The Botanical Society is delighted to announce that we are raising funds to make possible publication of an exciting new plant book. ‘Cultures, Cures and Curiosities: Plant-Lore and Legend of the Eastern Cape, South Africa’ is written by Tony Dold and illustrated by Susan Abraham.
Based on 20 years of empirical research, it features 40 Eastern Cape plants of ethnobotanical importance, whether used as charms, for food or as medicines. Modern-day use of many of these plants can be traced back to their traditional use by the Khoe, San or Xhosa.
Each plant species account is illustrated with a full-colour watercolour painting by botanical artist Susan Abraham. The introductory chapter gives a historical overview of the region’s botanical exploration, drawing on the earliest written records.
Pre-publication reviews
‘Cultures, Cures and Curiosities’ unpacks a treasure-trove of plants, poisons, stories and histories, scientific information and startling factoids – from rhinos on steroids to toxic chewing-gum to natural resource management. It is packed with beautiful photographs and exquisite botanical paintings as well as historical maps and travellers’ sketches. A delightful, nuggety book. – Hazel Crampton, author and artist
Susan Abraham’s botanical illustrations are beautiful, skilfully painted and accurately observed, showing the key scientific diagnostic elements. Together with the book’s photographs, they form a wonderful record and a fascinating glimpse into the useful flora of the Eastern Cape. – Vicki Thomas, botanical artist and teacher
Top: Gunnera sp. Above: Hydnora africana (Plates from upcoming publication).
Join our fundraising!
Above: Photo from the book of Vervallen Kasteel, Aberdeen.
The publication of this book will be made possible only with the support of donors, sponsors and subscribers like you:
- Become a donor by contributing a minimum of R20 000 towards the publication costs. Donors will receive a numbered copy of the book with an inscribed page, signed by the author and illustrator and presented in a slipcase.
- Become a sponsor by contributing R1 500 (+R100 p&p within SA). Sponsors will receive a numbered copy of the book with an inscribed page, signed by author and illustrator.
- As a subscriber, you can also show your support for the book by pre-purchasing a copy for R800 (+R100 p&p within SA).
Donors’, sponsors’ and subscribers’ names will be listed in the book.
Readers of Veld & Flora will also be able to pre-purchase a copy for R350 (+R100 p&p within SA).
Your financial support will ensure the success of this beautiful publication. Orders must be received no later than 31 July 2019. Order forms can be downloaded from the Botanical Society website.
Surplus funds donated to schools environmental programme
Above: The Inkcubeko nendalo schools programme in action.
Any funds raised beyond those needed for the book’s publication will be donated to the Inkcubeko nendalo schools programme. Meaning ‘culture and nature’, this environmental education project is a Rhodes University community engagement initiative in line with SA’s national curriculum.
Inkcubeko nendalois run by Professor Michelle Cocks, Tony Dold and Mluleki Nkosi in collaboration with the Albany Museum and the Selmar Schonland Herbarium. It aims to raise awareness among school learners of the value of nature as key to the future preservation of cultural heritage and biodiversity and of the link between cultural diversity and biodiversity.
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