The mission of the South African National Biodiversity Institute is to champion the exploration, conservation,
sustainable use, appreciation and enjoyment of South Africa's exceptionally rich biodiversity for all people.
1.
Garden News
o Hooray it’s spring! Let’s celebrate nature
o It’s a summertime dream for the Black Eagles
o Garden development update
2.
Biodiversity Features
o Plant Feature: Starry wild jasmine (Jasminum multipartitum)
o Animal Feature: Flap-necked chameleon (Chamaeleo dilepis)
3.
In the Garden
o Eagle's Fare Restaurant
o Our Nursery at the Garden
o Imbizo Training Centre
4.
Events
o
o
o
Old Mutual Music in the Garden—Mafikizolo
Free yoga class
Events Diary
5.
Botanical Society Events (Bankenveld Branch)
o Join the Botanical Society now and attend one event for FREE
o Clivia & Spring Flower Walk
o Art in the Garden
6.
SANBI Bookshop
o Hot off the press
7.
Useful links and General Information
Hooray it’s spring! Let’s celebrate nature
Join
us on
After the mild winter we had, spring is here at last and new life is starting to abound—
plants are starting to flower and insects and animals are getting active after long winter
dormancy. This is a perfect time to celebrate nature and there is no better way to
welcome spring than to celebrate the annual Arbour Week which takes place during the
first week of September. This is a national celebration aimed at raising awareness about
the value and importance of trees and many school groups will be hosted by the Garden
during this period.
In South Africa, Arbour Day was first celebrated in 1983 and in 1999 the celebration of
Arbour Day was extended to National Arbour Week. The following trees have been
declared Trees of the Year for 2013: Virgilia oroboides (Blossom tree, Keurboom);
Grewia occidentalis (Cross-berry, Kruisbessie) and Barringtonia racemosa (Powder-puff
Tree, Poeierkwas-boom).
A PDF copy of the Trees of the Year 2013 poster is available from the SANBI website,
as well as from www.briza.co.za
It’s a summertime dream for the Black Eagles
In June our beloved Black Eagles experienced a sad setback when
both eggs that were laid, failed to hatch. It is not the first time these
birds have experienced a situation like this though, as the same
occurred in the 1990’s and in 2000. This year it became a huge
concern because both eagles are now in their 50’s.
Luckily their luck turned and less than three months later they
managed to lay another set of eggs. The first egg was laid on 14
August and the second on 17 August. This is good news, although
the hot summer weather can pose a challenge because breeding
usually takes place in winter with the eggs hatching in mid-May. The
latest batch of eggs, after a 45-day incubation period, will only hatch
at the beginning of October. But these birds are very adaptable and
all this will not hinder them from producing another generation in
summer. Follow us on Facebook for updates.
(back to top)
Garden development update
A lot has been happening in the Garden lately. The construction of
the new exciting outdoor Green Gym is in progress. It may not be the
first of its kind, but it certainly fits in perfectly with the Garden
environment. In our 2012 visitors survey it showed that almost 25% of
our visitors use the Garden for exercising, hiking and walks. It is a
joint venture between the Garden and Outdoor Green Gym, a
company that develops innovative exercising equipment for outdoor
use.
Visitors to the Garden will also note that many pathways, especially
in the Bushveld Section along the river, and the Biodiversity Garden,
are under construction. Newly constructed pathways will provide
accessibility for visitors with disabilities. The completion of the project
is intended for the end of October and we hereby extend an apology
for the inconvenience.
(back to top)
Plant Feature: Starry wild jasmine (Jasminum multipartitum)
Jasminum multipartitum is an evergreen climber with dark green,
shiny leaves. It produces pinkish red flower buds that turn white and
fragrant when open. Flowering takes place between July and January
and flowers are followed by small black fruits. It is an ideal plant to
attract insects and insect-eating birds to the garden. It prefers semishade to full sun conditions and can also tolerate drought and frost. It
can be used in formal and informal design in the garden and it makes
beautiful hedge. It is easily propagated from cuttings.
For further reading please consult: www.plantzafrica.com
Animal Feature: Flap-necked chameleon (Chamaeleo dilepis)
The flap-necked chameleon is a large chameleon, reaching 35 cm.
Colouring ranges through various shades of green, yellow and brown.
There is usually a pale stripe on the lower flanks and one to three
pale patches higher on the flanks. These chameleons lay 25 to 50
eggs in a hole dug in soil, which is covered over again by the female.
They are widely distributed in tropical Africa including parts of South
Africa. It is not very common in the Garden, but this one was sighted
at the Geological Garden section. Their diet consists of insects such
as flies, butterflies and grasshoppers that are caught with its long
tongue which is sticky. They can also regulate their body temperature
by changing colour.
Eagle's Fare Restaurant
Location, Versatility, Home-made Cuisine!
ASTRONOMY TALK & DINE—A Quick Tour of the Universe
Date:
Friday,
11
October
Time:
18:30
for
19:00
Cost: R135/adults; R75/children 6-12years
This presentation takes you on a whirlwind tour from the Earth into
the depths of space exploring all the exotic objects in our solar
system in our home galaxy, the ‘Milky Way’.
It includes a talk by Prof. Derck Smits (Lecturer at Unisa), a 2-course
dinner and the Garden entry fee. It excludes beverages (fully licenced
bar with comprehensive beverage & wine list available)
You are most welcome to bring along your telescopes & binoculars to
explore the constellations and planets.
Open daily from 09:00 to17:00
Facilities include:



For
Tel.:
Daily a la Carte menu & Sunday buffet lunch (breakfast on request) & Picnic baskets
Conferences, team building, workshop, Weddings, birthdays, parties
Kiosk open weekends & public holidays
restaurant
082 671 8382
enquiries
and
or
bookings:
083 414 9843
E-mail:
Website: www.eaglesfare.co.za
eat@eaglesfare.co.za
(back to top)
Our Nursery at the Garden
For any indigenous gardening requirements or enquiries, please pay
us a visit at Our Nursery at the Garden or contact Suzette:
Cell:
0823309751
E-mail: atthegarden@absamail.co.za
Website: www.atthegarden.co.za
Imbizo Training Centre
We will ensure that your function is a success whether it is a talk, a
lecture or a strategic meeting. In addition to our repertoire of function
venues, the new Imbizo Training Centre is now open to cater for
environmental and gardening talks including indoor exhibitions. The
name Imbizo is derived from isiZulu and means ‘for gathering or
meeting’.
The cost for booking is pegged very low.
To book call our office during the week on 086 100 1278 or
e-mail: sisugarden@sanbi.org.za for booking.
(back to top)
Old Mutual Music in the Garden—Mafikizolo
Date:
Time: 14:00–16:00
15
September
This group is a powerhouse in South African music! The current duo made up of Nhlanhla Nciza and the stylish Theo Kgosinkwe,
started their musical careers in the late 90’s and has always produced smash hits. Released under the Kalawa Jazzme label they
have won many awards over years such as the SAMA Best Duo or Group in 2003 for the Album and Best Album ‘Sibongile’ and
Best Album and special award in the Metro FM Awards the same year.
After surviving a car accident in 2001, they went on to produce many hits through the years such as iLotto Loot, Emlanjeni,
Ndihamba Nawe and Kugug’ Othandayo. Though categorized as a kwaito outfit, their music is versatile and matured with clean
lyrics and employs a concoction of 50’s marabi’s style and house rhythms.
The group has a large following of not only young, but also middle aged people in South Africa and neighbouring countries such
as Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Malawi, Zambia and Botswana. They also performed in the United Kingdom and the United
States of America at the International Music Conference in Miami. This performance is also the last of the Old Mutual Music in the
Garden series for 2013.
Online tickets at www.ticketbreak.co.za cost R80. On the day the ticket will cost R100 at the gate. Children under 13 come in for
free. Botanical Society members pays R90 at the gate.
(back to top]
Free yoga class
Free yoga classes are presented on the concert stage in the Garden
by Eloise Day of Indigo Yoga. Bring a friend and enjoy exercising in
beautiful, natural surroundings. Normal entrance fees apply. Dress in
comfortable, stretchy clothes; bring a yoga mat and a small blanket.
You can even pack a picnic basket and stay for the day.
Date:
Saturdays
Normal
Garden
entrance
fees
are
For more information please contact Geraldine
Tel.:
082 441
E-mail: pureyoga@telkomsa.net
@10:00
payable.
Anderson:
6952
(back to top]
Events Diary
14 Sep
15 Sep
29 Sep
11 Oct
Clivia & Spring Flower Walk
OM Concert—Mafikizolo
Art in the Garden
A quick Tour of the Universe
(back to top]
Lectures, Outings, Guided Walks & Courses
Join the Botanical Society now and attend one event for FREE
Are you a member of the Botanical Society? Members enjoy reduced fees on all the lectures, walks and talks listed below and
there are other benefits too: the privilege of free entry into any of South Africa's National Botanical Gardens as well as reduced
rates at concerts and other events. Members also receive the Society's excellent quarterly journal Veld & Flora.
For more details, ask for a membership form at the entrance or visit our website: www.botanicalsociety.org.za
Booking for the events listed below is essential as places are limited. Enquiries about these events should be directed to
Karen
Carstens
(unless
otherwise
specified):
E-mail:
botsoc@sisulugarden.co.za
Fax 2 e-mail: 086 694 9636
Please note that at some outings there may be an entrance fee into the reserves. Prices for the different events are as follows:
Members (adults)
Non-members (adults)
Children (12 years and younger)
R30.00
R60.00 (unless otherwise stated)
Half price (depending on membership)
*WSNBG—Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden
NB: Please arrive in time to register and
Booking is essential for all the BotSoc events.
pay
for
events.
Members
please
bring
your membership
cards.
(back to top)
Clivia & Spring Flower Walk
Date:
Time: 09:00
14
September
Andrew Hankey, Specialist Horticulturist and Assistant Curator at WSNBG will lead this exciting outing. This popular outing will be
fully booked in no time, so please book immediately
Meet at the Main entrance to the WSNBG
(back to top)
Art in the Garden
Come along and browse art in the stunning outdoor setting of the
Garden. 10% of all sales go to the Botanical Society's Garden
Development Fund.
Dates: Selected Sundays on 29 September & 27 October
For more information, e-mail: botsoc@sisulugarden.co.za
(back to top)
The SANBI Bookshop operates from the National Herbarium Building in the Pretoria National Botanical Garden. On offer are both
popular and scientific books by SANBI and other publishers on the natural biodiversity of southern Africa and related topics.
SANBI publishes various series: Bothalia, Flowering Plants of Africa, Flora of southern Africa, Strelitzia and the SANBI
Biodiversity Series. Also available are colour prints of botanical art, greeting cards and calendars.
Whether you are a collector, biologist, horticulturist, gardener, student or nature lover, we have something for you!
The Bookshop is open to the public from 08:0016:00, Monday to Friday, and also handles mail orders. Please contact us for more
information on our Publications or to order books from the Bookshop. A catalogue of our publications is available from the SANBI
Bookshop.
Bookshop Manager: Thomas Mapheza
Postal address: SANBI Bookshop, SANBI, Private Bag X101, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
Physical address: National Herbarium, Pretoria National Botanical Garden,
2 Cussonia Avenue, Brummeria, Pretoria
Tel: +27 12 843 5000
Fax: +27 12 804 3211
E-mail: bookshop@sanbi.org.za
Hot off the press
STRELITZIA
31
Guide to Plant Families of southern Africa. By M. Koekemoer, H.M.
Steyn & S.P. Bester
Southern Africa has a total of 225 plant families with the 52 largest
families covering over 90% of the flora. The large number of plant
species in this region (ca. 24 000) makes identification to species
level relatively difficult and the first step is usually to determine the
family to which a specimen belongs. Knowledge of plant families
allows one to place unknown plants into broad categories and then to
focus on a smaller search for the correct name. This book aims to
introduce readers to the beauty and diversity of our fascinating flora,
and to enable scholars, students, amateurs and professionals alike to
identify plants to family level. The identification process is introduced
in a predominantly visual way by providing images to identify the key
diagnostic characters for each family. The beauty of, and variation
within each family is comprehensively illustrated with images of a
range of genera. Additional information is provided on the distribution
and usefulness of each family. It is hoped that this book will inspire
readers to appreciate our indigenous flora. Published by SANBI
Publishing (South African National Biodiversity Institute), Pretoria.
Soft cover. 210 ‫נ‬250 mm. pp. 300.
ISBN:
Price: SADC R270.00/other countries $36.00
978-1-919976-83-9
(back to top)
Useful links
Visit the Garden on-line at http://www.sanbi.org
For Indigenous Plant Information, visit www.plantzafrica.com
General information
FOR RESPONSES TO THIS NEWSLETTER CONTACT US:
Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden
End of Malcolm Rd, Poortview, Roodepoort
Email: sisulugarden@sanbi.org.za
Website: http://www.sanbi.org
Should you no longer wish to receive newsletters from us, or if you would like to update your details or preferences,
please click here
All rights to this publication are reserved.
Template design and layout: SANBI Publishing, September 2013.