Interest in collecting cacti and succulents started some 60 years ago with John Borg who had an outstanding collection of these plants at the Argotti Garden in Floriana. Although his collection was lamentably allowed to perish, the book Cacti, which he wrote at the time, is still quoted by eminent contemporary cactologists.

There are many cactus and succulent hobbyists in Malta and in 1951 they got together and formed a local society Għaqda Maltija tal-Kaktus u Sukkulenti Oħra, which is still flourishing and has a paid-up membership of 150 hobbyists. Members are invited to attend a monthly talk on the subject, receive a newsletter, an annual magazine and have access to numerous books found in the society's library. Moreover, every alternate year, a speaker of international repute is invited to Malta to give two talks on the subject.

Another event organised every year by the committee is the Cactus and Succulent Exhibition, which this year is being held at the Victoria Hall (L-Oratorju) at Naxxar today and tomorrow between 8.30 a.m. and 7.30 p.m. Entrance is free and there is a spacious parking place in front of the hall.