Durban – Things are all aflutter at the Durban Botanic Gardens as colourful butterflies make a new home at the butterfly garden.
The new addition at the 166-year-old garden is expected to encourage residents to create their own butterfly kingdoms, which plays a part in urban pollination.
Curator at the Durban Botanic Gardens, Martin Clement, said the garden dedicated to attracting and sharing knowledge about butterflies was a first for Durban.
About 150 indigenous plants and 50 different species of butterflies have so far been identified at the mini garden.
“We recently completed the garden, which is essentially the old beehive structure repurposed as the butterfly garden. On the domed structure we planted specific plants in and around the dome that are known to attract butterflies. However, apart from the butterflies, we also get bees, dragonflies, moths and other sort of creatures coming here, and all this plays an important part in pollination, which is very important in ensuring the creation of fruit and vegetables, leading to food security,” said Clement.
The plants such as Creeping Foxglove and Milkwort have been grouped together in different habitat types, known to attract different types of butterflies. The plants are both nectar-producing and host plants for the butterflies.
“As an example, we have the Milkwort plant that is known to attract the well-known African Monarch butterfly. We have also created a sheltered area with rocks, which some butterflies like,” said Clement.
With large signage dotted around the dome, showing commonly found butterflies in Durban and the life cycle of the creatures, Clement said the garden served as a living textbook.
The garden was funded by the Durban Botanic Gardens Trust, drawing on the expertise of local butterfly experts.
“We hope that when visitors come here they will learn about these creatures, and the importance of having them. Researchers can also come here to study butterflies. It's a space to enjoy and learn in,” he said.