insect, a psylla. When it lays its egg, chemicals are released that make the leaf cells grow, resulting in a gall. Also admired were the ‘soft engineering’ paths made of Bidum sacking filled with sand, and the anti-erosion Reno mattress (rocks and wire netting on top of sack-ing), in places where storm water could cause damage. Many thanks to Johan and Mike, the estate manager, for a most interesting morning in this beautiful estate.

Simbithi Eco-Estate July Walk

OUTINGS Text by Jill SeldonPhotos by Di Higginson Keath

Annual General Meeting 2016

Speaker, Andrew Zaloumis, founder CEO of the iSiman-galiso Wetland Park Authority, attracted a full house to

this year’s AGM. His talk focused on how places of global importance like iSimangaliso need to be locally relevant, and discussed how the strategy and drive at iSimangaliso is one of ‘rewilding’ - the large-scale restoration of complex natural ecosystems and enrichment of human life through inclusive conservation practices.

Friends and relatives paid tribute to the late Chris Reim at a memorial tea at Pigeon Valley on 25 August. Chris

was a kind person who patiently and with gentle humour taught many people about trees on monthly outings to Pigeon Valley and elsewhere. Martin Clement, Curator of Durban Botanic Gardens, acknowledged the invaluable role Chris had played in identifying and labelling the trees of the Gardens.

Chris Reim Memorial TeaOBITUARY

Below: Martin Clement, Curator of Durban Botanic Gardens, and Chris Reim’s nephew, Laurence Marks. Bottom: Nieces Louise and Gillian, and Laurence Marks. Photos: Di Higginson Keath

Charles Botha, Rob Cross, Molly-Anne Zaloumis, Andrew Zaloumis, and Jean Senogles

Jocelyn Sutherland, Suvarna Parbhoo, and Jean Senogles

Wilber Mahlamvu, Senamile Khumalo, Aluwani Tshiila, and Khethiwe Khumalo

René Glen, Margaret Appleton, and Chris Dalzell

Heather Cairns, Marge Zucchini, and Aluwani Tshiila (back) Jean Senogles, Sandi du Preez, and Janet Levy (front)

EVENTS

The Discovery Room at Durban Botanic Gardens was abuzz with creative en-

ergy at the recent three-day botanical art workshop, hosted by the local branch of the Botanical Artists’ Association of Southern Africa. The workshop attracted participants from all walks of life and throughout the province, from Phinda to Pietermaritzburg, and the Midlands to Munster. The big attrac-tion was the combination of the expertise of the two workshop presenters, internationally renowned botanical artists, Elsa Pooley and Gill Condy. In addition to her recognition as artist and expert on indigenous wild flowers and trees, Elsa devotes much of her time nowadays to botanical tours and producing books. Gill is the resident botanical artist at SANBI in Pretoria, and her work has re-ceived international acclaim. She is the recipient of many awards, and her work has been selected for specialist exhibitions and collections, here and overseas. Although all the participants were interested in art as well as flowers, many had not attempted to draw from live material, let alone attempt watercolour painting, so there was a certain amount of trepidation in the air. The first day provided an introduction to drawing plants, with freestyle sketches to loosen up and get to know the plants selected as subjects for painting. This was followed by discussions on technical aspects such as perspective, light and shade, focus points and placement

of the drawing on the page. Once elements had been demonstrated, there was plenty of time to apply the new skills, with Elsa and Gill circulating throughout the room provid-ing individual guidance. The tranquil botanical gardens provided the ideal setting for lunch outdoors, relaxing after intense concentration, walking off stiff muscles and easing tired eyes. By the second day, everyone had produced their drawings and was ready for the challenge of the third day, painting with watercolours. Although participants were warned not to expect masterpieces after three brief days, there was a great deal of satisfaction with the works-in-progress at the end. There was also renewed appreciation of our flora and the intrica-cies of botanical art as well as enthusiasm to continue drawing and painting, a great endorsement for an enjoyable workshop. Thanks go to Lynne Griffin and Snooks Cole for organising the workshop - and BotSoc for its support.

BAASA Workshop By Kate Grieve

Right top: Sfiso Nhlangulela, who was sponsored by BotSoc to attend the course. Sfiso, and Bernard Chatikobo, another attendee, received art materials donated by Rod Edwards. Far right top: Elsa Pooley assists a student, with Moira van Vloten in the foreground. Right: Gill Condy, seated, assists a student with the drawing of an Erythrina flower. Far right: A student sketches our national flower, Protea cynaroidesPhotos by Snooks Cole

EVENTS

In a natural section of the garden at Bemersyde Court, Morningside a Trichilia dregeana sapling appeared. It is a

common Durban street tree, and the host plant for Charaxes Butterfly larvae which cannot easily be seen as the trees are so tall. As this plant was less than a metre high, it was exciting to follow the development of the caterpillars of White-barred Charaxes (Charaxes brutus natalensis) butterflies in June 2016. Only one empty egg could be found for the four solitary green caterpillars scattered on the plant. They had horns on the head, a small dot on the back and two spikes at the tail end. From one stage to the next the caterpillars shed their skins, horns and all (!) and became a luminous green with a white spot. The horns developed an amazing blue tinge. It is aston-ishing that this creature would become a butterfly that has two tiny dots of blue on each hind wing. At every stage, the camouflage is so good that the green chrysalis stage could still not be found in the surrounding vegetation. We are on the look-out for the robust, strong fly-ing butterflies that will hatch soon after the first spring rains have arrived.

Reference: ‘Familiar South African Butterflies’ by Clive Quickelberge. 1986. Natal Branch of the Wildlife Society of Southern Africa

Left: Charaxes larvae. Photo: Bertha PitoutRight top: Bright underside of White-barred Charaxes. Photo © Andrea AbbottRight: Upperside view of wing, giving rise to the common name. Photo © Steve Woodhall

A Charaxes Butterfly is BornBy Bertha Pitout

GENERAL INTEREST STORY

Berkheya speciosaThis grassland forb is a study in contrasts; large, spiny leaves with wavy margins, and soft, fluffy, egg-yolk yellow petals. Leaves are bright to dark green, hairy above with a white felt-like undersides. Beautiful bright green and maroon buds droop off purple stems; Once open, large yellow daisy-like flowers stand high above the leaves on long, erect stalks providing a quite beautiful display through to February. Growing in sunny, open grasslands, the Prickly Berkheya does enjoy good summer rains.

Text & images: Anno Torr

Dombeya rotundifoliaA shapely, small, deciduous tree, it is hardy, likes dry areas and can withstand frost. The species name relates to the roundish, thick, rough leaves, which feel almost like sandpaper. Large clusters of sweetly scented, snowy-white or occasionally pale pink flowers cover the tree, making it spectacular. One of the first trees to bloom in spring on the Highveld, it looks stunning together with the red blooms of Erythrina lysistemon (Common Coral Tree) or Schotia brachypetala (Weeping Boer-bean). The flowers fade to cinnamon brown and will later act as wings for the ripe spherical fruit which they surround. If you are lucky enough to live in the same area as this plant, its sheer beau-ty will be sufficient to ensure it a place in your garden. The birds will be delighted, whether they are canaries looking for the seed, or Cape White-eyes and Southern Black Tits after all the insect visitors, such as the none moth and one butterfly species using the plant as larval food.

Polygala virgata Polygala means much milk and refers to an old belief that cows browsing on some species produce more milk. An erect, frail shrub with sparse foliage, this species is best planted in groups to create an effect. The species name virgata means twiggy or wand-like, and the long stems carry purple-pink flowers almost all-year-round. These are produced more prolifically when the plants are in sun and carpenter bees love to visit. Evergreen, these plants tolerate moderate frost and seed themselves freely.

Text from Bring Nature back to your Garden Eastern & Northern Edition, by Charles and Julia Botha. Photos by Anno Torr

COASTAL DIARYAttendance at any of our functions is at your own risk and neither the Botanical Society nor this Branch can be held responsible for any injury or loss that may occur. You are required to sign an indemnity form for all outings. Booking for all outings is essential, as arrangements may change at the last minute. Non-members are asked to pay a R20.00 p.p. donation. Unless otherwise stated, please book /enquire /arrange lifts through the BotSoc branch office: email: [email protected]. Tel: 031 201 5111 (Mon & Thurs after 10:00) Cell: 071 8693 693

Contact details of KZN Coastal Branch (www.botsoc-kzn.org.za)KZN Coastal Branch (031 201 5111 Fax. 086 651 8969 * 30544 Mayville 4058

Office hours Mon and Thurs 10:00-16:00 8 [email protected]

Chair Janet Longman (031 7016 895 8 [email protected]

Secretary, membership Sandra Dell (031 4656 179 8 [email protected]

EIAs Wally Menne (082 4442 083 8 [email protected]

Plant Fair, Website Janet Longman (031 7016 895 8 [email protected]

Outings information Volunteer needed

Newsletter Anno Torr (072 6025 610 8 [email protected]

Newsletter sponsored by the

South African Sugar Association

Outing to Kearsney College grasslandSat 15 October 09h00Botha’s HillA 5km loop will take us down into the heart of the conservancy in the valley and back out again. We will pass two small dams along the way and also venture through indigenous forests and plantations. The walk is quite strenuous in places, but well contoured, and we’ll ‘take it easy’. Enjoy magnificent views of the Assagay Valley. The walk will be led by someone from the school. Please bring hat, sunblock and wa-ter, and chair and teas for afterwards. There is no charge for BotSoc members. Directions and meeting place will be sent on booking.

Talk: Coastal land and sea level riseMon 31 October 18h00Durban Botanic Gardens Visitors Centre Illustrated presentation by Dr Andrew Mather, Project Executive: Coastal Policy, eThekwini Municipality. Entrance: R40 for members, R60 non-members, R30 students. Enquiries: Tel: 031 2015111 / 071 8693693 / email: [email protected].

Food for Life Children’s Project Outing - possibly to Stainbank Nature ReserveSat 12 November 10h00-14h00Yellowwood ParkVolunteers are needed to help with this BotSoc-sponsored outing for 50 orphaned children aged 7 – 12, being organised by Food For Life

Children’s Project. This may be the children’s sole visit to a nature reserve. The CREW team will provide the educational component. If you would like to help please contact Kaveesha Naicker on email: [email protected], or Tel: 031 207 6480 / 031 207 6482

Talk: Marine Conservation - A journey of DiscoverySun 13 November 15h00Durban Botanic Gardens Visitors CentreIllustrated presentation by Judy Mann-Lang, Conservation Strategist for SAAMBR. Entrance: as per October talk.

Outing to Mariannhill Landfill ConservancySat 26 November 08h00Mariannhill A morning walk through a restored green belt of forest and grassland having a large variety of indigenous plant species. More than 160 bird species as well as duiker, bush pig, genets and mongoose have been seen here. A large holding nursery stores plants and soil rescued from the landfill development area and propagates material for replanting when required. The walk will be led by Richard Winn, horticultural consultant who manages the rehabilitation project. Bring tea/lunch for afterwards at the boma. Braai facilities are available. Directions and meeting place will be sent on booking.

Volunteer Outings Co-ordinator required:

Tasks: To recommend and book outing venues and leaders, to draw up the itineraries for circulation to members, liaise with people who book on outings, attend or arrange for a volunteer to register attend-ees on the day, and handle indemnity. Preferably to attend BotSoc monthly committee meetings (usually on the 3rd Monday from 5-6pm at Durban Botanic Gardens Curator’s Office) but not essential. A small expense allowance can be given on request. Personal Attributes required: enthusiasm and friendliness. Email facilities and cell phone essential. Please contaact Sandra: Tel: 031 2015111 / 071 8693693 / Email: [email protected]

Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors may not be those of BotSoc.

2016 Plant Fair Handbooks available from BotSoc: Contact Sandra: 031 2015111 / [email protected]