A Primeval Passion: Neil Crouch and His Victorian Obsession with Ferns
Ethnobotanist Neil Crouch featured in the December issue of Garden and Home magazine, where he spoke about his new book, Ferns of Southern Africa, and why he has a particular soft spot for these plants. “Their primeval associations connect us with a really profound side of botany and early evolutionary history,” he explains. “Many are extremely rare, so were found with a lot of luck and perseverance — and fun and elation.” Read the article:
Over 150 years ago ferns were the height of gardening fashion, says Neil Crouch – and with his new book he’s hoping to help spark new wave of enthusiasm.
It’s quite a stretch from being a dusty schoolboy on a traffic island in Bulawayo to being at the helm of the new landmark book Ferns of Southern Africa (Struik Nature). But that school field trip more than 30 years ago led Durban ethnobotanist Neil Crouch directly to this most comprehensive guide to ferns.
“Our teacher explained how plants fit into each ecological niche even though they were mostly weeds such as lantana and opuntia,” he says. “Everything suddenly fell into place for me and that moment really awakened me to plants — I still remember how everything smelled and looked.”
Book details
- Ferns of Southern Africa: A Comprehensive Guide by Neil Crouch, Ronell Klopper, John Burrows, Sandra Burrows
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EAN: 9781770079106
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