Human Interest
Rare species of Fynbos discovered─── 11:06 Tue, 26 Aug 2014
Plettenberg Bay - A new rare species of Fynbos has been discovered near Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape.
The Robberg Coastal Corridor Landowners' Association says it was found on a 16km strip of land between Robberg and Harkerville.
Association chairman Chris von Christierson says the new plant, Psoralea vanberkela, with a unique purple and white flower, would be on display for the first time this week at the annual Cape Floral Kingdom Expo in Bredasdorp, in the Overberg region of the Western Cape.
The plant was discovered by Nicky van Berkel, a member of Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wildflowers (Crew), which is a project of the SA National Biodiversity Institute. The discovery was confirmed by UK-based Professor Charles Stirton, an honorary research associate at the University of Cape Town's botany department, who visited the site to study the plant.
The discovery of a new Fynbos species is significant because of the threat of extinction.
Von Christierson, who viewed the plant in the veld on Sunday, said it had begun to flower, and was expected to be in full bloom when displayed at the expo from Thursday.
The expo will focus on conservation, cultivation, trade, and lifestyle options with wildflowers from the Cape Floral Kingdom where some 1000 botanical species would be on display.
Sapa
