Skip to main content

Learn

Wetenskapgesprekke

Sunset Seminars: Crustacean Evolution & Ecology

2 June | Speaker: Prof George Branch

Sunset Seminars is a series of free monthly talks presented by experts on various topics in the Old Conserve Music Hall. In this session, Prof Branch draws on modern science to explore the ecological impacts of crustaceans—from rock lobsters to barnacles—and the marvels of genetic research.

Read more

Whole new worlds have opened with the development of modern ecological experiments, methods of observation, and genetic studies. In this talk, Prof Branch will draw on the wonders of modern science to speak about two major things: firstly, the ecological impacts of crustaceans and, secondly, the marvels of what genetic studies have unraveled about crustacean evolution and the role of crustaceans in our world.

Ecosystem Functioning

He will discuss research that his laboratory has been involved in concerning the impacts of rock lobsters on ecosystem functioning. Rock lobsters are one of South Africa’s most important marine resources and are pivotal in controlling ecological communities. He will also discuss more humble crustaceans such as amphipods and barnacles and their profound role in ecosystem dynamics.

The Genetic Mystery

As a second part of the talk, he will use crustaceans as an example of the truly mind-blowing genetic research that has thrown light on their evolution and relationships. Crustacea are among the most diverse of all animal groups. How they achieved this has for a long time been shrouded in mystery: but the mists are now lifting thanks to genetic studies, and the extraordinary ‘inventiveness’ of crustaceans is slowly becoming understandable.

Scientific Admiration

Part of the talk will focus on his admiration for crustaceans and how astonishing their diversity and ecological effects are. But it will also focus on his admiration for the inventiveness of the human mind in the range of scientific approaches that are being explored to unveil the wonder of crustaceans.

Booking Information

Although talks are free, visitors will be required to book in advance. These talks are hosted on weekday evenings in the Old Conserve Music Hall next to the Botanical Café.

To book your spot: Please follow the booking link provided for this specific seminar or contact the SUBG office.

Internskappe

Current SUBG Internships

Past SUBG Interns

NameYear of Internship
Lerato Mokoena, PG Dip Horticulture, CPUT2025
Qamani-Nande Siwisa, Adv Dip Sustainable Horticulture, CPUT2025
Marelise Faul, B.Sc.Hons. Botany & Entomology, Rhodes2025
Celeste de Kock, MSc Science Communication, Imperial College London2025
AJ Rogerson, MSc Botany, Rhodes2025
Dumisani Msweli, B. Tech Horticulture, DUT2024
Phindile Ngobese, Adv Dip Sustainable Horticulture, DUT2024
Dylan Nutt, B Sc Conservation Ecology, SU2024
Siphesihle Sibiya, Adv Dip Horticulture, CPUT2024
Ester Wasserfal, BSc Honours Conservation Ecology, SU2024
Read more
Amy Williams, B.Sc.Hons. Biodiversity & Ecology, SU2023
Amanda Mahlungulu, MSc Horticultural Science, CPUT2023
Bheka Mbonambi, Ndip Horticulture, DUT2023
Nobuhle Ursula Hlope, Ndip Horticulture, DUT2023
Sonja Stock, BSc Hons Biology, UCT2023
Amy Williams, B.Sc.Hons. Biodiversity & Ecology, SU2022
Tristan Kruger, Ndip Horticulture2022
Amanda Mahlungulu, B Tech Horticultural Science2022
Joelene King, B.Sc.Hons. Biodiversity & Ecology, SU2022
Natalie Williams, B.Sc. Biodiversity & Conservation, UWC2022
Ester Boot, B.Sc. Hons. Conservation Ecology, SU2022
Ntobeko Mazibuko, B.Sc. Hons Plant Pathology2022
Jonathan Saindon, B.Sc. Biodiversity & Ecology, SU2022
Frikkie Becker, M.Sc. Botany and Zoology, SU2021
Khunjulwayinkosi Buthelezi (WILL), Ndip Horticulture2021
Bruce Esau, B.Sc. Hons. Conservation Ecology, SU2021
Kayleigh Murray, B.Sc.Hons. Biodiversity & Ecology, SU2021
Wanga Nicise, M.Sc. Horticultural Sciences, CPUT2021
Katy Rennie, Master of Landscape Architecture, UCT2021
Annerie Senekal, B.Sc. Botany and Zoology, SU2021
Annerie Senekal, B.Sc. Botany and Zoology, SU2020-2021
Bruce Esau, B.Sc. Hons. Conservation Ecology, SU2020
Mila-Ande Gcaza, B. Hort. CTU2020
Katy Rennie, B.Sc. Geology/Applied Biology; M. Landscape Architecture, UCT2020
Pleasure Papola2019
Joli Kotzé2019
Kim Daniels2019
Luke Gallant2019
Thandeka Hlathi2019
Natalie Mclean2019
Sandise Mpamnyama2018
Seboni Aphane2018
Ezile Tyutwana2018
Asanda Matyholo2018
Alungile Nondlwana2018
Milile Nkcukankcuka2018
Amanda Mahlungulu2017
Ayakha Tshayingwe2017
Unati Siyotula2017
Owethu Madletyana2017
Tumisho Phetla2017
Peter Jansen2017
Asanda Yaphi2016
Alungile Nondlwana2016
Howard Seti2016
Sihle Ngxabi2016
Lizeka Gana2016
Mashudu Tshitereke2016
Liezl Knight2016
Tembakazi Siphuka2015
Ziniko Mkiva2015
Lukho Penxa2015
Busisiwe Ntushelo2015
Mbali Mkhize2015
Anathi Mafiko2014
Ziyanda Mbandezelo2014
Zolani Nogcado2014
Yonela Vakele2014
Sinikiwe Mabodli2014
Abongile Pasiya2014
Luvo Mangcotywa2013
Abongile Pasiya2013
Sandiswa Kula2013

```

Begeleide toere vir skoolgroepe

The Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden's three main goals are to promote conservation efforts, academic support, and education.

The Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden is frequently used as an open-air laboratory and plant material from the Botanical Garden is regulary used in various practicals. 

Education has always been a part of botanical gardens – often being associated or established with universities in the area. At the Stellenbosch University Botanical Gardens, we strive to make a difference in the lives of those that live, learn and work in the area by providing an experience ​that not only reconnects people to nature but teaches them about its wonders. Therefore, a few different educational tour options for registered educational facilities have been prepared to facilitate this. Tours can be booked by contacting the garden via phone or email. For pre-booked registered groups, no entry will be charged. Prior booking is essential. Educational tours have been prepared to correspond with the CAPS school curriculum.  ​

Intermediate and Senior Phase (Grades 4-9)

This tour involves discussing things from what makes something alive to the water cycle and plant respiration. The tour will be shaped to the specific group, considering the majority grade present. We hope to inspire and bring things learnt in the classroom to life, helping them engage with topics in a relevant way that invokes the valuing of the natural world.

These tours will typically take under 1 hour.

F.E.T. Phase (Grades 9-12)

There are many different learning styles and, for some, the best way to learn is to experience and see, smell, and feel things for themselves! This tour is designed to be supplementary to high school biology and help make theory a little more tangible and colourful. We will discuss things like the different classification systems of life to biomes and ecology all the way to hormonal plant defense mechanisms. We boast a beautiful conservation collection, an indigenous medicine and food garden as well as an invasive plant display – all helping the knowledge learnt in the classroom come alive. Tours can have highlighted topic areas if desired, but this is not necessary.

These tours will typically take around 90 minutes (about 1 and a half hours).

Visiting University Groups

We love collaboration and invite any travelling academics to contact us directly to organize a personal tour with our curator or assistant curator.

Things worth taking note of:

  • School learners enter for free when part of a pre-booked group.
  • Take note of the weather and warn learners before the time to prepare appropriately.
  • It helps provide a more insightful tour if we have ample warning to prepare, be sure to book well in advance to ensure this.

Contact details:

Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 021 808 305