IF you have an interest in the natural history of KwaZulu-Natal and Durban in particular, then you need to read The Durban Forest, the first volume in a series of books planned by the Durban Botanic Gardens Trust.

The series will be entitled UmKhuhlu, the African name for Trichilia dregeana, the Forest Mahogany. This large evergreen tree was once common in the old Durban forest and today lines some of the roads on Berea Ridge. It is included in the red list of South African plants.

Biologist, Mark Mattson, the contributing editor of the 300-page hard cover book, spoke to ESTELLE SINKINS about The Durban Forest and the importance of green spaces in cities. Continue reading →