Not to be missed is the range of free talks by plant experts on each day of the festival. Attendees will gain insights into the key issues pre-occupying scientist and experts working in the field. Expert Talks are free events and no booking is required. Available seats are on a first-come, first-serve basis.

VENUE
Calitzdorp Station
Calitzdorp, Western Cape, South Africa

DURATION
60 minutes

COST
Free

HOW TO ATTEND!
Attend for free on the day. No booking required.

FRIDAY, 18 SEPTEMBER

11:00 - Expert Talk
Dr. Ernst van Jaarsveld and Cornell Beukes
Welwitschia in Angola
Watch and listen to a fantastic recap of a 12-day expedition to Angola in January 2026 to the arid and desert parts of southwestern Angola. Looking at Welwitschia but also several other succulent species along the way with stops at Tundavala, Leba Pass, Quicombe river and Namib.

Attend for free on the day. No booking required.

14:00 – Expert Talk
Dr. Ernst van Jaarsveld and Cornell Beukes
Succulents In Kruger National Park
Several research trips done to the Kruger National Park always doing several hikes within the park with park ranger’s present. Main purpose is to document what succulent species the Park has to offer. A project that started has been in process for several years now.

Attend for free on the day. No booking required.

SATURDAY, 19 SEPTEMBER

12:30 – Expert Talk
Buck Hemenway
Aloes of the Klein Karoo
Buck will explore the aloe plants found in the Klein Karoo. See them in their natural habitat, many in flower. Learn where to find them and how to recognize the various species.

Attend for free on the day. No booking required.