The Think Fest event series is set to continue this Sunday with Bermudian graduate student Saskia Wolsak discussing the erosion of plant knowledge due to colonisation.

Ms Wolsak, who is completing her Masters of Science in ethnobotany at the University of British Columbia, has been researching the relationship between plants and people in Bermuda.

“We will be discussing the knowledge-power dynamic and the forces which led to the erosion of plant knowledge in Bermuda, with a focus on some of the plants that most influenced Bermuda’s culture and landscape including cedar, palmetto, allspice, and cassava,” she said.

“A study in Bermuda ethnobotany offers many benefits. It provides insight into Bermuda’s history, into the creativity and self-sufficiency of Bermudians, into the current state of our landscape, how it got to be that way and what we can do to change it.”

A spokesman for organiser Think Media said the presentation will detail how traditional knowledge and skills were adapted as the social, economic and environmental circumstances changed in a foreign colonial society.

The event will also give attendees an opportunity to experience some of the plants first hand, with a tasting of wild herbs and plants from Bermuda, along with cactus caviar and prickly pear cheesecake.

The presentation is the latest in a series which gives a platform to Bermudian academics to discuss a range of topics ranging from cancer research to crime.

Think Media said: “Think Fest is an opportunity for the island to celebrate and acknowledge Bermudian academics and independent thinkers, a platform for networking with potential employers, funders, other academics and researchers and a forum for discussing the latest research in a wide variety of fields.

“Each of the Think Fest presenters will dive deeply into a single topic for an extended period, followed by a chat with a host and audience participation.”

Sunday’s event is set to start with the tasting at Liberty Theatre 6.45pm, with the presentation following at 7.10pm.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at https://think.bm or at the door, with early bird and group discounts available.