Mary Gunn Library, SANBI

The Mary Gunn Library is one of the most important botanical and biodiversity resources in Africa

The Mary Gunn Library dates back to 1916 and is housed in the National Herbarium in Pretoria. Miss Mary Gunn, then a clerk in the Division of Botany, Department of Agriculture, was given the enormous task of building up a library by Dr Pole Evans. Ms Gunn broadened her knowledge of botanical books by studying catalogues of overseas book sellers and became one of the country's most knowledgeable pe

10/05/2023

In need of a mid-week pick-me-up?

Here’s a delightful burst of colour for you in the form of Liz Fraser’s, ‘Moraea flaccida - cultivar’.

The Moraea flaccida, or one-leaf Cape tulip, is a perennial native to South Africa. All parts of the plant are toxic, being particularly dangerous if digested by grazing animals.

Liz had been exceptionally clever here in the placement of the cultivar to the right of the page and the use of the curved leaf behind to frame the flowers. Modern and punchy in composition and colour, it’s an exquisite, eye-catching piece.

Having been trained in Scotland in 1984, Liz moved to Cape Town and painted the flora and fauna of the cape for twelve years. She co-authored two books there and her third, The Smallest Kingdom, was published by Kew in 2011. After a decade teaching in Scotland, Liz is now a full-time painter again and runs her own publishing and painting venture in East Lothian.

Artwork: ⁠
◾️Liz Fraser, ‘Moraea flaccida - cultivar’, 430 x 315, Acrylic.

📍See more of Liz’s work on the SSC site: https://shirleysherwood.com/~867.
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