Category: Indigenous plants

Spring Flower Watch: West Coast National Park

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Written by Zoë Chapman Poulsen. Photographs by Rupert Koopman & Zoë Chapman Poulsen.

Perhaps among the most iconic spring flower destinations, West Coast National Park is just a stone’s throw away, an easy drive from Cape Town.

Few forget the whites, yellows and oranges of the carpets of spring daisies against huge granite boulders and the turquoise waters of Langebaan lagoon beyond.

Managed by SANParks, West Coast National Park is south of the bustling West Coast town of Langebaan and just over an hour drive from Cape Town. Entrance is free for Wild Card Holders with valid ID. All other entry fees can be found here.

Above: Stunning carpets of spring wildflowers in the Postberg section of West Coast National Park. Photo: Zoë Chapman Poulsen.

Please note that only the Langebaan entrance to West Coast National Park is currently open to the public, so if coming to view the flowers please time your day accordingly.

The majority of West Coast National Park is strandveld vegetation on deep acid sands. The park has in recent years expanded, incorporating extensive areas of high conservation value Hopefield Sand Plain Fynbos.

Above: Saldhana Granite Strandveld in West Coast National Park. Photo: Rupert Koopman.

Extensive wetlands can be found adjacent to the shores of the Langebaan lagoon. A total of 482 plant species have been recorded thus far in the park, with at least 21 species of conservation concern.

In August and September during the spring flower season, the Postberg section of the reserve is open to the public to see the spectacular display of blooms. Unlike much of the rest of the WCNP west of the R27, the Postberg section vegetation is mainly Saldanha Limestone Strandveld and Saldanha Granite Strandveld.

Above: Board Chair of Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) Professor Stephen Blackmore on the limestone outcrop at Plankiesbaai in West Coast National Park. Photo: Rupert Koopman.

These two strandveld types are endemic to the Saldanha Peninsula and have many threatened species restricted to the special edaphic conditions they provide, with depth of soil and increased seasonal water availability on rocky areas being key among  their habitat requirements.

Above: Dimorphotheca pluvialis. Photo: Rupert Koopman.

Extensive carpets of wildflowers can be seen here, with predominantly daisies such as the rain daisy (Dimorphotheca pluvialis) and orange Arctotis hirsuta dominating the old agricultural lands. Also look out for the resident game, including herds of bontebok and eland.

The wildflowers are at their best on sunny days during the warmest part of the day, opening their blooms from 10am onwards and closing again as the day cools at around 4pm. The last entrance to the park is currently at 3pm.

Above: Lookout over Langebaan Lagoon from West Coast National Park. Photo: Rupert Koopman.

The flowers always have their faces leaning towards the north, so the best views of the stunning array of blooms can be seen when looking southwards.

Look out for next week’s edition of Spring Flower Watch, where we will be continuing our virtual botanical tour to some of the Cape’s special spring flower sites.

Above: Cleretum bellidiforme. Photo: Rupert Koopman.

Further Reading

Manning, J. Goldblatt, P. (2007) West Coast: South African Wild Flower Guide 7, Darling Wildflower Society & Botanical Society of South Africa, Claremont, South Africa.

 

Pondoland’s medicinal plants treasures

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Written by Zoë Chapman Poulsen. Photos by Graham Grieve or supplied by Sinegugu Zukulu.

To celebrate African Traditional Medicine Day on 31 August, Zoë Chapman Poulsen interviewed pioneering Pondoland conservationist and champion of medicinal plant Sinegugu Zukulu.

“For me, the future is about protecting Pondoland’s biodiversity, so we are able to sustain it for future generations to see the treasure that we have,” says Sinegugu Zukulu, Pondoland trailblazer in community-focused conservation, ecotourism, upskilling youth and raising awareness of Pondoland’s unique and extraordinary biodiversity and ecosystems.

Above: Sinegugu Zuluku. Photo supplied by Sinegugu Zulu.

Sinegugu (51) has devoted his life to protecting Pondoland’s rich, diverse and spectacular landscapes. This fascinating area stretches from Hibberdene in Kwa-Zulu Natal, south along the coastline to Port St Johns in the Eastern Cape.

The Pondoland centre of endemism forms part of the Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany biodiversity hotspot and has about 200 unique endemic species. Botanists believe more new species will still be discovered in its isolated habitats and river gorges.

“Protecting the land is protecting livelihoods,” believes Sinegugu. “It is protecting the lives of the people.”

Top: Tribute of the Gwe Gwe River. Above: Berkheya speciosa subsp. speciosa. Photos: Graham Grieve.

The key to successful conservation, he believes, is highlighting how people depend on better functioning ecosystems for water, medicinal plants, livestock grazing, thatch and ecotourism.

As a pioneer in supporting ecotourism development along the Wild Coast, Sinegugu began leading walks into the grasslands, sharing his extensive knowledge of Pondoland’s medicinal plants. This grew into the 2012 book, Medicinal and Charm Plants of Pondoland. The book showcases the traditional knowledge of many herbalists from the community of Amadiba and surrounds where Sinegugu has spent most of his life.

“For me, it was vital to show how important indigenous knowledge is for us,” says Sinegugu. “I wanted to put the faces of our herbalists there for the world to see – and also to recognise their indigenous knowledge.”

Above: Bongeka’s Patch and herbalist. Photo: Graham Grieve.

Knowledge of medicinal plants is very common among the communities of Pondoland, often starting with young children, who learn while accompanying local herbalists collecting medicines in the veld.

“We are losing that knowledge now,” Sinegugu says. “Kids today are no longer exposed to plants and the environment as we were”.

“Young people today can no longer learn as much as we did because they are leading such a different life from when we were young. There were no television sets then, no cellphones. Young people today are preoccupied with cellphones.”

Top: Boophone disticha. Above: Eriosemopsis subanisophylla. Photos: Graham Grieve.

A holistic approach to healthcare is at the core of the traditional use of medicinal plants. As well as  treating illness or injury, plants can be used as charm plants.

“Charm plants may be used for steam baths to make skin more attractive or even by people who want to be lucky with something – perhaps  they are going job seeking.”

The biodiversity of Pondoland, including its medicinal plants, faces a number of different threats. Population pressure is a widespread threat and croplands from farming can often expand into virgin veld. Too frequent veld fires used to burn old dry grass in the sourveld for better grazing is another challenge. Pondoland has also not escaped widespread alien plant invasion.

Some medicinal plants are in such demand that they have fallen victim to overcollection in some areas. This is one reason why Sinegugu Zukulu has been discussing with the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) the idea of establishing a botanical garden dedicated to the cultivation, use and conservation of Pondoland’s endemic plants.

Above: Gwe Gwe Bay. Photo: Graham Greave.

The proposed new botanical garden aims to save and protect these endemic species, as well as showcasing them to visitors so they can be seen all in one place. Part of the project would comprise a nursery to grow and process medicinal plants. This would create jobs for local people by supplying the local market.

Sinegugu has always had the people of Pondoland front and centre of his extensive and highly varied work. Innovative community-driven conservation remains key to his success.

“If conservationists understand the importance of biodiversity to people’s lives and livelihoods, their task would become much easier,” he says. “If you take this approach, people would not need a lot of convincing for them to conserve biodiversity.”

Sinegugu would love to see Pondoland getting some recognition and conservation status, such as a biosphere reserve or a world heritage site.

“But,” he cautions, “we have to make sure that the rights of the people are also protected so they still have access to the land.”

Further reading

Medicinal and Charm Plants of Pondoland by Sinegugu Zukulu, Tony Dold, Tony Abbott and Domitilla Raimondo (SANBI,  Pretoria).

Get in touch

Sinegugu Zukulu regularly leads guided hikes along the spectacular Wild Coast. For more information email: zukulusinegugu@gmail.com or phone: +27 72 428 5109.

Spring Flower Watch: Biedouw Valley

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Written by Zoë Chapman Poulsen. Photos by Rupert Koopman & Zoë Chapman Poulsen.

Famous for its extraordinary red sandstone rock formations, South Africa’s Cederberg mountains are popular with hikers and adventure lovers alike, seeing the peace of wild landscapes within easy reach of Cape Town.

Towering above the small towns of Clanwilliam and Citrusdal, the Cederberg is often dusted with snow on the highest peaks during the winter months. This mountain range is named after the Clanwilliam Cedar (Widdringtonia wallichii) which is endemic to the area and at the brink of extinction.

View into the Biedouw Valley from the Tra Tra Mountains. Photo: Rupert Koopman.

One of the main roads ascending the Cederberg is the Pakhuis Pass, which leads eastwards to the turnoff that winds gently and then steeply down into the Biedouw Valley. This beautiful place is a mecca for those looking to see beautiful displays of spring blooms without making the longer journey to Namaqualand further north.

A rewarding feature of this route is seeing how the vegetation changes from fynbos in the west transitioning to succulent karoo as the amount of annual precipitation drops heading east into the Tanqua.

Above: During spring local farmers restrict their livestock from grazing in the Biedouw Valley, allowing a spectacular array of flowers to come into bloom. Photo: Zoë Chapman Poulsen.

Located between the Biedouw mountains to the north and the Tra Tra mountains to the south, the Biedouw Valley is one of the centres of the rooibos tea growing industry. Enjoyed all over the world, the rooibos tea plant (Aspalathus linearis) is only grown commercially in the Cederberg area and surrounds.

During spring local farmers restrict their livestock from grazing in the Biedouw Valley, allowing a spectacular array of flowers to come into bloom, much to the enjoyment of the many visitors who enjoy this popular place. The main displays are an array of daisies and Heliophila but the many stunning geophytes to be found are also pleasant on the eye.

Above: Spectacular spring flower displays in the Biedouw Valley. Photo: Zoë Chapman Poulsen.

The small and delicate spring favourite Moraea gawleri come in a variety of different colours from cream to yellow or brick red. They bloom fleetingly, found growing on both deep sands and clays in fynbos or renosterveld vegetation from Namaqualand to Humansdorp.

Above: Moraea gawleri. Photo: Zoë Chapman Poulsen.

Cyanella alba is easily recognised by its delicate cream coloured blooms that often have a hint of yellow. The flowers smell much like Magnolias. Flowering from August to October, this species grows on sandstone or clay slopes from the Bokkeveld mountains to the western Karoo.

Above: Cyanella alba. Photo: Zoë Chapman Poulsen.

Lapeirousia divaricata is often seen blooming en masse in the Biedouw Valley during spring with its delicately fragrant blooms. This species grows in damp sandy areas from the Bokkeveld mountains southwards to Citrusdal.

Above: Lapeirousia divaricata. Photo: Zoë Chapman Poulsen.

Right now is one of the best Biedouw valley flower seasons in a while due to higher rainfall in the eastern Cederberg than in the last few years.

Above: Lapeirousia divaricata blooming en masse in the Biedouw Valley. Photo: Zoë Chapman Poulsen.

Look out for next week’s edition of Spring Flower Watch, where we will be continuing our virtual botanical tour to some of the Cape’s special spring flower sites.

A new field guide for Overberg Renosterveld

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Written by Rupert Koopman. Photos by Odette Curtis-Scott & Rupert Koopman.

Conservation messaging can tend towards negative and understandably so, as loss and degradation are daily features. Fortunately, there are also a myriad inspirational narratives by people who care for nature and their extraordinary efforts to address humanity’s appetite for destruction.

The publication of The Field Guide to the Renosterveld of the Overberg, is a manifestation of this kind of effort; another clear milestone for a committed group of people who care deeply about a special piece of the planet, represented here by the authors of this guide.

To introduce this significant publication, let’s consider an informed opinion on the recent past state of the Overberg Renosterveld region. A staple on the shelf of many a nature lover is the exquisite publication Southern African Wild Flowers: Jewels of the Veld (2005) by Dr John Manning with photography by Colin Paterson-Jones. It is a pictorial journey of the varied landscapes and flora of the region.

Above: Attendees of the 2013 launch of the Overberg Renosterveld Conservation Trust. Photo: Rupert Koopman.

Dr Manning headlined the pages covering the Overberg wheatbelt as the “Killing Fields” and while celebrating the many spectacular geophytic gems, highlighted the perilous future of many of these species due to habitat loss and the subsequent effects of fragmentation.

At the same time, conservation efforts such as the Stewardship Programme and Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wildflowers (CREW) commenced activities in the region, documenting the threatened flora and habitats, engaging with landowners and moving the needle.

Above: Leucadendron coriaceum. Photo: Odette Curtis-Scott.

For workers in the region, it was clear that the flora was understudied. As part the fieldwork for the 2003 Botanical Society project “A Fine Scale Conservation Plan for Cape Lowlands Renosterveld”, at least eight undescribed species were found as well as one which had last been collected in the 1830’s.

Subsequent field work in the region by CREW, the Overberg Renosterveld Conservation Trust (ORCT) and other has further shown the richness of the renosterveld, with new species both floral and faunal rewarding field scientists efforts.

As the much-anticipated first field guide aimed solely at Renosterveld, there is a lot of ground to cover. The scope of the Field Guide to the Renosterveld of the Overberg is comprehensive, with just under a thousand plant species illustrated as well as mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, amphibians and a range of the more visible invertebrates.

Above: Lyperia violaceae. Photo: Odette Curtis-Scott.

This builds on the work the authors have conducted in the region since the early 2000s. As someone who has spent some time in this landscape too, it is nice to see the mix of scientific and practical management knowledge; this publication truly has something for everyone.

As many people are still unclear about the value of Renosterveld as well as why its plight matters, the introduction provides a handy primer on how it fits into the Fynbos Biome and the four Renosterveld types found (Western, Central and Eastern Rûens Shale Renosterveld and Rûens Silcrete Renosterveld).

The authors have gone to significant lengths to provide context and explanatory notes, with handy info boxes placed throughout. I especially enjoyed the fact that it provides the etymology of every single Latin genus and species name.

Above: Hemimeris racemosa. Photo: Odette Curtis-Scott.

Given the that the “grassy shrubland or shrubby grassland” question remains a bone of contention, the six-page double spread covering the more prominent grasses (as well as invasive species) is handy. Also well-represented are the legumes (Fabaceae) family; a prominent feature of renosterveld and – with many being palatable – a valuable indicator of veld condition.

Aptly, as lead author Dr Odette Curtis-Scott has been at the forefront of conservation efforts in the Rûens for a number of years and a concerted effort is thus evident in supplying the relevant information to empower the reader.

The conservation status of each red listed species is included (the list is updated annually and can be seen at http://redlist.sanbi.org. As many as 12% of the plant species in the book are considered threatened. An appendix introduces several options on how to formally conserve conservation priorities on privately owned land.

Above: Aristea biflora. Photo: Odette Curtis-Scott.

At least 99% of remaining Renosterveld in the Overberg is found on private land and it is gratifying to see the contributions of champion conservation-minded landowners past and present recognised for their efforts. It is also heartening to learn how their understanding of the value of their veld has changed through the conservation extension work of the ORCT and colleagues.

A highlight of the book is Appendix 1 which is a thorough guide for Renosterveld landowners and managers detailing practical management steps and useful information on the timing and permissions needed for fire (a key ecological driver) as well as pointers to the laws around the correct methods of invasive alien clearing and the removal of natural vegetation.

These two influences are the major threats to the future survival of renosterveld and the more people who understand these processes and can hold each other accountable, the better.

Ultimately, all field guides are practically limited to not include everything but the Field Guide to the Renosterveld of the Overberg has landed just in time for spring and begs to be taken for a test drive in your nearest patch of “renosterbosveld”.

In celebration of renosterveld and spring, the Botanical Society of South Africa is hosting an online launch of the Field Guide to Renosterveld of the Overberg featuring a discussion with the authors.

Spring Flower Watch: Nieuwoudtville Wildflower Reserve

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Written and photographed by Zoë Chapman Poulsen.

The second edition of our weekly Spring Flower Watch comes from Nieuwoudtville Wildflower Reserve. Each week this spring we will be taking you on a virtual tour of some of the best places to see the spring flowers, both for those of you planning to hit the road now restrictions on interprovincial travel have been lifted, as well as for those of you who would still prefer to stay home.

Above: View from the summit of the Vanrhyn’s Pass across the Knersvlakte.

The small Northern Cape Town of Nieuwoudtville where the reserve is based is located on the Bokkeveld Escarpment, reached by the winding Vanrhyn’s Pass. The plateau has a diversity of different vegetation types including renosterveld, fynbos and succulent karoo and is world famous for its diversity of flowering bulbs that bring spectacular displays during spring.

Above: View across the Nieuwoudtville Wildflower Reserve during the peak of spring flowering season in August. Hantam National Botanical Garden is visible in the distance.

Encompassing over 100 Ha of Hantam-Roggeveld Dolerite Renosterveld, the Nieuwoudtville Wildflower Reserve is managed by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) and the Hantam Municipality. Entrance to the Nieuwoudtville Wildflower Reserve is free for visitors. The reserve is home to more than 300 plant species, of which many are of conservation concern including several local endemics.

Above: Hesperantha vaginata in bloom at the Nieuwoudtville Wildflower Reserve.

Also known as the Harlequin Evening Flower, the distinctive bright yellow and brown blooms of Hesperantha vaginata are hard to miss. This stunning bulb is endemic to the Bokkeveld Plateau from the Nieuwoudtville area eastwards to Calvinia. The odourless flowers are pollinated by the monkey beetle Clania glenlyonensis, who use the flowers for mating as well as feeding on the pollen.

Above: Diascia cardiosepala. 

Look out for the delicate tiny purple flowers of Diascia cardiosepala, which grows predominantly on deep red dolerite derived clays. Flowering takes place from August to October. This species is also endemic to the Bokkeveld Escarpment.

Above: Aptosimium indivisum. 

In drier places, Aptosimium indivisum, also known as the Karoo Violet, can be seen. It is found throughout southern Africa on dry clay flats.

Above: Colchicum coloratum. 

A rather quirky-looking customer to look out for is Colchicum coloratum, appropriately named the ‘Red Cup and Saucer’ due to its unusual morphology. It grows on heavy red clays derived from dolerite eastwards to Botterkloof.

Look out for next week’s edition of Spring Flower Watch, where we will take you along to visit the Biedouw Valley in the Cederberg.

Our Living Libraries: Why are Botanical Gardens so important?

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Written by Zoë Chapman Poulsen. Photos by Petra Broddle, Zoë Chapman Poulsen and supplied by SANBI Marketing.

This week across South Africa SANBI’s National Botanical Gardens are opening to the public again for the first time after several months of closure due to the COVID 19 crisis. As they have re-opened many have flocked to South Africa’s plethora of national parks, nature reserves and now our botanical gardens to seek peace in and reconnect with nature during these tough times. Botanical gardens are of global importance, playing a role in scientific research, education, as well as saving threatened species from extinction.

What is a botanical garden?

Above: Durban Botanic Gardens is Africa’s oldest botanical garden. Photo: Zoë Chapman Poulsen.

A botanical garden is a garden dedicated to the cultivation and display of a collection of plants labelled with their botanical names. This may include special collections from specific ecosystems, geographical areas or plant groups such as succulent plants. Botanical gardens are usually open to the public and are often run by universities or other scientific organisations.

South Africa has ten (soon to be eleven https://www.sanbi.org/gardens/) National Botanical Gardens in different parts of the country that are run by SANBI. Africa’s oldest botanical garden is Durban Botanic Gardens, founded in 1849 and run by the Parks, Leisure & Cemeteries Department of eThekwini with the support of the Durban Botanic Gardens Trust (Est. 1993). Stellenbosch University Botanical Gardens, Makana Botanical Gardens, the University of KwaZulu-Natal Botanical Gardens and the Manie van der Schijff Botanical Gardens are all run by universities.

A Short History

Above: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens is the oldest of SANBI’s NBGs. Photo supplied by SANBI Marketing.

The world’s oldest botanical garden is the Orto Botanico di Padova in north-eastern Italy. Founded in 1545 by the Venetian Republic, it is the oldest academic botanical garden that is still at its original location. Like many other early botanical gardens, it was originally founded for growing medicinal plants.

Stellenbosch University Botanical Gardens dates from 1902, when lecturer Augusta Duthie started growing plants on campus for research and student practicals. Kirstenbosch NBG is the oldest of the national botanical gardens, founded in the same year as BotSoc. Botanical Society volunteers spent many hours collecting and selling firewood, soil and acorns to support the gardens’ development.

Living Collections

Above: Example of a plant label from a specimen of Aloidendron ramosissimum photographed at SANBI’s Karoo Desert National Botanical Gardens. The accession number is visible in the bottom right corner. Photo: Zoë Chapman Poulsen.

Today South Africa’s botanical gardens hold an extraordinary and diverse range of plant collections, representing South Africa’s megadiverse flora across all its ecosystems. As each plant arrives at a botanical garden, it is assigned a unique accession number. This is connected to a database entry that stores information such as collection date, the locality where the collection was made and more. This information is vital to inform use of the plant material in conservation and restoration work.

Spaces for Recreation

Above: The Useful Plants Garden at Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens. Photo supplied by SANBI Marketing.

As our world becomes more urbanised, green spaces within our built up areas become increasingly important. Many of the world’s botanical gardens are located within towns and cities, forming important and sustainable spaces for recreation and exercise in nature. Research has shown that spending time in nature, or even viewing scenes of nature can reduce stress and improve physical and mental wellbeing.

Environmental Education

Above: Children playing on the giant elephant at Lowveld National Botanical Gardens. Photo supplied by SANBI Marketing. Photo taken prior to COVID-19 Restrictions.

After 1994 the right to a healthy environment became a part of South Africa’s constitution, and environmental education is recognised as a vital part of the national curriculum. Botanical gardens play a key role in teaching youth about the importance of plants, ecosystems and biodiversity.

It is widely acknowledged throughout the conservation sector that children who have participated in nature-focused activities are more likely to develop a positive attitude about the importance of the environment in adulthood. Environmental education also inspires people through immersion in the natural world, starting to train the botanists, ecologists, horticulturalists and conservationists of the future.

Research and Herbaria

Above: Endangered Haemanthus pumilio blooming in habitat while being visited by a Crimson Speckled Footman moth. Photo: Zoë Chapman Poulsen.

In addition to growing and curating living collections, many botanical gardens also play a vital role in research, encompassing fields such as plant taxonomy. Many botanical gardens house herbarium collections, which are filed collections of dried plant specimens used for identification, genetic and nomenclature research. For example, Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden is a key partner in a project pioneering micropropagation techniques to improve the conservation status of the Endangered Haemanthus pumilio, currently known from just a few fragmented lowland sites.

Saving our Threatened Species

Above: The Critically Endangered Protea odorata is one of South Africa’s most threatened species. Only targeted action by conservation professionals and botanical gardens working together can save this species from extinction.

With one in four of South Africa’s plant species being threatened with extinction or of conservation concern, the role of botanical gardens in plant species conservation could never be more important. Plants form the keystone of our ecosystems: Without plants all other living organisms including humans could no longer survive.

Plants growing in botanical gardens and stored seed are what we call ‘ex-situ collections’, acting as an insurance policy in case of habitat loss or a plant species becomes extinct in the wild. Plants growing in botanical gardens can also be propagated for use in ecological restoration.  The detailed record keeping executed by the botanical garden is key to ensuring the plant material is of the right genetic stock from the correct locality to be used for restoration at specific sites, thus avoiding the risk of genetic pollution (the introduction of foreign genes into natural populations).

Plants & Partnerships

Above: Pressing collected specimens for the herbarium by members of SANBI’s Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wildflowers (CREW) programme. It is partnerships such as these that drive plant conservation action. Photo: Petra Broddle.

The world’s botanical gardens are uniquely placed to offer vital contributions to human wellbeing, scientific research and biodiversity conservation. But they do not work alone. The key to their success is the working partnerships and collaborations that botanical gardens form across the globe. These partners may include nonprofits, local and national governments and the corporate sector.

The Botanical Society of South Africa has a close partnership with SANBI, who run South Africa’s national botanical gardens. This and our other partnerships go from strength to strength, helping us all to work together in conserving South Africa’s unique and extraordinary biodiversity and natural heritage.

Further Reading

Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI): https://www.bgci.org

Oldfield, S. (2010) Botanic Gardens: Modern-Day Arks, New Holland Publishing, United Kingdom.

South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI): https://www.sanbi.org

Community and Partnerships: Restoration planting at Princess Vlei

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Written by Zoë Chapman Poulsen. Photos: Alex Lansdowne & Zoë Chapman Poulsen

Last Saturday 25 July the Princess Vlei Forum (PVF), in partnership with the Botanical Society of South Africa Kirstenbosch Branch, held a planting event at The Greater Princess Vlei conservation area in Cape Town. More than 3 000 plants were planted on the day. The extinct in the wild Whorled Heath (Erica verticillata) and critically endangered Serruria foeniculacea were reintroduced for the first time. This event forms part of the ongoing pioneering ecological restoration taking place at the vlei, with multiple stakeholders, specialists and international partners.

Above: Botanist Dr. Elzanne Singels with the Critically Endangered Serruria foeniculacea she has grown for the restoration project at Princess Vlei. Photo: Alex Lansdowne.

Located on the Cape Flats near the suburbs of Fairways, Southfield, Heathfield, Grassy Park, and Retreat, Princess Vlei forms the gateway to the wetlands system of the False Bay Ecology Park, encompassing Rondevlei, Zeekoevlei and Zandvlei. This extensive wetland reserve forms an important community and heritage space, as well as habitat for birds and the endangered Western Leopard Toad.

Above: Seedlings grown in site sand ready for planting at the restoration site. Photo: Zoë Chapman Poulsen

For many years Princess Vlei was in danger due to a proposal to build a shopping mall on her banks. The site also suffered years of neglect due to racially discriminatory distribution of resources during apartheid. Thanks to the efforts of the surrounding communities, through the Princess Vlei Forum, the decision to build the mall was overturned in 2014 due to the significant cultural and natural heritage value, and the conservation area proclaimed.

Above: Members of the Princess Vlei restoration team placing plants at the site on the banks of Princess Vlei ahead of the planting event. Photo: Zoë Chapman Poulsen.

The Princess Vlei Forum is a community-driven nonprofit organisation dedicated to working as custodians of this green open space. An active part of this custodianship is a 5 year restoration project to restore vast tracts of habitat at Princess Vlei. This will ensure the conservation area reaches its true potential as a critical biodiversity area for generations to come. The Botanical Society Kirstenbosch Branch has recently formed a new partnership with the Princess Vlei Forum, contributing funding towards this innovative restoration project as well as inspiring youth to become involved in biodiversity conservation.

Above: Volunteers planting on site during the planting day. Photo: Zoë Chapman Poulsen

Comments Alex Lansdowne, conservationist and leader of the Princess Vlei restoration team: “The Princess Vlei conservation area has understudied conservation value and high restoration potential. The investments made by the PVF into conserving this site are remarkable and have attracted international attention. Princess Vlei has been written off many times as a valueless open space in a non-white area, riddled by crime and social ills. We are changing this narrative by restoring this unique habitat. If we are to redress apartheid spatial planning we need to deliver good condition, safe and accessible natural spaces to poorer communities. We are doing this. The partnership between BotSoc and the PVF is part of a broader campaign to reintroduce young people to nature. Our main goal is to inspire future conservationists and nature enthusiasts in areas where they need them most”.

Above: Councillor Kevin Southgate plants extinct in the wild Erica verticillata at the Princess Vlei restoration site. Photo: Zoë Chapman Poulsen.

The Princess Vlei Restoration Project brings together stakeholders from the Princess Vlei Forum, local community including youth, the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER), the American Orchid Society and the City of Cape Town Parks Department. Seed funding has been received for the project from a variety of national and international sources. The Hans Hoheisen Charitable Trust has made significant contributions towards the management and environmental education programmes on site. This has allowed for further investments from the International Society for Ecological Restoration, the Rowland and Letta Hill Trust and the American Orchid Society.

Above: Councillor Kevin Southgate plants extinct in the wild Erica verticillata at the Princess Vlei restoration site. Photo: Zoë Chapman Poulsen.

The goal of Phase 1 of the project is to restore a total of 12 ha at the site, encompassing critically endangered Cape Flats Sand Fynbos as well as Cape Flats Dune Strandveld and Cape Lowlands Freshwater Wetlands, both of which are classed as endangered vegetation types. Since the project has been initiated, vegetation and habitat condition of the site has been mapped and the area of the Greater Princess Vlei Conservation Area under active restoration has doubled. With a project ethos of fostering community custodianship, many members of the local community including youth have been involved in the restoration planting events.

Above: Planting at the restoration site continues apace. Photo: Zoë Chapman Poulsen.

This year 48 plant species have been restored to the site, eight of which are listed as being of conservation concern on the Red List of South African Plants, one of which is extinct in the wild and two are critically endangered. Investment has also been made in upskilling local workers through training in restoration specific skills including seed collection, plant propagation and restoration planting.

Thanks to this innovative ecological restoration project, with much hard work and strong community and partner backing, the future looks bright for the biodiversity of the Greater Princess Vlei Conservation Area. Watch this space for further updates.

Forests of South Africa

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Written by Zoë Chapman Poulsen. Photos by Eugene Moll, Francois du Randt and Zoë Chapman Poulsen.

Introduction

Above: Sand Forest in the False Bay section of iSimangaliso Wetland Park, KwaZulu-Natal. Photo: Francois du Randt.

As the climate crisis has escalated, an increasing global focus has been placed on forests due to their potential for climate change mitigation through carbon storage. Some researchers advocate widespread global tree planting as a solution, despite many of the world’s ecosystems not being tree dominated. There has been a long held and misconstrued idea that we need to plant more trees in South Africa to ‘save the earth’, with forest mistakenly perceived as one of our most threatened ecosystems.

Despite this strong international focus, research and conservation planning around South Africa’s forests have been highly neglected, with the country having few dedicated forest ecologists. Few realise that South Africa’s forests are some of the most species rich temperate forests worldwide. However, indigenous forest only covers 0.56% of South Africa’s landmass. Within South Africa’s extraordinary range of ecosystems, only a tiny proportion of the country provides the necessary ecological conditions to support indigenous forest.

Forest Biodiversity & Biogeography

Above: Northern Afrotemperate Forest in Royal Natal National Park, KwaZulu-Natal. Photo: Zoë Chapman Poulsen.

South Africa’s forests have a highly fragmented distribution, extending in an archipelago of patches from the south-west to the north-east. Forest species richness and diversity increases in a gradient from the southwest to the northeast. Forest extends inland to the Great Escarpment and northwards to Oorlogskloof, Nieuwoudtville. The most extensive forests are found around Knysna and Tsitsikamma.

Variation in climate, topography, altitude and latitude have resulted in a diversity of forest types. The vegetation map of South Africa, Lesotho and eSwatini recognises 12 forest groups divided into 26 forest types. Forest patch size varies with some as small as 1 ha. Research has shown that these smaller forest patches still support the full suite of ecological processes necessary for ecological integrity and are equally important in conservation planning and practice.

Forests and Fire

Above: Southern Afrotemperate Forest in Orange Kloof, Table Mountain after fire. Photo: Zoë Chapman Poulsen.

Within the fynbos and grassland biomes, one of the key determinants of forest distribution is the presence, absence and frequency of fire. Forest is often found growing in natural fire refugia such as in steep sided kloofs, boulder screes or deeply weathered rock cracks. Forest will rarely burn, only with exceptionally high temperatures and windspeeds or drought. Hot and more frequent fires will lead to a forest patch decreasing in size, whereas infrequent fires or long term absence of fire will lead to the forest patch growing in size. This can lead to significant changes in forest distribution over relatively short time scales.

Conservation status and threats facing South Africa’s forests

Above: Tall Sand Forest in Tembe Elephant Park, KwaZulu-Natal. Photo: Francois Du Randt.

Most of South Africa’s forests are currently managed as conservation areas, with a government mandate in place to protect all forests on private, communal and state-owned land in line with the National Forest Act (Act No 84 of 1998). The 2018 National Biodiversity Assessment recognises South Africa’s forests as one of several ecosystem types that provide disproportionate benefits to people relative to their size, including water purification, nutrient cycling, carbon storage, storm protection, recreation and food.

However, some of South Africa’s forests are impacted by wood harvesting for fuel and building materials as well as extensive bark harvesting from certain species for medicinal use. This can lead to eventual death of the tree if the tree is fully ring barked. South Africa’s mangrove forests are classed as Critically Endangered due to habitat loss from harbour development. Riparian gallery forests in Mpumalanga are also threatened due to water abstraction.

Afrotemperate Forest

Above: Afrocarpus falcatus in Southern Afrotemperate Forest in Nature’s Valley, Garden Route. Photo: Zoë Chapman Poulsen.

Afrotemperate forest has two vegetation units: Southern Afrotemperate Forest and Northern Afrotemperate Forest. Southern Afrotemperate Forest is distributed from the Cape Peninsula eastwards to the Eastern Cape, with the main centre of diversity being the Knysna-Tsitsikamma region. This forest type is usually tall and multi-layered and is dominated by yellowwoods (Afrocarpus falcatus and Podocarpus latifolius). Cunonia capensis is present in deep gorge habitats. Northern Afrotemperate Forest is distributed from the Free State and Lesotho northwards to Limpopo, where it is found in small patches in kloofs at higher altitudes. Taller trees present include Celtis africana and Halleria lucida.

Coastal Forest

Above: Coastal dune forest at Twinstreams, Umtunzini, KwaZulu-Natal with an understorey of Isoglossa woodii. Photo: Eugene Moll.

Coastal forest comprises Southern Coastal Forest and Northern Coastal Forest. Southern Coastal Forest is found in the Western and Eastern Cape, including coastal dune systems. These forests are dominated by Milkwood (Sideroxylon inerme) from Llandudno on the Cape Peninsula eastwards to Nature’s Valley. Further east the species richness increases with dominants including Brachylaena discolor and Euclea natalensis. Northern Coastal Forest is found predominantly along the coastline of KwaZulu-Natal and is relatively species rich. It mostly grows on coastal plains and stabilised coastal dunes.

Mistbelt Forest

Above: Mistbelt forest with near endemic Podocarpus henkelii in KwaZulu-Natal. Photo: Eugene Moll.

Mistbelt forests are relatively species rich afrotemperate forests that differ through the presence of subtropical floral elements. Southern Mistbelt Forest is found in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, in fire shadow habitats on south and southeast facing slopes at higher altitudes. Podocarpus henkelii is a near endemic to this vegetation type. The vegetation is dominated by a range of deciduous and semi-deciduous trees such as Celtis africana and Calodendrum capense. Northern Mistbelt Forest is found in Limpopo and Mpumalanga in east facing fire refugia such as moist and sheltered kloofs. There are a number of endemic taxa including Cryptocarya transvaalensis.

Scarp Forest

Above: Scarp forest in the gorge of the Umtamvuna River, KwaZulu-Natal. Photo: Eugene Moll.

Scarp forest is species rich and structurally diverse with a significant number of endemic taxa. It is found in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and eSwatini, either on coastal platforms or in deep gorges. This vegetation type was once home to the extinct in the wild Encephalartos woodii, today known only from a few individuals housed in botanical gardens.

Sand Forest

Above: Allelopathic borders in Sand Forest in Tembe Elephant Park, KwaZulu-Natal. Photo: Francois du Randt.

Sand forest is found from KwaZulu-Natal northwards into Mozambique, predominantly in Maputaland. This forest type has a tall forest canopy layer with a relatively depauperate ground layer. Much of this forest has been cleared historically for subsistence agriculture and grazing. Uncontrolled extraction of wood for fuel is also a significant problem. Sand Forest is therefore Critically Endangered.

Mangrove Forest & Swamp Forest

Above: Swamp forest with Barringtonia racemosa flooded at Twinstreams, Umtuzini, KwaZulu-Natal. Photo: Eugene Moll.

Mangrove forest and swamp forest are both azonal vegetation units. Swamp forest is found at low altitudes in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape on muddy waterlogged soils. The tree Raphia australis is endemic to this vegetation. Mangrove forests are found in coastal estuaries in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, making them the highest latitude coastal mangroves in the world. This vegetation is Critically Endangered due to historic habitat loss from harbour development.

Further Reading

du Randt, F. (2018) The Sand Forest of Maputaland, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, South Africa.

Mucina, L. Geldenhuys, C.J. (2016) ‘Afrotemperate, subtropical and azonal forests’, pp. 585-615 in Mucina, L. Rutherford, M.C. (Eds) The Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland, Strelitzia 19, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.

Venter, E. (2011) Trees of the Garden Route: Mossel Bay to Storms River, Tien Wah Press, Singapore.

Von Breitenbach, F. (1974) Southern Cape Forests and Trees, The Government Printer, Pretoria, South Africa.

A Megadiverse Country: Introducing South Africa’s biodiversity hotspots

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Written by Zoë Chapman Poulsen. Photos by Isobel Johnson and Zoë Chapman Poulsen.

South Africa is a country that is world famous for its extraordinary biodiversity. Recognised as one of the earth’s 17 megadiverse nations which combined contain two thirds of the world’s plant diversity, South Africa sits in the top ten nations for plant species richness worldwide. This is as a result of the country’s highly varied climate, topography and geology, which also has led to extremely high levels of endemism across its many different ecosystems, meaning that many South African species are found nowhere else on earth.

Perhaps one of South Africa’s most famous centres of plant diversity is the Fynbos Biome or Cape Floristic Region, which is one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. However, few realise that South Africa is in fact home to three different biodiversity hotspots, namely the Cape Floristic Region, the Succulent Karoo ecoregion and the Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany corridor. Biodiversity hotspots are the world’s most biodiverse and threatened terrestrial regions. For an area to qualify it needs to have a minimum of 1500 species of endemic vascular plants and to have lost a minimum of 70% of its primary vegetation. There are 37 biodiversity hotspots worldwide, of which 8 are found on the African continent. In this week’s edition of the BotSoc Blog we are taking a look at South Africa’s biodiversity hotspots and what makes them special.

Cape Floristic Region Hotspot

Above: Fynbos in the Akkadiesberg above Stanford. Photo: Zoë Chapman Poulsen

The Cape Floristic Region (CFR) is perhaps South Africa’s most famous biodiversity hotspot. It is also recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, owing to its extraordinary vascular plant diversity at all taxonomic levels. In recent years the Cape Floristic Region has been expanded to become the Greater Cape Floristic Region, with the previous extent of the CFR now being known as the Core Cape Subregion. The Core Cape Subregion (CCR) is 90 760 km2 in size and has around 9 383 known species of vascular plants. A total of 68% of these species are endemic to the area, therefore meaning that they are found nowhere else on Earth.

Above: Watsonia coccinea in bloom in newly burnt fynbos vegetation. Photo: Zoë Chapman Poulsen.

The CFR comprises a variety of different vegetation types. The most well-known and well-researched of these is fynbos. Fynbos is a Mediterranean type shrubland that is both fire prone and fire dependent. It is dominated by plants from three key plant families: The Proteaceae family, the Restionaceae family and the Ericaceae family. The less well-known renosterveld differs from fynbos by consisting of predominantly Asteraceous shrubs and grasses with an extraordinary diversity of geophytes that produce spectacular flowering displays during spring. On the coastline of the CFR we find strandveld, which has strong floristic links with subtropical thicket vegetation. The CFR also includes small patches of forest growing in sheltered areas with relatively high moisture availability where it is sheltered from fire.

Succulent Karoo Hotspot

 

Above: Succulent Karoo vegetation, Ou Tiep Farm, between Garies and Soutfontein, Namaqualand. Photo: Zoë Chapman Poulsen.

The Succulent Karoo Biodiversity Hotspot is one of two arid biodiversity hotspots located in predominantly winter rainfall semidesert. Extending northwards into Namibia along the West Coast of South Africa, the Succulent Karoo encompasses the regions of Namaqualand and the Little Karoo, the latter of which lies in a valley between the Swartberg mountains in the north and the Langeberg and Outeniqua mountains in the south. The Succulent Karoo is known for being home to the world’s highest diversity of succulent plant species. A total of 40% of the Succulent Karoo’s 6 356 plant species are endemic to the region and found nowhere else on earth. The area is also known for its high reptile and invertebrate diversity.

Above: Pelargonium echinatum. Photo: Zoë Chapman Poulsen.

The Succulent Karoo ecoregion has highly diverse geology owing to its complex geological and geomorphological history. However, the majority of the vegetation occurs on shale. Members of the Aizoaceae family, more commonly known as ‘vygies’ form a significant component of the flora, with their colourful daisy-like flowers. After flowering they form seed capsules that open upon contact with moisture from rainfall, flinging the seeds away from the parent plant into the veld. Few realise that geophytes also form a significant part of the Succulent Karoo’s flora, comprising 18% of the flora.

Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany Hotspot

Above: Grassland and forest in the mountains near Barberton on the border with eSwatini. Photo: Zoë Chapman Poulsen.

The Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany biodiversity hotspot is found on the east coast of South Africa below the Great Escarpment. Encompassing three of South Africa’s centres of endemism, it extends northwards from the Eastern Cape, also including the countries of eSwatini and Mozambique. There is considerable climatic variation from subtropical/tropical in parts of the hotspot in the north and nearer to the coast, ranging to more temperate with winter frosts in more inland higher altitude areas. The Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany hotspot is an important centre of plant diversity for South Africa, being the second richest floristic region in Africa after the Cape Floristic Region. Vegetation types of the area encompass subtropical thicket, which is an endemic vegetation type to the Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany hotspot, forest and grassland.

Above: The iconic Christmas Bells (Sandersonia aurantiaca) Photo: Isobel Johnson.

The area is home to almost 8100 plant species from 243 families in an area approximately the same size of New Zealand, of which nearly a quarter (more than 1900 species) are endemic to the area. There are 39 different genera which are endemic to the area and one endemic plant family, namely the Rhynchocalycaceae, which comprises the single monospecific species Rhynchocalyx lawsonioides which is found in southern KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. It is listed as Near Threatened on the Red List of South African Plants due to firewood harvesting, alien plant invasion and inappropriate fire regimes. Another well-known endemic of the region is the iconic Christmas Bells (Sandersonia aurantiaca), which is now becoming increasingly rare due to habitat degradation, flower picking and forestry.

Further Reading

Bergh, N.G. Verboom, G.A. Rouget, M. Cowling, R.M. (2014) ‘Vegetation types of the Greater Cape Floristic Region’ in Allsop, N. Colville, J.F. Verboom, G.A (Eds) Fynbos: Ecology, Evolution and Conservation of a Megadiverse Region, Oxford University Press, UK.

Manning, J. & Goldblatt, P. (2012) Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region: Volume 1: The Core Cape Flora, Strelitzia 29, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, South Africa.

Mucina, L. Rutherford, M (Eds) (2006) The Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland, Strelitzia 19, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.

Diversity unparalleled: An introduction to Ericas

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Written and photographed by Zoë Chapman Poulsen

Meet the Ericas

The fynbos of South Africa’s Cape Floristic Region (CFR) is typified by three plant families: The Proteaceae, Restionaceae and Ericaceae. Of these three, it is the Ericas that are going to form the focus of today’s blog. Members of the genus Erica are known from all over the world, from the high moorlands of England to Madagascar.

Top: Erica grisbrookii in bloom, Napier Mountain Conservancy, Overberg. Above: Erica longiaristata in flower, Fernkloof Nature Reserve.

There are more than 800 species of Erica with names currently accepted by taxonomists worldwide, but the CFR is a centre of unparalleled diversity for the genus. In fact, the genus Erica is known to be the most species diverse genus in the Cape Floristic Region with almost 700 known species. When not in bloom they may be almost impossible to differentiate and look relatively unassuming, but South Africa’s Ericas come in a plethora of different flower sizes, shapes and colours.

Above: Erica quadrisulcata in bloom at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens.

Even the most experienced of botanists find some Ericas a challenge to identify. Some species even have different flower colours in different parts of their geographic range and flower at different times of the year. This is thought to be to spread the competition for pollinators. A key example of this is Erica viscaria, more commonly known as the ‘Sticky Heath’. Distributed between Mamre, Paarl and Bredasdorp, its flowering season varies and its four different subspecies come in red, green, white, pink or even bicoloured. Identifying plants rarely gets so confusing, with the Ericas keeping the plant community on their toes at many a time. In many cases excellent eyesight and a good hand lens are crucial tools of the trade when attempting to tell these beautiful and varied blooms apart.

Top: Erica viscaria subsp. macrosepala in bloom at Fernkloof Nature Reserve. Above: Erica viscaria subsp. longifolia flowering along the Sphinx Trail in the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve.

Some Ericas are found over a wide range across South Africa, while others are extremely rare with limited distribution within highly specialist habitat niches. The distinctive Erica cerinthoides is an example of the former. It is found from the Cederberg mountains southwards to the Cape Peninsula, eastwards through the Eastern Cape, Drakensberg and northwards into Mpumalanga and Limpopo.

Above: Erica cerinthoides in flower at Fernkloof Nature Reserve.

Erica cerinthoides is highly varied in form throughout its range, with even a white flowered variety being record from Mpumalanga and eSwatini. At the opposite end of the scale is Erica recurvata, once known only from a botanical illustration. This critically endangered species was however rediscovered in 2007 in the southern Overberg by botanist Ross Turner. It grows like bonsai trees in cracks in rocky outcrops, where the plants are protected from fire.

Above: Erica recurvata in bloom in habitat in the southern Overberg.

How did the Ericas become so diverse?

The question of how the Cape Floristic Region has become a centre of such extraordinary diversity for Ericas has puzzled many a botanist down the years. Taxonomic work is ongoing to try and better understand this process of speciation, as well as unpacking the mysteries around who is related to whom, and where the boundaries between species and subspecies lie. The Cape is home to nearly 90% of the world’s Erica species so there is much work to be done.

Top: Erica perspicua in bloom at Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens. Above: Erica patersoniae in flower in habitat near Betty’s Bay, Overberg.

Research by Pirie et al. (2016) on the radiation of Erica species in the CFR has revealed that this diversification is a relatively recent event, taking place around 15 million years ago. Evolution from ancient lineages of Erica from the Palaearctic led to accelerated speciation across continental Africa and Madagascar, with a further burst of speciation in the CFR relatively recently. It is also thought that this higher diversity of Ericaceae at the Cape is due to reduced rates of extinction.

The CFR that we know today has its origins in the Miocene, when worldwide climatic cooling led to increased aridity. The establishment of the cold Benguela Current off the South African coastline led to the development of a winter rainfall climatic regime associated with frequent fires. The evolution of the typically small and fine leaves of Ericas and their reseeding and resprouting adaptive traits for fire survival are attributed to these palaeoclimatic changes.

Top: Erica haematocodon in flower at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. Above: Erica regia in bloom at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens.

Movement of tectonic plates led to uplift, forming the spectacular mountain ranges that characterise the Cape, leading to the creation of a range of different habitat niches. Like with many other montane ecosystems in other parts of the world, these habitat niches occur at different altitudes, different rainfall patterns and differing geology and soils. In addition, many different Ericas have adapted to different pollinators. All these interacting factors have brought about the extraordinary Erica diversity that we see today.

How are Ericas pollinated?

Above: Orange Breasted Sunbird pollinating Erica coccinea on Table Mountain, Cape Peninsula.

The extraordinary diversity of different Erica blooms are adapted to a variety of different specialist pollinators. Those Erica with relatively dull coloured blooms are wind pollinated, with no need to lure their pollinator into visiting them. The bright and gaudy flowers of Erica coccinea and Erica verticillata and others are pollinated by birds, with 15% of Ericas being bird pollinated. As many as 72% of Ericas are pollinated by insects, including bees, long-tongued flies and many others. Few realise that rodents also play a part in pollination of 1% of Ericas.

Going, Going, Gone: Which Ericas are the most threatened?

Like many other plants in South Africa, a considerable number of Ericas are of conservation concern and facing a variety of different threats. Some have experienced considerable habitat loss across their range with some already lost forever. Three Erica species/subspecies are now extinct, known only from botanical illustrations. One of these is Erica pyramidalis subsp. pyramidalis. It was once common on the western side of the Cape Flats from Muizenberg to the Black River in wetlands in Cape Flats Sand Fynbos. Sadly, it became extinct in around 1907 as a result of cut flower harvesting, wetland drainage and expanding urban development with no survivors remaining in cultivation.

Above: Illustration of Erica pyramidalis subsp. pyramidalis from Andrew’s Heathery.

Three other Erica species from the Cape lowlands also teeter at the brink of extinction, being classified as extinct in the wild. They survive in cultivation, with efforts ongoing to reintroduce these species to conservation areas within their former ranges. Perhaps the most famous of these is Erica verticillata, also known as the whorled heath. It was thought to have become extinct due to habitat loss and cut flower harvesting, until it was rediscovered in 1989 in a park in Pretoria. A selection of other clones have also been located in other botanical gardens around the world, being brought back to South Africa for cultivation for various reintroduction programmes.

Above: Erica verticillata in bloom at Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens.

Another lesser known example is Erica bolusii var. cyathiformis. This species used to occur in seepages on sandy flats in the Kraaifontein area. It is also extinct in the wild with all of its former habitat lost as a result of urbanisation and transformation of habitat for agriculture. Today this Erica survives in cultivation only at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens where it can be seen growing in the Garden of Extinction.

Further Reading

Bellstedt, D.U. Coetzee, A. Hitchcock, A. Kanziora, M. Musker, S. Van Der Niet, T. Nurk, N.M. Pirie, M.D. (2020) ‘Small differences, big secrets’, Veld & Flora, Issue 106, March 2020.

Pirie, M.D. Oliver, E.G.H. de Kupler, M. Gehrke, B. Le Maitre, N.C. Kandziroa, M. Bellstedt, D.U. (2016) ‘The biodiversity hotspot as evolutionary hotbed: Spectacular radiation of Erica in the Cape Floristic Region’, BMC Evolutionary Biology (Volume 16): pp. 1-11.

Schumann, D. Kirsten, G. Oliver, E.G.H.(1992) Ericas of South Africa, Fernwood Press, Vlaeberg, South Africa.