MONTHLY PRESENTATIONS
Our next meeting will be on Monday, 1 June 2026.
THE GENUS ERICA, A PARAGON OF DIVERSITY AND MYSTERY
IN THE CAPE FLORISTIC REGION
Dr Ren Hoekstra is a Cape Town–based botanist and passionate member of CREW. He spends much of his free time exploring the rugged mountains of the Cape, working with researchers, rangers, horticulturists, students and other volunteers to survey and protect,especially,the genus Erica which exemplifies the extraordinary diversity and mystery of the CFR, with almost 700 species being endemic, a significant number of undescribed species still remaining, and new species still being discovered.
He will be joined by Ismail Ebrahim.
This presentation will showcase the ongoing work in Erica taxonomy, including insights into long-lost and extremely rare species and through his work and with CREW, Dr. Hoekstra hopes to inspire young nature-lovers and researchers to continue actively exploring and engaging with our unique CFR biodiversity more generally and to ignite a passion for plant conservation in general and especially the Cape Floristic Region (CFR), the smallest of the world’s six floral kingdoms yet boasting one of the highest levels of plant endemism worldwide.
Dr. Hoekstra will also touch on the work of the citizen science program, CREW (Custodians for Rare and Endangered Wildflowers).
We meet …
ON: The first Monday evening of every month, even if it is a public holiday. No need to book.
TIME: 19:30
AT: The Athenaeum, off Campground Road, Newlands, on the grounds of Boundary Terraces. Plenty of secure parking is available (be prepared to show your driver’s license at the entry boom).
Visitors are always welcome.
ENTRY FEE: R40,00 for non-members. Enjoy a cup of tea and biscuits after the meeting and chat about plants.
Plants, grown by members, are on sale at reasonable prices.
We hope to see you at our meeting.
(Any and all photos taken at CHS events may be used in the newsletter and on social media.)