The Group was initiated by an informal group of enthusiasts including Stefan Rau and Terry Smale on April 4th 2004 1), to provide a forum for the exchange of information between members about these plants and their cultivation. This is by means of meetings in meeting halls and members’ gardens, by distribution of a newsletter electronically or by conventional mail, by a web site and an online forum. In late summer we run a Bulb & Seed Exchange to allow members to share their plants and increase their collections.
We have been delighted to be able to support the South African National Biodiversity Institute’s conservation project for the Cape Lowlands Renosterveld, one of the most threatened habitats in the Cape Floristic Region. More information can be found on the SANBI BGIS CLR project web site, which explains: “The most spectacular feature of Renosterveld is its phenomenal richness in bulb species and other geophytes (e.g. belonging to the Iridaceae, Amaryllidaceae, Hyacinthaceae plant families). These plants have underground storage organs and are often characterised by showy flowers, aimed at attracting pollinators such as birds or insects, monkey beetles and long-tongued flies. The Iridaceae is one family that is very well represented in the Lowlands: of the approximately 353 endemic and rare species known to occur in the Lowlands, almost a quarter belong to the Iridaceae. Of these, around 160 are listed as rare or threatened plants and nearly 250 are endemic, meaning that they are restricted to Renosterveld vegetation and cannot be found anywhere else on Earth. They flower mostly in spring and are known to persist in even very small pieces of remnant natural habitat.”
Many members also grow other non-hardy bulbs from other parts of the world, and some are also members of the Nerine & Amaryllid Society (NAAS), the Fritillaria Group and other organisations.
Our former Chairman, Bill Squire, was approved by the NCCPG (National Council for the Conservation of Plants and Gardens) for the custodianship of the National Collection of Lachenalia, including Polyxena.