This series has replaced Memoirs of the Botanical Survey of South Africa and Annals of the Kirstenbosch Botanic Gardens, which the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) inherited from its predecessor organisations.
The plant genus Strelitzia occurs naturally in the eastern parts of southern Africa. It comprises of three arborescent species, known as wild bananas, and two acaulescent species, known as crane or bird-of-paradise flowers.
The logo of SANBI is partially based on the striking inflorescence of Strelitzia reginae, a native of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal that has become a garden favourite worldwide. It symbolises the commitment of SANBI to champion the exploration, conservation, sustainable use, appreciation and enjoyment of South Africa’s exceptionally rich biodiversity for all people.