Professor Neil Crouch was presented with the Marloth Medal in a light-hearted ceremony at the Durban Botanic Gardens on Monday, 22 October.

We focus on the conservation status and extent of our grasslands, threats and appropriate fire management.

Safeguarding Our Flora: The Role of the Great Southern Bioblitz in the Summer Rainfall Region In the heart of South Africa's Summer Rainfall Region, a concerted effort is underway to protect and document the region's rich plant diversity. The Great Southern Bioblitz (GSB) 2024 is at the forefront of this mission, bringing together conservationists, volunteers, and local communities in a collective endeavour to safeguard our botanical treasures. The Botanical Society of South Africa's theme, "Protect," resonates deeply with the need to conserve our indigenous plant species, many of which face extinction threats.

Have you ever watched the birds in your garden and wondered what they eat and how far they have flown to get there? In cities, where habitat is being lost, many birds that rely on pollen are having to travel further in order to find food. This journey not only puts them at risk, but also the plants that they pollinate. An organisation working in the Cape Flats is looking to address this threat, by creating stepping stones for birds. CEINWEN SMITH and JOEL SIMONS explain.