MEMBERS of the Berea community gathered at Durban Botanic Gardens on Sunday, October 9 as memorial trees were planted in honour of environmental activists: Wally Menne (1951–2017), who ran the non-government organisation, TimberWatch, and conservationist and farmer Tony Abbott (1936-2013). The event was hosted by the Botanical Society of South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal Coastal Branch, and Di Higginson ran the proceedings.
In her speech, Higginson called Menne and Abbott ‘two memorable plantsmen’.
“Today is regarded as National Garden Day where we’re persuaded to head outdoors and wear a flower crown and welcome Spring with a garden celebration. And what better day to head outdoors and plant a tree each for Tony Abbott and Wally Menne who devoted their time, energy and expertise to our special South African flora?” she said.
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In recognition of his love of Zululand flora, the tree planted in memory of Menne was a Manilkara discolor with the common name Forest Milkberry.
“Wally spent many years in Zululand where his love of native trees was borne. He witnessed the spreading of plantations with alarm and the subsequent loss of diversity, which affected the natural environment. Wally initiated the Indigenous Plant Fairs in Durban from 1998,” said Higginson.
The tree was donated by Frank Edwards of Tropical Nursery, a friend and ally of Menne’s.
In tribute of Abbott, a Pondoland Lydenburgia abbottii of the Celastraceae Family was planted.
“Tony farmed coffee in Zimbabwe and guavas, bananas and macadamias in Port Edward. From the time Tony and his family settled on the farm in Port Edward, he was actively involved in conservancies and trusts on the lower South Coast, where he chaired many of them and was awarded medals, trophies and certificates of merits. He was also made an honorary member of the South African Association of Botanists,” said Higginson.
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A tribute to Tony Abbott
David Styles shared this touching tribute to Tony Abbott.
Tony Abbott, a giant of the botanical world, passed away on October 5 after an illness. Tony will forever be associated with the Pondoland Centre, and it is perhaps due to him more than any other single individual that its extraordinary flora and endemism has become known. Tony leaves a rich legacy, not only in his immense contribution to what is currently known but in a remarkable number of collections that are truly a life’s work, the study of which will in time offer up even more. Tony was one of the most extraordinary amateur botanists of our time, with an ability to inspire and enthuse others in both their own botanical learning about Pondoland, and to exult as he did in the web of life that evolved into such remarkable diversity in this small but most wonderful part of Africa. A tireless conservationist, he worked successfully to ensure that more of this flora will endure and will be there for future generations to know and enjoy. There are few who at the end of a life are able to leave such a legacy, and it is for those of us who remain to offer gratitude and thanks, both to Tony and for such a life, in such a time and such a place.
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