The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) announced that the Pretoria National Botanical Garden (PNBG) has been awarded Level 4 Accreditation by The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program and The Morton Arboretum. This is the highest level of accreditation, making PNBG one of only 46 botanical gardens worldwide with a professionally curated arboretum.
The award highlights SANBI's dedication to providing world-class services. Established in 1946 and opened to the public in 1958, the 76-ha urban garden serves as a conservation and research space, focusing on indigenous plants, especially trees from northern and eastern South Africa.
PNBG aims to establish itself as a gene bank for South Africa's tree species, preserving genetic diversity. The garden features unique collections such as an avenue of Bolusanthus speciosus (Tree Wisterias) and naturally occurring Ochna pulchra and Ochna pretoriensis. This accreditation reinforces its role in tree conservation, education, and scientific research.