Our Projects
MAPPING THE BOTANICAL HERITAGE OF SOUTHERN AFRICA, FROM URBAN FORESTS TO THE DEEP WILD.
The Urban Forest Initiative
Big Trees of Tshwane
Pretoria is home to a remarkable collection of “hidden” giants living on our sidewalks, in private gardens, and across historic public spaces. This project is dedicated to documenting the capital city’s most significant trees—like the legendary Wonderboom Fig—to ensure they are recognized as living monuments. By mapping these trees, we foster community pride and provide a scientific record that helps protect our urban canopy amidst ongoing city development.
The largest monkey thorn in Pretoria, Rietondale Park. Photo by Waldie le Grange
A Quiver tree champion in Augrabies National Park. Photo by Waldie le Grange
The National Park Register
Big Trees of SANParks
From the ancient Baobabs of Mapungubwe to the towering Yellowwoods of the Garden Route, South Africa’s National Parks harbor the country’s most pristine botanical specimens. This project aims to create a comprehensive digital register of the “Big Five of Trees” across all 19 National Parks. By establishing fixed coordinates and scientific rankings for these giants, we provide nature lovers and photographers with guaranteed sightings and assist park rangers in monitoring the health of these vital ecosystem anchors.
The Arid Landscape Giants
Big Trees of Namibia
In collaboration with national botanical societies, this project crosses the border to document the resilient giants of the Namibian landscape. From the iconic Quiver Trees of the south to the massive Leadwoods of the northern savannas, we are building a record of trees that have survived for centuries in one of the world’s most challenging climates. This initiative serves as a vital cross-border database for comparing species growth and preservation strategies across Southern Africa’s diverse biomes.