The Grootbos Field Guide
The Grootbos Field Guide
Grootbos Nature Reserve, overlooking the spectacular Walker Bay region, is home to an amazing diversity of plants.
Sean Privett and Heiner Lutzeyer have explored, recorded and photographed the region’s flora for more than a decade resulting in one the most detailed, long-term botanical studies ever undertaken in the Cape flora. This guide provides background to the Grootbos lodges and ecotourism activities as well as the wonderful conservation and social development programs run by the non-profit Grootbos Foundation.
The guide describes 410 of the 765 species recorded on the Reserve, with an emphasis on ‘showy’ flowers, species of conservation concern and those that are most likely to be encountered in the greater Walker Bay region. Each species is accompanied by a vivid photograph taken by Heiner on Grootbos as well as the plant’s common name (where known), a full description highlighting the characteristics useful for the plant’s identification, its flowering time, height, favoured vegetation community, natural distribution range, its conservation status and where
applicable the plants uses to humans. The guide also includes an easy to use key for identifying the common tree species of the region, as well as a comprehensive bird list.
About the authors
Heiner Lutzeyer
HEINER LUTZEYER arrived in Cape Town from Germany in 1953 and built his career in the printing industry. During this time he was responsible for the production of a number of flora books. Heiner has always had an appreciation for nature and spent many days walking on Table Mountain enjoying its natural beauty and floral diversity. Together with his son Michael he purchased the original 123 hectare Grootbos farm in 1991 and built a home overlooking Walker Bay. It was here that his passion for the flora really developed and where he began his hobby of photographing and documenting the indigenous flora of Grootbos. The vast majority of the 760 species recorded on Grootbos were the result of Heiner’s tireless exploration of the Grootbos Reserve. He has been responsible for discovering many rare and threatened species on the property, as well as important range extensions, and no less than five species new to science. Two of his discoveries Lachenalia lutzeyeri and Capnophyllum lutzeyeri have been named in his honour. In recognition of his contribution to conservation of the Cape flora, Heiner was awarded the Flora Conservation Award by the Botanical Society in 2008.
Sean Privett
SEAN PRIVETT has a Masters Degree in Botany (with distinction) from the University of Cape Town and an enormous passion for fynbos and its conservation. His broad knowledge of the Cape flora, dedication to its conservation and passion to share his knowledge with others, has driven his career and earned him a reputation both locally and abroad as a leader in developing practical, plant-based conservation projects. In 1997 Sean became the conservation manager at Grootbos and initiated the long-term vegetation survey that forms the basis of this book. Together with Grootbos founder Michael Lutzeyer, Sean runs the non-profit Grootbos Foundation and was instrumental in establishing the Green Futures Horticulture and Life Skills program as well as the Growing the Future organic farming projects on Grootbos. Sean has also assisted in establishing the South African flora display at the Eden Project in Cornwall, U.K., played a pivotal role in establishing the 12 500 hectare Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy and designed the fynbos sustainable harvesting program of the Flower Valley Conservation Trust. Sean has received numerous conservation awards including the world’s leading plant conservation award at the 2001 Whitley Awards in London.
Where to buy?
Should you be interested in buying one of the Grootbos Field Guides, please contact us on foundation@grootbos.co.za. The cost of the book is R 220.00, which goes towards the Grootbos Foundation.
