EXPO: On a Plant Trip

The Botanical Garden of Ghent University houses a spectacular number of plants that originate directly from Indonesia’s jungles. An adventure through the lush world of exotic crops will reveal to the visitor lots of noteworthy facts about Indonesian plants. Come and read or hear from the Indonesian students in person what they have to say about the flora of their country.

In the entrance building of the tropical greenhouses of the Botanical Garden of the University there is a small exhibition about Indonesian culture. In that culture, food is of the utmost importance. In addition to cooking utensils, there are also some miniatures of traditional farm work displayed. Indonesian ladies will tell you more about everyday life in Indonesian villages. They may even tell you the most delicious recipes they know of! Furthermore, you can discover the colours and flavours of the spices and herbs, and other agricultural produce like cocoa and coffee. You can even register for their workshops! Indonesian students are the backbone of this intercultural project of exchanging knowledge about the importance of traditions, ancient practices as well as how modern knowledge of plants can be used in medicinary and food industries.

On Sunday 8th of October this event will open to the public! On this day, Ghent University celebrates its 200th birthday, and therefore we will provide some Indonesian delicacies at the entrance of the tropical greenhouses.

Story days for children

In the afternoons of Wednesday 11th and 18th of October, Edwin Hantson will introduce children to the rich Indonesian culture through a variety of folk tales. Edwin tells these captivating tales in an active and interactive way.

Kancil and other Indonesian stories

The chevrotain or kancil is the main character of many folk stories in Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. In those stories, the little animal always gets itself into trouble, but still succeeds to rescue itself because of its cleverness and, admittedly, through its audacity. The mouse-deer manages to get out of many difficult situations, through deceiving the other characters, while at all times trying to help the weak. His friends and foes include many animals, like the tiger and the monkey, but also the crocodile and the elephant. Kancils feed from fallen fruits and leaves, but sometimes like a delicious cucumber or banana as well!

Edwin Hantson tells the stories he heard in Indonesia when he worked there and was learning to speak the language. He sent them to his daughter and also told them in a number of elementary schools. During this EUROPALIA event, Edwin will tell tales about the kancil and the crocodile, monkey, tiger, jackal and more. He brings his animal friends with him in a large briefcase. In addition, Hantson tells some short stories about the country itself.

The story days in October will take place in the Botanical garden of Ghent University. The one in November takes place in the cultural center of the Zebrastraat in Ghent. Edwin Hantson starts telling the stories at 15:00!

Practical

This intercultural project on exchanges of knowledge between different communities, exhibiting both traditional and modern uses of plants, agricultural tools and cultivated fruits, can be seen in the Ghent University Botanical Garden from 8th to 22nd of October 2017.

For whom

Students and Staff, but also Ghentians and plant-lovers

When

Opening on Sunday 8th October, the 200th birthday of Ghent University, from 13:00! From 8th until 22nd of October 2017, working days from 9:00 to 16:30 and on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays from 9:00 to 12:00

Where

Botanical Garden, Tropical Greenhouses. Entrance on the corner of K. L. Ledeganckstraat and E. Clauslaan, 9000 Ghent