Lachenalia barbarae: Become the owner of this iconic original botanical art

Lachenalia barbarae: Become the owner of this iconic original botanical art

The proud owner of this iconic original botanical art is… YOU!

Lachenalia barbarae encapsulates so much of the critical work of the Overberg Renosterveld Conservation Trust and our conservation collaborations. This stunning species is known only from the Critically Endangered silcrete habitat of Haarwegskloof Renosterveld Reserve.

It was discovered by Jannie Groenewald, who worked for the ORCT at the time, and in 2017 Lachenalia expert Graham Duncan described it as a new species, yet another specialist Renosterveld plant entirely dependent on remaining habitat fragments for survival.

It’s Critically Endangered, and is quite unusual for Renosterveld, given that it flowers in the middle of the hot, dry summer – from December to January.

This specimen was grown at Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, which focuses on conservation, particularly supporting ex-situ backup of threatened Cape bulb species on the brink of extinction. The painting is by renowned botanical artist Lisa Strachan who generously donated this framed original A4 watercolour on archival paper.

We’re now auctioning this painting – and you can place your bid.

If you would like to bid, please email subg@sun.ac.za with the email title “Lachenalia barbarae auction”, your bid amount and your contact details. Bids start at R6 500. The buyer will be responsible for any shipping costs, and we are happy to ship anywhere in the world serviced by DHL or major courier services.

Bidding closes on 23 December 2021.

Proceeds will be shared equally with both organisations to fund our conservation work. 

Find out more about the Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden. Or follow them on Instagram.

See more of Lisa Strachan’s incredible botanical art.

Image: Lisa Strachan.

Additional sources:

Duncan, G. (2017). Two new species, two rediscoveries and a range extension in Lachenalia (Asparagaceae: Scilloideae) from southern and western South Africa. Phytotaxa, 316(3), 261–270. doi: 10.11646/phytotaxa.316.3.5