Explore Africa's first Contemporary florilegium
Florilegium
(flôrəˈlējēəm), n. a collection of illustrations featuring plants from a specific garden or region.
A Bespoke Botanical Experience
The Grootbos Florilegium is a unique collection of botanical illustrations by a collaboration of local and international artists. The collection depicts the rare, endangered and charismatic plants found on the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve and surrounding regions.
What makes the artworks even more distinctive is the inclusion of insects, pollinators and other creatures associated with the respective plants. The collection pays homage to the environment’s greater ecology, as art becomes an expression of the deep commitment to research and conservation that Grootbos has.
A commited custodian
Situated in one of the most biodiverse biomes on the planet, the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve has a deep connection to the Cape Floral Kingdom it calls home. The Grootbos Reserve is home to over 800 species of fynbos, and has served as a custodian of the precious region for 25 years.
Together with the Grootbos Foundation, the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is continuously researching, innovating and pioneering new ways to conserve and promote the region’s natural wealth.
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A 25-year legacy. A vision for the future.
The Grootbos Florilegium is a culmination of efforts to document, conserve and protect the Cape Floral Kingdom. Grootbos has always been committed to the preservation of the region’s rare, endemic and endangered plants. Now, art has been chosen as a vehicle to instill a passion for South Africa’s botanical heritage.
This collection of beautiful, distinctive botanical art pieces is intended to reach a broader audience by engaging people on an emotional level, and inspiring them to become ambassadors for conserving and promoting the Cape Floral Kingdom and the majesty of the Cape fynbos.
Find out moreOur Gallery
Presenting artworks of the Grootbos Florilegium, inspired by the intricate details and wonder of the Cape Floral Kingdom.
- Artwork
- Art Centre
- Projects
The artists and their craft
Learn more about the people and processes behind botanical art
Our Artists
Over 40 highly acclaimed and celebrated artists have contributed botanical art pieces to the Grootbos Florilegium. While many are South African, the collaboration also includes artists from Reunion, Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom who committed their talents to the project.
The collection comprises over 124 original art pieces and each artist’s work represents a unique perspective on the breathtaking Cape fynbos.
Precision, patience, process
The work of botanical artists demands a deep understanding of each plant’s unique anatomical structure. Artists utilise the finest of technical drawing skills as they work from live specimens.
Botanical artists might work in quality watercolour or gouache, graphite or coloured pencil. They ensure the longevity of their work by using archival, fade-resistant materials and acid-free hot-pressed watercolour paper. Fine sable brushes enable the artists to capture the most intricate details.
Explore the legacy of the Grootbos Florilegium
Where the natural splendour captured in every artwork is an expression of the Grootbos purpose.
