The Durban Botanic Gardens Trust recognises the need to acknowledge those that have made a significant contribution to either the Durban Botanic Gardens; horticulture in the eThekwini Municipality; or the advancement of flora in KwaZulu-Natal, by awarding a John Medley Wood Medal.
This medal is named after the “Father of Botany”, Dr. John Medley Wood. Medley Wood, who died in 1915, had been Curator and then Director of the Durban Botanic Gardens and Herbarium for over 30 years. It was Medley Wood who beautified the old Gardens and made them Durban’s brightest jewel.
He was a prolific plant hunter and productive botanist who wrote the first flora of the province. He was recognised by Kew Gardens as having international status, was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Science by the University of Cape Town, and has approximately 60 species named after him.