In July 2014 the relatively unknown Kwelera (pronounced Kwelegha) Nature Reserve was thrust to the forefront of botanical interest with the announcement that it was to become the country's 10th National Botanical Garden.
Before that the 164 hectare strip of coast that runs parallel to the Indian Ocean between Gonubie and where the Kwelera River meets the sea just north east of East London, languered in virtual obscurity known only by the residents of, and visitors to, the three little seaside villages on its fringes – Sunrise-on-sea, Kwelera Mouth and Rainbow Valley.
It is the very first botanical garden in the country managed jointly by two agencies - The Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA) and SANBI.
Kwelera is officially classified as a 'conservation garden' promoting biodiverisity education to locals and attracting tourists to the region. But it is going to be some time before its intention to attract visitors and learners becomes a reality.
Its proclamation as a botanical garden is only the first phase of a process that includes acquiring adjacent land on which to build an education center, a formal landscaped garden and offices.
There are also plans to design a walking trail through the dune forest linking the formal garden to the coastal dune forest of the Kwelera Nature Reserve, which will remain the 'natural' part of the National Botanical Garden.
The heavily wooded sand dunes are alive with birds, such as the Knysna turaco and emerald-spotted wood dove, vervet monkeys, bushbuck and blue duiker, whilst thicket provides cover for the nocturnal porcupine and the seldom-seen caracal.
It is also one of the places you can spot the deceptive diadem, also known as the deceptive eggfly, Novice Friar or Outannie. This type of brush-footed 'butterfly adopts a similar look to a black, brown and white spotted butterfly for protection. It is a rare butterfly with a wingspan of between 55mm and 65mm.
The Botanical Garden is not yet open to the public. It is expected to be accessible to visitors in 2-3 years after construction of the necessary infrastructure and garden layout have been completed.