As if making food from light were not impressive enough, it may be time to add another advanced skill to the botanical repertoire: the ability to perform — at least at the molecular level — arithmetic division.

On a botanical trip to one of the most neglected parts of our country – Klein Pella, near Aggeneys in the Northern Cape – the title of this famous book by Arundhati Roy developed a whole new meaning in my heart.

The duckweed family are some of the smallest, simplest, and fastest growing plants of the botanical world. Yet, despite their unassuming nature, these tiny fronds are making a huge splash in wastewater management.

Did you know that a starfish feeds by pushing its stomach out through its mouth and placing it directly over its prey? Or that Columbus’ crabs are sky blue? These are some of the facts contained in a new children's marine guide by Stellenbosch University marine biologist Dr Sophie von der Heyden.

South Africa has been nominated for the Future Policy Award, an international award that this year celebrates solutions for ailing oceans and coasts.

United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Executive Secretary Ahmed Djoghlaf has become an Honorary Councillor of the World Future Council (WFC).

The first coffee-table book €“ one that is a pleasure both to read and to look at €“ on the history, beauty and conservation of South Africa's southernmost territories, Marion Island and Prince Edward Island, has been compiled by experienced researchers who have spent decades studying sub-Antarctic islands.