Learn to love nature

A new project teaches about the ancient cycad and its survival

THE cycad plant dates back 280 million years. There are more than 30 different species and they have a trunk, leaves and cones, all of which are covered with stiff, sharp spines.

Cycads are either male or female and they bear large cones.

These are some of the interesting facts primary school pupils and their teachers will learn about this endangered plant through a project called Learning About Cycads

The Botanical Society of South Africa (BotSoc) launched the new environmental education project at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden this week.

The project is designed for primary school pupils and teachers to teach them about cycads – our country’s most endangered plant – along with other major environmental issues.

Western Cape

MEC for Education

Debbie Schäfer, who gave the keynote address, said: “It will promote awareness about indigenous plants and specifically focus on cycads and emphasise certain environmental education concepts which are generally found in the life and living and biology topics in the curriculum.

“Through the use of this resource, learners can engage in interactive learning, partake in hands-on-activities that can spark their imagination and unlock their creativity.”

Learning About Cycads will teach pupils and teachers about the importance of nature conservation, endangered plants and the effects species loss can have on the environment.

Executive director of BotSoc, Zaitoon Rabaney, said: “The resource has been designed for learners to increase their

Above: Cycad plants at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.

Left: Western Cape MEC for Education Debbie Shäfer is keen on promoting awareness about indigenous plants and specifically focus on cycads. In the picture she is with Zaitoon Rabaney, the executive director of BotSoc. PICTURE: SUPPLIED