Paul Roos Gymnasium (PRG) Old Boys generously donated seedlings of the Coastal Coral tree (Erythrina caffra) to the school’s environmental club, PRG Societas. These will be distributed to local primary schools and planted by PRG staff and learners when they are bit stronger.
Erythrina is known as the red genus, and the Coastal Coral tree is widely loved for its warm red to scarlet-coloured flowers, which appear from the cold winter months through to spring. Its popularity can be ascribed to its ease of cultivation and long flowering period. The coast coral tree is an ideal garden plant and a favourite for botanists, horticulturists, nature lovers, and the general gardening public for many decades.
In this way the Old Boys made a small but important contribution to the National Arbor Month campaign, which is aimed at sensitising South Africans about the need to conserve, protect and plant trees for environmental and human related ideals. The South African government has a target of planting at least two million trees annually.
During the last two weeks of August 2022 all role players country-wide were encouraged to become involved in intensive tree planting activities. It is important to note that South Africa is a water scarce country. For this reason, the planting of indigenous trees that do not consume a lot of water is promoted.
At the handing over of the seedlings, Karien Winter reminded us of Nelson Henderson’s profound saying: “The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.”
Lees ook elders van die Old Boys wat voor die Lenteloop bome vir die Assegaaibosch-terrein in Jonkershoek geskenk het.
Karien Winter
