BOTANICAL NEWS & RESOURCES
State of the Worlds Plants and Fungi 2026
Royal Botanical Gardens Kew (kew.org) sixth report in the State of the World’s series launched on 16 June. Subtitled ‘The Digital Biodiversity Revolution’, it reveals the state of global biodiversity and explores how digital tools are now transforming our ability to understand and respond to the climate and biodiversity crises, expose critical gaps in scientific knowledge, and highlight where action is most urgently needed to safeguard plants and fungi.
It is the third report that is accompanied by a full volume of expert-reviewed scientific publications from our partners, the New Phytologist Foundation. Their special collection on ‘Harnessing the Benefits of Specimen Digitisation' includes 52 open-access papers published in the journals New Phytologist and Plants, People, Planet.
Canavalia rosea, Bay Bean
A native beach vine. Lefroy in his “The Botany of Bermuda” states Canavalia obtusifolia, (syn) was mentioned as early as 1623, and could be found on the south shore, flowering in December.
Well, here it is flowering in July, and beautifully adapted to harsh sandy coastal areas. The thick fleshy, waxy leaves, resistant to salt spray and dehydration, close when sun shines brightly on them thereby reducing evaporation, opening up again when lightly shaded.
The native range of this species is the Tropics & Subtropics including the Lucayan Archipelago, the Caribbean, Florida and Mexico.
In Bermuda Bay Bean is a useful species for sand dune stabilisation and on steep slopes. Across its range it is used as animal food, a poison and a medicine, along with environmental and social uses.
A new Calabash Tree for ‘Tom Moore’s Jungle’
A lovely connection between BBS and The Walsingham Trust - the gift of a new Calabash Tree for the 'Jungle' from Jennifer Flood. We are very grateful!
Survey | Help Shape the Future of Parsons Road Park
The Dept of Parks has issued the following survey the results of which will help them to assess the community's needs. Please take a few minutes to complete it. Thanks Everyone
Reminder: Camden Rose Garden is this coming Wednesday,
Friendly reminder that the next (and last until the autumn) volunteer day at the Camden Rose Garden is this coming Wednesday, June 10th 9 am - 11am. Let's get the Garden in great shape for the summer.
Exciting Improvements Underway at the Bermuda Botanical Gardens
We’re thrilled to see important improvements taking shape across the Bermuda Botanical Gardens, helping to preserve our historic buildings while enhancing the visitor experience.
Recent upgrades include new roofs on the Commercial Building and the J.J. Outerbridge Building, ensuring these well-loved structures are protected for years to come. In addition, the Succulent & Cactus House has been rebuilt and improved, creating a refreshed and resilient space to better showcase these remarkable plant collections.
WESTMEATH ORCHARD PROJECT PART 1
Despite rainy conditions, volunteers from BBS, ArchRe, and Bermuda Is Love turned out in force to kick off Phase One of this restoration project. With guidance from Jonathan Lightbourne (Nature’s Compass), a neglected area has taken its first steps toward renewal. Thank you to everyone who made this possible!
Lecture Series: Synopsis of BZS Trunk Island Living Classroom
The vision of a “Living Classroom” dedicated to restoring the island's native biodiversity through community engagement and stewardship comes to life through BZS’s conservation, education and volunteer programmes. Join Trevor Rawson, Conservation Manager of Trunk Island, who will provide a brief history of BZS’s impact and significant programmes that the 7-acre island is involved in.
The lecture is free to attend, but a $10 donation will be gratefully received. Donations can be made on the night or online at https://bzs.bm/support/donate
Bermuda College Eco Club
The Bermuda Botanical Society (BBS) was delighted to provide financial support to the Bermuda College Eco Club for their highly successful working visit to the Bahamas. During the trip, students took part in hands‑on environmental activities, including seawater sampling and testing at the University of The Bahamas, as well as assisting the Bahamas National Trust with a cleanup effort at a local nature reserve. The experience offered valuable practical learning while reinforcing the importance of regional collaboration in environmental conservation.
An Evening Conversation with Dr. Jodey Peyton
Join us for an informal evening with Dr. Jodey Peyton, Senior Projects & Conservation Officer at the UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum, during her visit to Bermuda. From 5:00 pm on Wednesday 27 March at The Botanist Café & Garden Lounge, enjoy light refreshments and the chance to hear about conservation work across island ecosystems, invasive species management, and the importance of community involvement in protecting biodiversity.
Orchard Revival Project – Growing Together at Westmeath
The Bermuda Botanical Society is delighted to support an exciting Orchard Revival Project at Westmeath, a not‑for‑profit organization with registered charity status. This special initiative aims to breathe new life into the existing citrus orchard, transforming it into a vibrant, productive, and welcoming green space for staff and clients alike.
With a little care—and the right plants—the orchard can once again flourish. Beyond providing fresh fruit, the revived space will offer a peaceful outdoor environment for relaxation, learning, and connection with nature.
10th June | Join Us for Another Rose Garden Cleanup at The Botanist Café
Join us on Wednesday May 13th, 9 - 11 am for another enjoyable morning of tending to the Rose Collection, catching up with friends and enjoying refreshments courtesy of The Botanist Cafe. Please let me know if you plan on attending.
On another totally different note, received an email from a Sigurd Wilbanks, Biochemistry Department of the University of Otago in New Zealand and of the Botanical Art Society of New Zealand, who is researching Else Bostelmann - the artist, probably best known to most of us as the one who so brilliantly executed the drawings of the fish that Beebe saw on his dive. However, Else apparently also did a lot of plant drawings whilst in Bermuda. If anyone has information on this please let me know.
Out & About in the Botanical Gardens
I went for a walk in the botanical garden, enjoying the colors and fresh air. The paths were calm and shaded, with flowers and greenery creating a peaceful backdrop at every turn. It was an easy, refreshing moment to slow down and take in the natural beauty around me.
BBS at Trunk Island
After a brilliant tour of Harrington Sound - watching long tail aerobatics, or visiting up close on the nest, a glimpse of the elusive HS Barn Owl, fact & fiction of Devil's Hole, seeing the erosive forces at work and learning of the vast network of caves, on to Trunk Island with red and black mangrove communities, hybrid, cloned and original cedars, ancient palmetto grove, thriving olivewoods and many rare natives. A wonderful morning with Trevor Rawson, such a knowledgeable guide who's passion for the environment is contagious!
Botanical Bridges Congress, 2026
BBS was pleased to assist both BBS Member Danny Simmons, and BAMZ Trevor Rawson in attending the 2026 Botanical Bridges Congress in the Dominican Republic earlier this year. These conferences enable participants, along with gaining up to date research and scientific information it also enable them to liaise with and establish working relationships with other Botanical Garden personnel and experts in various botanic fields. "The congress is a valuable professional experience, allowing me to engage with regional botanical institutions, share work, and bring back insights that will directly inform my ongoing efforts."
BBS at the 2026 Agricultural Exhibition
An enjoyable 3 days encouraging the children to take part in the very popular 'How's Your Sense of Smell' quiz! who were thrilled to receive one of the 100 'Grow Your Own' kits. Engaging conversation with adults on the role of the BBS (gained several new BBS members), the BGSC and the Audubon Society. Many thanks to the numerous volunteers who made this possible.
Rose Garden Clean up
There are some mornings that remind us why we come together—and our recent Rose Garden Cleanup at The Botanist Café was exactly that kind of day.
From the moment volunteers arrived, the Rose Garden buzzed with positive energy. Friends greeted one another, new connections were made, and before long, gloves were on and tools were in hand. With teamwork at the heart of it all, the garden quickly transformed as weeds were cleared, beds were refreshed, and the roses were lovingly tended by many willing hands.
Nicotiana tabacum Article
Tobacco plants, Nicotiana tabacum are occasionally seen around the island. It is member of the very large Solanaceae family which includes edible plants such as tomato and potato as well as those that will do humans harm such as deadly nightshade and the daturas. Possibly introduced by early shipwrecked sailors the first records date back to 1610 when Sir George Somers labelled Tobacco Bay on his 1610 chart. It became an important export crop early in the development of the Islands with rents and salaries being paid with tobacco.
Join Us Again for Another Rose Garden Cleanup at The Botanist Café
Join us on Wednesday May 13th, 9 - 11 am for another enjoyable morning of tending to the Rose Collection, catching up with friends and enjoying refreshments courtesy of The Botanist Cafe. Please let me know if you plan on attending.
On another totally different note, received an email from a Sigurd Wilbanks, Biochemistry Department of the University of Otago in New Zealand and of the Botanical Art Society of New Zealand, who is researching Else Bostelmann - the artist, probably best known to most of us as the one who so brilliantly executed the drawings of the fish that Beebe saw on his dive. However, Else apparently also did a lot of plant drawings whilst in Bermuda. If anyone has information on this please let me know.
Visit to High Point
High Point BBS Tour with Guide, Wendy Mcleod, a BBB & board member. What a transformation, so much to see. A glorious morning tour enjoying panoramic views of the south shore (now the casuarinas have been cleared) watching dozens of long tails swoop and soar along the cliffs, also a great whale watching spot! Huge variety of recently planted native and endemic including the rare yellow wood, Zanthoxylum flavor, a lovely county scene with sheep grazing under the Southern Hackberry, Celtis laevigatatrees, and a Coast Sophora, Sophora tomentosa playing host to a horde of hungry caterpillars. Despite their ravages, the shrub always seems to bounce back! And so much more!