Computerisation of Southern African Herbaria Living Collections

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Newsletter of the Southern African Botanical Diversity Network Volume 7 No. 2 ISSN 1027-4286 September 2002

Computerisation of Southern African Herbaria Living Collections: Karoo Desert NBG and Munda Wanga Herbaria: Swaziland and Zambia Threatened Plants Programmes Invasive Aliens: Myrtaceae Publishing Your Work Brachystegia

SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 85 c o n t e n t s

SABONET Forum ON OUR COVER: Quiver Trees Aloe dichotoma in Expedition 2001 Botanicum the Richtersveld area. (Photo: National 112 SABONET Goes Frogging in 157 From The President’s Desk Botanical Institute) Mozambique Highest NRF Accolade for 114 Medicinal Plants of SAAB Stalwart Maputaland 157 Richard Pienaar: A Botanist Cover Stories 116 Field Drying Methods of Note 92 Computerisation of Southern 158 Haarlem Honeybush Sweet African Herbaria Features Smell Of Success 120 Living Collections: Karoo 90 Profile: David Chuba 160 SAAB Conference Proceed- Desert NBG ings to Appear in South 91 Profile: Moretloa Polaki 124 Living Collections: Munda African Journal of Botany Wanga 105 Farewell Carina… Regulars 134 Southern African Herbaria: 111 12th SABONET Steering Swaziland Committee Meeting 87 Editorial 136 Southern African Herbaria: 117 SABONET Horticultural 88 Letters to the Editors Zambia Course 138 The Paper Chase 131 Threatened Plants 118 SABONET’s Students 2002 147 Regional News Update Programmes 119 Thanks for Your Hard Work, 106 Invasive Alien Plants in Nikaya! 150 E-mail Addresses Southern Africa Part 4: 127 Workshop on Plants Myrtaceae Threatened with Extinction 103 Publishing for Young 127 Propagation Techniques for Botanists Southern Africa’s Threatened 110 A Second Species of Plants Brachystegia for South Africa Book Reviews 112 SABONET goes Frogging Computerisation 145 Structure and Condition of Zambezi Valley Dry Forests 97 Introducing the Southern and Thickets African Plant Red Data Lists 146 Living on the land: Change Database in forest cover in north- 102 SABONET Advanced central Namibia 1943–1996 Database and Networking Course

120 Karoo

131 Threathened Plants 124 Munda Wanga 97 RDL Database

86 SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 letter from the editors Newsletter of the Southern African Botanical Diversity Network Editors Stefan Siebert Marthina Mössmer EDITORS: STEFAN SIEBERT & MARTHINA MÖSSMER Design and Layout Antoinette Burkhardt Vanilla Design Studio (27) 82 909-0109 omputerisation of southern Africa herbaria has been a core activity within the SABONET Project since 1997 and we have published regular up- Reproduction and Printing Business Print Centre dates on the progress of this important output. Maps showing the geo- C (27) 12 349-2295 graphical distribution of specimens computerised by several southern Africa herbaria were included in both the August 1998 and December 1999 editions, Subscriptions and bar graphs were included in the August 1998, December 1999, and Decem- Nyasha Rukazhanga-Noko ber 2000 editions of SABONET News. In this issue, we evaluate the current sta- [email protected] tus of data capturing in the participating herbaria of southern Africa and inves- Website tigate some of the problems that can occur. www.sabonet.org

We are very happy to announce the publication of the SABONET Southern Afri- Submission of Manuscripts can Plant Red Data Listsbook, the first such list for the southern African region. Marthina Mössmer The book represents several years of hard work from many contributors, both [email protected] See Instructions to Authors on page 89. within and outside the SABONET Project. If you haven’t ordered your copy of this milestone publication yet, see the order details on page 100. You can also SABONET News is the official newsletter learn more about the companion database—available on CD—on page 100. of the Southern African Botanical Diversity Network (SABONET). Another interesting article in this issue addresses some of the issues that postgraduate students may find confusing or problematic when it comes to publishing their research work in scientific journals, based on a recent discussion held by postgraduate students and academics at the University of Cape Town (page 103). Speaking of publishing, we have received another three articles based on SABONET data collected during the SABONET Southern Mozambique Expedition. National Botanical Institute Private Bag X101 In addition, this issue includes all our regular items—Profile, Living Collections, Pretoria 0001 Southern African Herbaria, The Paper Chase, and Regional News. Lesley SOUTH AFRICA Tel.: (27) 12 804-3200 Henderson has written another instalment in our series on invasive alien plants, Fax: (27) 12 804-5979/3211 this time dealing with the Myrtaceae (page 106). We have two book reviews in this issue, starting on page 145. The Forum botanicum supplement is filled with interesting articles on current developments in South African botany. SABONET News is published in March, July and November and is distributed free Finally, some news from the Regional Office: Lorna Davis has joined the of charge. SABONET Regional Office as Financial Officer, replacing Carina Haasbroek, who Current number of subscribers: 2 228, in 79 countries has moved to KwaZulu-Natal. Printed on recycled paper.

This newsletter was made possible through support provided by the GEF/UNDP (SABONET is a GEF Project implemented by the UNDP) and the Regional Centre for Southern Africa, —Stefan Siebert & Marthina Mössmer Gaborone, Botswana, US Agency for Interna- tional Development (Plot no. 14818 Lebatlane Road, Gaborone West, Extension 6 Gaborone), under the terms of the Grant No. 690-0283-A- 00-5950. The opinions expressed in the newsletter are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the US Agency for International Development, the GEF/UNDP, the SABONET Steering Committee or the National Working Groups.

SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 87 letters to the editors [email protected]

LETTER FROM SEYCHELLES BOTANICAL ART COURSE tanical art used in publications, and to promote and build botanical art hanks for the last issues of t was great to participate in the expertise in the southern African T SABONET News: although I IBotanical Art Course held at region. After attending the course, have not been writing much, I have Velcich House in the Pretoria Na- I embarked on a project to illustrate been a keen reader of the newslet- tional Botanical Garden, South Af- some of the trees in the Botanical ter and I am very happy to have rica, in April 2001. Botanical art is Gardens in Zomba in order to prac- seen it grow from strength to the process of illustrating plants to tice my painting methods. See the strength. Congratulations! clarify concepts and provide visual sample of Bauhinia petersiana, orientation, and it forms an essen- which I have already started work- I received a shock when I read tial part of scientific publications. ing on. These botanical drawings about Paseka’s sudden death. I met Botanical illustrations can illustrate will act as a reference to the Quick him at the first SABONET Her- more than one diagnostic charac- Field Guide of Zomba Botanical barium Technique Course in 1996 ter and also clarify the descriptive Garden that is used by visitors. I and over the five weeks that we phrases of keys. Botanical art in- will strive to achieve something im- spent together, we became friends. volves a lot of creativity, and as a mediately recognisable to species I have always looked forward to result, artists discover different level and that links with botanical meeting him again, but it seems methods to suit the plant that they descriptions of characters. that it was not meant to be. Like are going to draw. many others who have come to Although I am an amateur in this know him, I will miss him. The aims of the course were to pass field, I strongly believe that I am on information acceptable in bo- going to be useful to both my insti- —Didier Dogley [email protected]

FAREWELL!

t is with regret and sadness that II have to say farewell to the SABONET family after being part of the project for nearly five years. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the SABONET Secre- tariat—Stefan, Nyasha, and Janice (although she is no longer part of the team)—for their support and kindness. It was great being part of such a dynamic team. I also wish to extend my appreciation and gratitude to the SABONET Steering Committee chairman, Prof. Brian Huntley, all the National Coordina- tors in the ten countries and all other co-workers in the financial field. I could not have done my job without your contributions and support. I also wish to extend a word of thanks to the UNDP office in Pretoria for their active role in making my life a lot easier.

My motto is that life is a journey and not a destination. I am therefore looking forward to my journey through the green fields of KwaZulu-Natal.

For the SABONET team, keep up the team spirit and the good work! Bauhinia petersiana. (Drawing by Edwin Kathumba.) —Carina Haasbroek

88 SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 tution and other stakeholders after MOZAMBIQUE AND TASMANIA racemosa occurs both there and on having attended this course. I will Mt. Mulanje. But what of, for try my best to utilise the knowledge any, many thanks for our example, Rawsonia burtt-davyi imparted, especially of painting M latest copy of SABONET and Canthium chapmanii, up to now techniques, since it was my first at- News. It is always exciting to find known only from the Mulanje tempt to deal with colour painting. the newsletter in the mail. Massif? And who knows what other I shall invest in my new skills and tree species still await discovery on will be actively involved in the Bo- We are very exited about the Mt. Namuli? I do so much hope that tanical Arts Expertise Network in forthcoming “Conservation Check- future SABONET Collecting the region. I believe I could make a list of the Plants of the Nyika”. The Expeditions will include these two meaningful contribution. Nyika Expedition was definitely a mountains of southern Mozambi- worthwhile exercise. We were also que. Thanks to Gillian Condy, especially pleased to hear that a regional for her patience, as I was rather ig- collecting trip was undertaken to One of the many highlights of a re- norant during colour painting the coastal areas of southern cent trip to Tasmania (fascinating practicals. Thanks also to Stefan Mozambique. During our years in vegetation, quite different from Siebert at the SABONET Regional Malawi it was never feasible to go New Zealand, although so near) Office for affording me this oppor- there. Those mountains Namuli was a visit to the Tasmanian Her- tunity to learn more. (Serra do Guru) and Chiperone, barium at the University of Tasma- which were so tantalising near, nia in Hobart. Here we were Remember, when you teach young remained incognita for us. I don’t warmly welcomed by the Curator generations you reap a thousand think the forest flora on either of of Phanerogamic Botany, Dr harvests. LONG LIVE SABONET! these mountains is more than Andrew Rozefelds (Tasmanian Her- superficially known whereas the barium, University of Tasmania, PO —Edwin Kathumba bird fauna, of Mt. Namuli at least, Box 252-04, Hobart, Tasmania 7001). Chief Technical Assistant is now known reasonably well. Mt. They are very short on southern (let National Herbarium Namuli, particularly, has scope for alone tropical) African material. Malawi exploration. We know that Faurea However, we did see a De Winter collection, a Zizyphus species Andrew would welcome duplicates of, particularly, southern African Erica-ceae; also, I think Cunonia capensis, this family being especially interesting to him. He would be pleased to send you Epacridaceae and indeed anything in which you might have a special interest.

—Jim & Betty Chapman II Koromiko Crescent R.D.I. Lyttelton New Zealand

Collecting at the beach at Ponta Milibangalala. (Photo: Stefan Siebert)

instructions to authors

1) Manuscripts should preferably be in 4) If possible, include colour slides, black-and- 7) Look at the most recent issue of SABONET English. white photographs, or line drawings to News for stylistic conventions. 2) If possible, text should be sent in electronic illustrate articles. If you want to submit 8) SABONET News holds the right to edit any format via e-mail or on a stiffy disk and scanned images with your article, scan received copy. should be in Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, them at 300 dpi and save as TIF or JPEG 9) Manuscripts should be sent to Marthina or Rich Text Format. Otherwise, hard copy files. Mössmer. Via e-mail: [email protected] can be sent or faxed to the SABONET 5) Caption all tables, figures, and photographs Hard copy: SABONET, National Botanical head office. clearly on a separate sheet. Include Institute, Private Bag X101, Pretoria 0001, 3) Tables and charts should be in one of the photographer credits. SOUTH AFRICA. Fax: (27) 12 804-5979/ following formats: Microsoft Excel, Quattro 6) Each author should provide name, 3211. Pro, Lotus 1-2-3, or Harvard Graphics. affiliation, postal address, telephone and fax 10) Submissions for the next issue should Data must be supplied with charts. numbers, and an e-mail address (if reach the editors before 31 October applicable). 2002. Late submissions will not be included.

SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 89 Profile

and execution skills, which were use- David has recently done work for the ful during his subsequent BSc Hon- SPGRC on fruit and nut trees of the ours and MSc degree studies at UCT. southern African countries. He has In Denmark David also attended his also, with Mount Makuru Research first lessons in computer software, Station staff, carried out a survey of such as Windows 95, DOS computing, edible orchids of the Central and Microsoft Excel, Pegusus Mail, Northern Provinces of Zambia; he Microsoft Word, Reference Manager, hopes to extend the survey to the and Win SPIRS. Luapula Province. In addition, David was part of the SABONET-Zambia Early in 1997, David was incorporated team that visited Livingstone’s Gorges, David into the SABONET project to replace Victoria Falls, Songwe Gorges, and Ms Tasila Banda (now Sakala), who had Kazungula area to search for Kananga taken up a Fulbright Masters scholar- Selaginella imbricata and to collect ship in the USA. Later in the year, he seedlings of indigenous plants for the Chuba attended two SABONET courses that development of a Teaching Botanic were run concurrently—the Database Garden at the University of Zambia. Managers course and the Threatened Species (Red data List) course. David collects Zambian bryophytes avid Chuba was born in 1969 in whenever he has an opportunity. So far Dthe Kasama District of the North- In 1999, David was offered a he has a few collections from the eastern Province of Zambia. He started his SABONET scholarship to study for ern part of Lusaka Province near the primary schooling in Lusaka at Burma both a BSc Honours and an MSc de- Chinyunyu area, Livingstone, and Road Primary School, where he did gree at the University of Cape Town in Serenje, around the Kabumba area, Grades 1 and 2. His family then moved South Africa. He obtained the BSc overlooking the Luangua Valley. to Kasama, where he completed Honours in Botany (first class) in 1999 Bryophyte surveys were pioneered by Grades 3 and 4 at Kasama Primary and his MSc in Systematics and his senior academic colleague Dr School. Again the family moved, to Biodiversity Science (cum laude) in P.S.M. Phiri in the early 1980s. Kitwe, where he completed Grades 5 2001. His postgraduate performance to 7 at Kitwe Primary School. David has since added pride to the David has now been officially ap- then went to Kitwe Boys Secondary SABONET steering committee (as pointed as lecturer and is currently School, obtaining a G.C.E. ‘O’ level principal sponsors), University of Zam- working in the Department of Biologi- certificate in 1987. He was then admit- bia management, and his own coun- cal Sciences at the University of Zam- ted to the University of Zambia in try. bia. Regarding botanical collections, Lusaka and completed his BSc degree taxonomy, and systematics, he feels (Biology major) in 1994. His high aca- His two BSc Honours degree projects that whatever information is available demic performance earned him an ap- were entitled “The Phylogeny of on the current status of such fields in pointment as a Staff Development Fel- Brachycorythis Lindl. and Neobolusia Zambia is not yet easily accessible to low at the University of Zambia. Schltr.” and “The comparative distri- Zambians. He is therefore currently bution of C3 and C4 species of thinking of working on a guide to bo- Upon being appointed as a Staff De- Cyperaceae in relation to climatic fac- tanical literature on Zambia’s botani- velopment Fellow, David made up his tors and phylogeny”. His Masters the- cal diversity, which can be made avail- mind to take up further studies in sis was entitled “Phylogenetic relation- able to all relevant institutions of Botany. As a Staff Development Fellow, ships of the genus Andreaea Hedw. higher learning such as universities, he assisted in the demonstration of (Andreaeaceae) as inferred from rps4 forestry and agricultural colleges, and laboratory practicals, as well as tutor- and trnL-F sequences and morphol- also to other interested individuals. ing the undergraduate students. It was ogy”. not easy to secure sponsorship for MSc In 1997, David married his beautiful degree studies, as the University of After his return from his BSc Honours wife, Ruth Precious Phiri, and God has Zambia had suspended the provision and Masters studies, David attended a already blessed them with two won- of funding for postgraduate studies number of short courses, including the derful children, Yuri (3 years) and and depended on external funding to Tropical Bryology and Lichenology Debra (3 months). His hobbies include support its Staff Development Fellows. course in Kenya and the SABONET playing the music keyboard, jogging, In 1996, however, David was awarded Herbarium Managers’ Course. All and learning anything he can about a DANIDA scholarship to study for a these courses have contributed further auto-mechanics. David is a devout Postgraduate Diploma in Research to equipping him for the present and Christian. Methodology at the Dansk Bilharziose future responsibilities and challenges Laboratorium in Denmark. This course within his institution, the country, as strengthened his research proposal well as the southern African region.

90 SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 Profile

to him then was to pursue plant physi- Lesotho Highlands Water Project ology. Although Moretloa’s original in- (LHWP) area before inundation. He terest was plant taxonomy, he had to was also involved in the Biological take physiology because of a shortage Resource Monitoring in the same area, of staff in that field. In September 1991, in order to assess the subsequent in- Moretloa undertook a Masters Degree undation impact on the vegetation. He in Plant Physiology at the University is currently working on a research of Reading, United Kingdom, which he project on conservation and mapping received in 1992. His thesis was enti- of Thamnocalamus tessalatus (Berg tled “Changes in proline levels in maize Bamboo) in Lesotho. varieties under cool night temperatures,” under the supervison of Prof. Moretloa has participated actively in Philip John. His post-graduate studies promoting the necessity of indigenous Moretloa covered some aspects of Agricultural knowledge systems in Lesotho. He has Botany, Plant Biochemistry, Applied also been involved in setting up the Polaki Environmental Science, Fresh Water national and international strategies to Studies, as well as Biological Diversity implement the Convention on Biologi- Conservation and Utilization Studies. cal Diversity. He is involved in the es- He took additional courses in Research tablishment and upgrading of the Bo- oretloa Polaki was born on 9 Methodology and Experimental Tech- tanical Sanctuaries in the country, MJune 1966 in Mokema, Lesotho. niques in Plant Sciences. In 1993, namely, Katse Afro-Alpine Botanical He is the last-born of a family of eight Moretloa was promoted to the position Garden, Lesotho National Botanical children. Moretloa grew up in of Lecturer at NUL, teaching Plant Garden, and the NUL Botanical Gar- Mokema and attended Mokema Pri- Physiology, Plant Anatomy, and Bio- den. Moretloa has been involved in the mary School and thereafter moved to chemistry. overall coordination, and physical and St Joseph’s Primary School (Koro- scientific curation of herbarium activi- Koro). He completed his secondary During 1995, Moretloa was attached to ties in Lesotho’s three herbaria— education at ‘Mabathoana High School the School of Biological Sciences at ROML (National University of Lesotho in 1984. Thereafter he worked as a Queen Mary & Westfield College Herbarium), MASE (Agricultural Re- Work Study Observer at Libanon Gold (QMWC), University of London, under search Herbarium), and SNPH Mines in South Africa. He was admit- the QMWC–NUL link. Here he ac- (Sehlabathebe National Park Her- ted to the National University of quainted himself with techniques in barium). Lesotho (NUL) in 1986. He enrolled for freshwater biology, specifically aquatic a BSc Degree in Biology (Botany Op- weed infestations and their impact on Moretloa has also been involved in the tion) and Physical Geography. It is here standing water bodies. implementation of the SABONET that his keen interest in plants devel- Project policies and facilitating its oped, largely sparked by the dedica- Moretloa has been fully engaged in smooth running in the country. Since tion and enthusiasm shown by his teaching and research since his return the inception of the Project, Moretloa botany lecturer, Dr Bruce Har- from the United Kingdom. His re- has contributed to the tremendous greaves—“parasitologist-turned-bota- search interests cover general plant growth of the herbarium collection by nist”. Moretloa completed his degree physiology with emphasis on meta- participating in several plant collection in 1990. His final-year dissertation was bolic stress physiology in crop plants. trips. Moretloa and his team of devoted on “Distribution of bryophytes and He supervises final-year undergradu- colleagues and SABONET staff intend pteridophytes at Roma Valley ”. ate projects, particularly those in Ap- to make a mammoth contribution to plied Environmental Sciences. the understanding of the local flora and After completing his degree, Moretloa cultivate botanical interest in the worked as a District Land Use Planner Although trained as a plant physiolo- Basotho nation at large. in the Ministry of Agriculture. In 1991 gist, he is now a “physiologist-turned- he was appointed Teaching Assistant systematist,” the legacy of his under- Apart from his consistent interest in in the Biology Department at NUL, graduate lecturer. He has participated general botanical issues, Moretloa en- where under the Staff Development in several plant rescue missions and joys the outdoor scenic beauty of and Programme, the only option available their documentation around the botanising in the “Kingdom in the Sky”.

SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 91 Computerisation of Southern African Herbaria: Regional Update

Databasing herbarium information. (Photo: NBI) Hard at work—Zoleka Dimon assisting Mhlengi Shangasi with the PRECIS specimen database. (Photo: NBI) Did you know …

…that currently the annual computerisation rate in the 16 participating herbaria stands at 150 000 per annum, which means an average of 600 specimens are computerised per working day with SABONET funding. Every participating herbarium computerises approximately 38 specimens per day.

omputerisation of southern Africa ing herbaria of the region are of great whereby the information on the data Cherbaria has been a core activity importance to southern Africa, as this labels of herbarium specimens is en- within the SABONET Project since is the first attempt ever to compile a tered into the PRECIS Specimen Da- 1997 and we have published regular comprehensive, organised database of tabase. A Data Entry Clerk is respon- updates on the progress of this impor- all known plant taxa housed within sible for removing specimens from the tant output. Maps showing the geo- selected herbaria of the sub-continent. herbarium cabinets and typing the rel- graphical distribution of specimens As the SABONET Project is coming to evant information on the specimen la- computerised by several southern Af- a close, we will have to look at improv- bel into the database. The encoded in- rica herbaria were included in both the ing our computerisation rate during formation is then stored and managed August 1998 and December 1999 edi- the final months. Indeed, Decision 2 of in computer databases throughout the tions, and bar graphs were included the Tripartite Review Recommenda- region. However, the computerisation in the August 1998, December 1999, tions of August 2000 and Recommen- process to capture, encode, or digitise and December 2000 editions of dation G of the Midterm Review of herbarium specimen information is SABONET News (Arnold & Willis 1998, February 2001, requested that IT issues obviously prone to problems as a con- Willis & Arnold 1999, Siebert & Willis be given priority and speeded up and sequence of human error. 2000). that the level of training be addressed where possible. This activity has be- The purpose of this article is to evalu- The importance of computerisation come a major priority for the 2001–2002 ate the current status of data captur- was emphasised during the Project’s period. ing in the participating herbaria of Midterm Review in 2001 (Timberlake southern Africa and to investigate & Paton 2001). The herbarium speci- We define computerisation of a south- some of the problems that can occur, mens computerised by the participat- ern African herbarium as the process and that negatively affect the quality

92 SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 of the data or hamper the computerisation process.

Computerisation Report

Considerable progress has been made with the total number of specimens computerised since the start of the Project. To date, the participating herbaria have computerised a total of 375 000 specimens as part of SABONET. Up to May 2002, the best progress was made by SRGH (Na- tional Herbarium of Zimbabwe)— they had computerised 104 000 specimens. WIND (National Herbarium of Na- mibia) have finished computerising all their specimens, approximately 75 000. NBG (Compton Herbarium, South Af- rica), MAL (National Herbarium of Malawi), and NH (Natal Herbarium, South Africa) have also made excellent progress and have computerised 55 000, 28 000, and 27 000 respectively. The National Herbarium of South Af- rica (PRE) started computerising their specimens long before SABONET was initiated and currently has the largest database of computerised specimens. They have computerised 65% of a total of ca 1 200 000 specimens. The Na- tional Herbarium of Swaziland will probably become the second herbarium to complete the computerisation of their collections, as they have already entered the information of approximately 6 800 of a total of 7 400 specimens. We believe that these sta- tistics show that the computerisation initiative is successfully developing into a major taxonomical capacity- building programme. Figure 1. Number and percentage of herbarium specimens computerised by each Poaceae Databases of the participating southern African herbaria using the PRECIS Specimen Database (May 2002). A regional decision was taken at the Fourth SABONET Steering Commit- tee meeting held during September that LUAI (Angola) prioritised another Computerisation Problems 1997 in Zomba, Malawi, to focus ini- group for computerisation and PSUB tially on computerising the grass speci- (Botswana) did not regard computeri- Data quality is of the utmost impor- mens (Poaceae) in the participating sation as a priority. tance to deliver high-quality outputs at southern African herbaria. Although the end of the project, and even be- many problems are hampering the As the computerisation of the Poaceae yond. However, from time to time er- computerisation process, approxi- is a policy decision and of regional in- rors occur in the database, and these mately 160 000 grass specimens (94% terest as self-acquired knowledge, the need to be cleaned up before any of the total number) housed at partici- following proposal was made by the project can make use of the available pating SABONET herbaria, have so far Midterm Review and endorsed by the data. Many of the errors that occur are been encoded. Of the 16 participating SABONET Steering Committee at the a result of human error and could have herbaria, 11 have already computer- 10th meeting in Windhoek, Namibia been fixed immediately if quality con- ised all the grass specimens of collec- (February 2001): countries should also trol procedures had been implemented tions made in their own countries; produce Poaceae checklists for their since the start of the computerisation three have computerised more than countries before the end of the Project. phase. 90%. The remaining two herbaria have As a result, three National Poaceae computerised 25% and 35%, respec- Checklists are being developed and pub- Although there are many kinds of er- tively—the reasons for the low per- lished by Lesotho (Mr Khotso Kobisi), rors in the database, experience tells centage of computerised Poaceae Namibia (Ms Esmerialda Klaassen), and us that there are two major problems specimens by these two herbaria is Zimbabwe (Mr Christopher Chapano). that occur during the computerisation

SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 93 the participating herbaria. Currently, the annual computerisation rate stands at 150 000 specimens per annum (ver- sus 34 000 in 1998), which means 600 specimens are computerised per working day in the southern African herbaria. This means that, on average, every participating herbarium computerises some 38 specimens per day.

However, although we have reached the highest computerisation rate since the start of the project, certain problems have negatively influenced the rate of the process: • In many instances, Data Entry Clerks do not understand the terminology under the fields in the database and subsequently waste time contemplating and adding new variables. As discussed earlier, this leads to extension of data dictionaries with invalid fields. • Data Entry Clerk positions have a high turnover and new clerks are usually appointed long before the next database training course (approximately one course every 10 Geographical coverage of specimens in the PRECIS Specimen Database. Light grey months). In addition, knowledge represents 1–20 specimens, dark grey represents 21–100 specimens, and black transfer is inadequate in some of the represents more than 101 specimens. (Map prepared by Hannelie Snyman, NBI, participating institutions. Clerks Pretoria) therefore remain unproductive until they have attended a course. process: because Data Entry Clerks usually • Project management did not place • Duplication of plant names don’t have a strong botanical back- enough emphasis on the impor- • Extension of data dictionaries ground. tance of captured specimen data for both the institution and the region. Duplication of plant names happens These problems were addressed at Participating institutions, owing to when Data Entry Clerks enter a spe- database courses for beginners, where lack of commitment, did not see this cies name into the database twice, re- botanical concepts and interpretation activity as a primary objective and sulting in the use of two different were taught to the Data Entry Clerks resources were concentrated else- genspec codes (a genspec code is a from the participating herbaria of where. In addition, participating serial comprising of two sets of num- southern Africa. To appreciate the herbaria did not understand the bers, one for the genus and one for the quality of the information contained in magnitude of the task of computer- species). When information concern- the database, they were taught to ex- ising thousands of specimens. ing a species is called up, say Acacia tract and present information with • No quality control process was put karroo, only the specimens encoded Microsoft Access queries and report- in place and it was wrongly as- under one genspec are accessed and ing facilities. Queries and reports sumed that the way data was en- the specimens of the same species, but forced them to go into the database, tered was correct. Untrained Data under the additional genspec, are not which enabled them to determine the Entry Clerks were responsible for picked up. This problem is created extent of the errors. It was hoped that many wrongly encoded entries, when clerks do not double-check their such training exercises would lessen which will have to be corrected later work. the problems and hone the clerks to and subsequently waste a lot of enter accurate data. Clerks were also time. The second, but not less frequently encouraged to get approval from sci- • Certain countries in the region use occurring error, is the extension of data entific personnel before any changes different georeferencing systems dictionaries (a data dictionary is a list or additions were made to the data- and these need to be translated of variables of a specific database field base. while the herbarium specimen la- such as habitat, growth form, or flower bels are encoded. Lack of re- colour). Adding variables to the fields Quality control, when exercised by the sources in participating herbaria results in them being mixed up; for Data Entry Clerk, slows the rate of forces Data Entry Clerks to con- example, an additional 60 variables computerisation. Yet, despite this duct this activity themselves and have been added to the habitat field of larger workload being placed on some this slows down the computerisa- the database. Of the 60 additions, only of the clerks in the region, the compu- tion process considerably. 1% are true habitat types. This prob- terisation process has increased tre- • Misspelt information is sometimes lem is a result of incorrect interpreta- mendously during the past four years entered and needs to be corrected tion of specimen label information, owing to the increased productivity of at a later stage, which stretches the

94 SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 now had their programmes updated with the latest versions of the PRECIS Specimen Database. Five years ago the PRECIS database was run on Access 2, followed by an upgrade to Access 97 with a Delphi front-end (BDE-link). The database has recently been upgraded to an ADO-link between the Delphi front-end and both Access 97 and 2000.

SABONET IT has visited all the participating countries in the region at least twice and has upgraded the data capturing computers at the participating herbaria. Once all the countries have each received one more new computer and the latest office software as part of the Project’s Exit Strategy, we hope that the computerisation rate will increase even further.

The Way Forward

Once we are set for the Exit Strategy with all the latest software and hardware in place, we can adhere to Deci- sion 7 of the Tripartite Review Recom- mendations of April 1999, and become more pro-active in biodiversity issues (Minutes of the Ninth SABONET Steer- ing Committee meeting). As SABO- NET countries we should find ways to use our newly acquired knowledge to address issues surrounding plant diversity, such as manipulation of our databases for conservation actions, compilation of Red Lists, regional planning, research proposals, and networking. The development of future Figure 2. Number and percentage of grass specimens computerised by each of the in-country projects can be based on a participating southern African herbaria using the PRECIS Specimen Database (May country’s computerised herbaria. Rel- 2002). evant comparative statistical data sets will assist us to determine key plant existing resources and slows down clashes and deficient hardware. groups that need to be computerised the encoding activities. This usually goes undetected by to ensure that outputs match the re- • Many participating institutions do participating institutions, resulting in quirements of the stakeholders in the not adequately make use of local confusion and unproductive periods. region. computer service providers to re- • SABONET database courses have pair the systems when the comput- always stressed the importance of Computerised information will, how- ers break down. Countries have on backing up data on a daily basis. ever, only have relevance in future for many occasions waited weeks for Despite the warnings and remind- data manipulation techniques if seri- SABONET IT to fix their “faulty” ers, many countries still fail to do ous thought is given to georeferencing. database, when in fact the problem so and up to a month’s captured At the moment, attention is focused on was of a technical nature and could data have been lost on many occa- attaching quarter-degree grid square have been fixed within a day by a sions when hard disks crashed. references to specimens that have service provider. • The involvement of SABONET in none. This task is the responsibility of • Networking problems have created the SECOSUD project created a lot individual SABONET herbaria, where major breakdowns during the cur- of confusion about responsibilities time and money are spent on devel- rent phase of the project. Simple and, as a result, in certain institu- oping capable staff to complete the actions, such as improper logon, tions much time was spent on ac- work. The Poaceae is the first group disrupt the networking systems and tivities not related to SABONET. prioritised in this regard. The main workstations become unable to cap- idea is to link the distribution data of ture data onto the server. Computer Systems this family with the MAPPIT pro- • Service providers in the participat- gramme, or a GIS system, in order to ing countries often do not load the All the SABONET herbaria, except the run specific queries that will be of use correct software, which creates Peter Smith Herbarium (PSUB), have to end-users in the region (Fish & Steyn

SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 95 2001). These value-added products will be one of the foremost future projects to flow from the computerisation process. The captured locality data can then be used to plot the distribution of spe- 1998 cific taxa (see Henderson (2002) for an 1999 example of a direct implementation of 2000 this tool). A database on a compact disk 2001 with all the electronic distribution data of a specific plant group in southern Africa can also be produced. A second step would be to link these plant distribution databases to habitat information, plant uses, flowering times, and so on.

Conclusion

SABONET is striving to enhance the outputs of the computerisation process and to illustrate the relevance of the encoding process through quality publications and databases. Improved collaboration and partnerships in the region are needed to implement the widespread application of the herbarium specimen databases among all stakeholders, such as research institutions, universities, the private sector, governments, and networks. We hope that the SABONET computerisation effort has contributed considerably towards the task to inventory our region’s plant diversity and to prepare southern Africa for even more ambi- tious botanical endeavours in the future.

To conclude—and to emphasise its Figure 3. A comparison of total number of plant specimens computerised by importance—the following points of participating southern African herbaria during each of the past four years of the the Chairman’s Text for Negotiation of Project (1998-2001). the Commission on Sustainable Devel- opment Acting as the Preparatory • Assists southern African countries ARNOLD, T. & WILLIS, C.K. 1998. Committee for the World Summit for in building capacity to access more Computerisation of southern African Sustainable Development (Fourth Ses- equitable multilateral and global re- herbaria. SABONET News 3(2): 82-85. sion) are directly met by the SABONET search and development pro- FISH, L. & STEYN, H. 2001. Benefits of data computerisation process: grammes. capturing in herbaria. SABONET News • Provides affordable local access to • Promotes knowledge transfer to 6(1): 19-21. botanical information to improve Africa as part of the New Partner- HENDERSON, L. 2002. Invasive alien plants and strengthen monitoring and ship for Africa’s Development in southern Africa. Part 3: The Daisies early warning related to (NEPAD) and further develops (Asteraceae). SABONET News 7(1): 32-35. desertification and alien plant inva- knowledge available in African cen- SIEBERT, S.J. & WILLIS, C.K. 2000. sions. tres of excellence. Computerisation of southern African • Improves the use of science and • Promotes and supports initiatives of herbaria: A regional update. SABONET technology for environmental stakeholders for the conservation of News 5(3): 182-184. monitoring, assessment models, hotspot areas and promote the de- TIMBERLAKE, J. & PATON, A. 2001. accurate database and integrated velopment of national and regional SABONET Midterm Review. SABONET information systems. networks. News 6(1): 5-13. • Incorporates and mainstreams the • Urges countries to become parties WILLIS, C.K. & ARNOLD, T. 1999. objectives of the CBD into regional of biodiversity related international Computerisation of southern African and national sectoral and cross- agreements to encourage the ex- herbaria. SABONET News 4(3): 207-211. sectoral programmes, in particular change of data. that of the donor funding agencies. • Enhances environmental responsi- —Trevor Arnold & Stefan Siebert • Supports international, regional, and bility and accountability, including National Botanical Institute national actions to implement pro- workplace-based partnerships, and Private Bag X101, Pretoria 0001 grams to address and invest in applied training programmes. [email protected] research and capacity building. [email protected]

96 SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 Introducing the Southern African Plant Red Data Lists Database

ABONET’s long-awaited Southern Searching the Database SAfrican Plant Red Data Listsbook was published during August 2002, to The database offers you four different coincide with the World Summit held search options to help you track down in South Africa. A CD version of the specific taxa: database on which the book is based • General search using a keyword will be released simultaneously as the you type in Southern African Plant Red Data Lists • Search within a single country Database. • Search more than one country at the same time The Southern African Plant Red Data • Advanced search using any combi- Lists database contains information on nation of fields The General Search tab allows you to 4 100 taxa, and not only provides all find all records that contain a keyword the information contained in the General Search you type. Southern African Plant Red Data Lists book, but also lists additional data, The general search finds records con- such as extent of occurrence, popula- taining a keyword you type in. This tion size, past decline, and future de- search is useful if you want to find, for cline. A user-friendly interface makes example, all taxa that are listed as it easy to search the database for rel- grassland species in the notes. In this evant taxa. After performing a search, case, you would type in grassland . you can view and print your search results, or export results to Microsoft Excel or Microsoft Word. “All search options Botanists who have already tested the database were very impressed with were very useful!” how easy to use the database was com- The Single Country Search tab makes it pared to others, and how quickly they easy to find records within a single could find the information they were Single Country Search country. looking for. The single country search makes it Marthina Mössmer and Janice easy for you to find records within a Golding designed the SABONET Plant specific country. Once you have se- Red Data Lists Database, based on data lected a country from the list, the pro- collected by all the participants in the gram automatically lists only the fami- SABONET Southern African Plant Red lies that occur in the chosen country. Data List Programme. The database After you select a family, the program runs in Microsoft Access 2000 and displays a list of Red List assessments Microsoft Office xp. However, users for plants within the family you chose. don’t need to have Microsoft Access This makes it easier for you to search installed on their computers to use the without getting empty search results database—the CD includes free all the time. In addition to Red List sta- Microsoft Access Runtime software, tus, you can also search for a specific The Multiple Country Search tab enables which is installed automatically with taxon and/or endemicity within a spe- you to find taxa in any number of the database. cific family in your chosen country. countries. You can also specify a family, Red List status, and taxon name to search for within the countries you have chosen.

SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 97 The Advanced Search tab allows you to choose any combination of fields for your search, and also enables you to search for a broad assessment category (Threatened, Lower Risk or Data Defi- cient) or a full Red List assessment. A spreadsheet view of the search results.

This option works well if you want to find, for example, all vulnerable “The different views Fabaceae taxa in Zambia; in this case you would choose Zambia , Faba- of results were all ceae, and Vulnerable as search terms. You could narrow down this search to useful and they will a specific genus by typing, for example, Crotalaria , under Taxon Name. suit a wide range of Alternatively, you could view all vul- The Results dialog box displays the nerable Fabaceae taxa in Zambia that end-users who wish number of records found in your search are also endemic by choosing En- and enables you to view, print, or export demic from the Endemicity list. to use these outputs the results. for different “The search facility purposes.”

is far better than I’ve Advanced Search

ever used—IUCN The advanced search option enables you to choose any combination of and WCMC can fields in which to search. This option is useful if you want to search the en- learn from this.” tire region, and also if you want to search for a broad assessment cat- Multiple Country Search egory (Threatened, Lower Risk or Data Deficient) or a full Red List assessment. If you want to find records for a specific category or family in two or more For example, if you want to find all countries, you should use the multiple southern African taxa that have a Results displayed as a species list. country search option, which enables VUD2 assessment, you would leave the you to choose any number of countries country field blank and type VUD2 from a list. You can also specify a fam- under Full Assessment. ily, Red List status, and/or taxon name to search for within the countries you Viewing Search Results have chosen. After performing a search, the data- For example, if you want to produce a base displays a dialog box that tells you list of all Red-listed endemic taxa in the how many records matching your cri- FSA region, you would choose Bot- teria were found. swana , Lesotho , Namibia , South Africa , and Swaziland in the country list and Endemic from the Ende- “The printed search micity list. results look great!”

Results displayed in a detailed report.

98 SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 The species list printout, showing a full page and a close-up of a single country. A detailed report printout, showing the first page and a close-up of one taxon.

You can view the results of your search Printing Results Exporting Results in any of the following ways: • Display the search results in You can print the results of a database Instead of printing directly from the spreadsheet form search as an attractively formatted database, you can export the results of • Display a list of the species found double-column species list or in a de- your search to Microsoft Word or by your search tailed report format that includes all the Microsoft Excel. These options allow • Display all the data for the species information the database contains for you to further refine or expand the in- found in your search the taxa in your search. The detailed formation gathered from the database. report includes much additional infor- You can sort search results according mation not found in the Southern Afri- When you export to Microsoft Word, to any column in the spreadsheet. You can Plant Red Data Lists book. the database automatically creates a can also print or export your search Rich Text File (.rtf), which you can in- results. clude in a Microsoft Word document,

SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 99 for example, to create a checklist for a The Help file includes a comprehen- specific area. You can then edit the in- “The mouse tips sive Troubleshooting section, which formation to include the data you want, answers common queries and prob- or change the formatting as you like. that appear when lems. Through the Help file, users can also view an online version of the When you export to Microsoft Excel, you hold your Southern African Plant Red Data Lists the database creates a spreadsheet file book in PDF format. (.xls), with the data sorted into rows cursor over an item and columns. This format allows you Data to do additional sorting on the taxa in on the screen are ways not available in the database, As mentioned elsewhere, the where you can sort on only one field very helpful.” database contains much more at a time. Microsoft Excel enables you information than the printed book; to sort on multiple fields; for example, Exporting data also makes it possible the following information fields are you can sort according to country, then to create compound results from two included: family, and then category. As the or more searches, for example, when AOO Microsoft Excel file contains all the you would like to combine results for Broad IUCN Category data available in the database for your both endemic and near-endemic taxa, Common Name search results, you can delete columns or present the results for a few specific Conservation Status or move them around to tailor the data families. Country to your needs. Current Decline Help File Distribution Endemism “I liked the online To make using the database easier, the EOO program includes a detailed Help file, Family help and the as well as pop-up screen tips that are Fragmented displayed when you hold your mouse Full IUCN Status electronic version cursor over any item in a dialog box Future Decline for a second or two. Habitat of the book.” Notes Number of Individuals Number of Populations Number of Sites Past Decline Taxon Name Threats Number of records

—Marthina Mössmer SABONET Consultant

Pop-up screen tips give short The Help file contains detailed instructions on using descriptions of items in a dialog box. the database.

Order your FREE copy now!

To order either the Southern African Plant Red Data Lists book or the Southern African Plant Red Data Lists Database on CD—or both—do one of the following:

• Send an email message to [email protected], including the phrase “Red Data List Order” in the subject line, and your name and mailing address in the body of the message. Remember to specify whether you want the book or the CD, or both. • Send a fax with the same information to (27) 12 804-5979. • Write to Red Data List Orders, SABONET, National Botanical Institute, Private Bag X101, Pretoria 0001, South Africa, including the same information.

100 SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 Major Technological Breakthrough! Thank

nnouncing the new Built-in Or- BOOK never crashes and never needs ‘Kew’ Aderly Organised Knowledge de- rebooting, though like other display vice (BOOK). devices it can become unusable if dropped overboard. The browse fea- The BOOK is a revolutionary break- ture allows you to move instantly to through in technology—no wires, no any sheet, and to move forward or Royal Botanic Gardens electrical circuits, no batteries, and backward as you wish. Many come Kew recently donated a nothing to be connected or switched with an index feature, which pinpoints on. It’s so easy to use even a child can the exact location of any selected in- consignment of approxi- operate it. Compact and portable, it can formation for instant retrieval. mately 15 sets of the be used anywhere—even sitting in an armchair by the fire—yet it is power- An optional BOOKmark accessory al- Flora zambesiaca to SA- ful enough to hold as much informa- lows you to open the BOOK at the ex- tion as a CD-ROM disk. Here’s how it act place you left it in a previous ses- BONET. On behalf of the works… sion—even if the BOOK has been SABONET Steering Com- closed. BOOKmarks fit universal de- Each BOOK is constructed of sign standards; so various manufactur- mittee and the participat- sequentially numbered sheets of paper ers can use a single BOOKmark in (recyclable), each capable of holding BOOKs. Conversely, numerous ing herbaria, the Re- thousands of bits of information. These BOOKmarks can be used in a single gional Office sincerely pages are locked together with a cus- BOOK if the user wants to store nu- tom-fit device called a binder, which merous views at once. Only the thanks Kew, and espe- keeps the sheets in their correct se- number of pages in the BOOK limits quence. Opaque Paper Technology the number of BOOKmarks. cially Dr Gerald Pope, for (OPT) allows manufacturers to use this generous donation both sides of the sheet, doubling the You can also make personal notes next information density and cutting costs to BOOK entries with an optional pro- and for Kew’s continuous in half. While experts are divided on gramming tool, the Portable Erasable support in the documen- the prospects of further increases in Nib Cryptic Intercommunication Lan- information density, at the moment guage Stylus (Pencils). tation of the Flora zam- BOOKs with more information simply use more pages. This makes them Portable, durable, and affordable, the besiaca region’s flora. thicker and harder to carry, and has BOOK is being hailed as the entertain- SABONET will ensure drawn some criticism from the mobile ment wave of the future. The BOOK’s computing crowd. appeal seems assured and thousands that each of the partici- of content creators have committed to Each sheet is scanned optically. A flick the platform. Look for a flood of new pating SABONET her- of the finger takes you to the next sheet. titles soon. baria receives a complete The BOOK may be taken up at any time and used by merely opening it. The —Source Unknown set. Erratum

In the article “Drift Seeds of the Maputaland Coast” in SABONET News 7(1), pages 20 and 21, we placed the caption under the wrong drawing and it should be as follows:

Field drawing of Scaevola plumieri (Goodeniaceae) by Sandie Burrows. Drawn at Milibangalala, Maputo Elephant Reserve, Mozambique.

SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 101 SABONET Advanced Database and Networking Course

he Advanced Database and Net- The 2002 course included the follow- IT Section of South Africa’s National Tworking Course, the last official ing modules: Botanical Institute for sparing time in course of the SABONET Project, was • Computer network set-up and con- their busy schedules to prepare course held in Pretoria, South Africa, from 13 figuration material and present numerous to 22 May 2002. Trevor Arnold (NBI • General network management courses over the years. Their dedica- Data Section) and Franco Alberts • Installing zip-drives and printer tion, enthusiasm and patience are (SABONET) developed this course drivers greatly appreciated by all! specifically to link into the Exit Strat- • Troubleshooting and using the Help egy of the Project, namely to provide function —Stefan Siebert & countries with the necessary tools to • Running queries Nyasha Rukazhanga-Noko become self-sufficient in their manage- • Building reports ment of the PRECIS Specimen Data- • Managing the PRECIS database. base. Fourteen Database Managers from all ten countries were trained to The course also included a day trip to manage and set up networks, as well the annual Gauteng Computer Fare at as to run queries and manage the da- Gallagher Estates to provide the tabase. The course applied the finish- course participants with the opportu- ing touches to five years of training nity to interact with service providers during which Trevor Arnold prepared on hardware and software issues. and presented eight tailor-made courses to suit the requirements of Once again the feedback from the par- SABONET. The first course was pre- ticipants was most favourable and they sented in March 1997 and since then stressed how important this course Trevor Arnold explaining something to exactly 100 participants from the ten was to ensure sustainability in the the participants during one of the SABONET countries attended these functioning of the databases at their practical sessions. (Photo: Hans courses. institutions. We thank the staff of the Heilgendorff)

SABONET Database Course participants. (Photo: Hans Heilgendorff)

BACK: Dr Stefan Siebert (SABONET), Ms Ludo Matenge (Botswana), Mr Bongani Dlamini (Swaziland), Mr Khotso Kobisi (Lesotho), Mr Shaibu Kananji (Malawi)

MIDDLE: Ms Nyasha Rukazhanga-Noko (SABONET), Mr Donald Mpalika (Malawi), Ms Silke Bartsch (Namibia), Ms Iva Vaz (Mozambique), Mr Andre Dombo (Angola)

FRONT: Ms Monicah Kabelo (Botswana), Ms Florence Nyirenda (Zambia), Ms Fatima Parker (South Africa), Mr Anthony Mapaura (Zimbabwe), Mr Christopher Chapano (Zimbawe), Ms Meeta Nathoo (South Africa)

102 SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 Publishing for Young Botanists

n all the botanical institutions of based on a recent discussion held by can journals are being reviewed and Isouthern Africa, botanists are in postgraduate students and academics one hopes more will be included on the some way or another expected to pub- at the University of Cape Town. I hope database in the near future. Encourag- lish the results of the research they are their views on these issues will encour- ingly, the number of South African conducting. Why should we publish? age other young botanists to see pub- papers in the internationally accredited For one thing, it is our responsibility lishing for what it is, a set of unwritten literature has increased dramatically in to society—someone out there is pay- rules which were put in place to cre- the last few years. ing for our research! As scientists, our ate a dynamic scientific environment aim is to increase knowledge and to of a high standard. Being familiar with the literature and influence policy and management; journals in your field will give you a therefore, we need to put scientific Getting Started: Choosing feel for the kind of article the different findings out for discussion, to chal- Your Journal journals tend to publish, and where a lenge old or current views, and to in- good place for your own research form others (even if this means report- Many students tend to publish in local would be. Many researchers aim to ing negative results). Botanists also journals, often because they are unsure publish in the journals that they them- publish for professional gain, whether of whether their research is of suffi- selves read most often, and where the in academia or other professions. Fi- cient calibre to make it into the inter- debates around their research interests nally, the personal satisfaction of see- national literature. However, when take place. Sometimes, when a piece ing one’s work published, especially choosing a journal in which to publish, of research is particularly applicable in when it stimulates further research, is it is important to consider how big a a local context, a local or regional jour- a motivation to publish. readership it reaches and where your nal may turn out to be a better and paper is most likely to get cited by more influential vehicle for the paper. However, many students avoid pub- other researchers. This information is lishing in scientific journals, because reflected in a journal’s impact factor— Some journals charge the author a cer- of the effort and difficulties attached, the higher the impact factor, the more tain fee per page for publishing a pa- or simply owing to a lack of awareness frequently the papers in it are cited. per. These page charges vary greatly of the need to publish. Many prefer to ISI—the company that publishes the and can be substantial, and are there- publish in popular literature, which Science Citation Index, Current Con- fore something to consider when se- provides exposure and recognition for tents, and the Web of Science—also lecting journals for publication. Local work done; authors are often also paid compiles information on impact fac- journals are more likely to have page for their articles. It seems to be com- tors. Their website (www.isinet.com) charges (which creates another incen- mon for students to focus on complet- contains information about their prod- tive to publish internationally!), owing ing their thesis and think about pub- ucts, but users need to subscribe to and to their more limited distribution and, lishing afterwards—but sometimes the pay for their services. The libraries at hence, income. Lately there has been work is never published at all once the major research institutions should an increase in electronic access to jour- thesis is completed. This is in contrast have access to the Web of Science, and nals. This will reduce publishers’ prof- with universities in Europe and the students should familiarise themselves its, and page charges may well in- USA, where students are expected to with what is available at their institu- crease as a result. Researchers will publish their results during their de- tion. need to build this increase into their gree work. PhDs are increasingly be- research funding proposals. However, ing published in the form of a series of The ISI Web of Science (now under some funding agencies specifically papers, published in international sci- Web of Knowledge) is the most com- state that their funding does not cover entific journals. The situation in south- monly used electronic database for page charges. When a student pub- ern Africa differs between universities, finding references and citations, and lishes, the supervisor generally covers but generally the more traditional ap- it is therefore desirable to publish in a the page charges from research funds, proach to writing a thesis prevails. journal that is included in the ISI data- but this should be clarified before a base so that your paper can be found paper is submitted. Notwithstanding which model a uni- in literature searches. The Department versity follows, there is in most cases of Education subsidises universities on Co-authorship room for improvement in the publish- the basis of the number of papers pub- ing culture among students, and a lished in accredited journals, and the It is accepted that the person who does need for structures to encourage this. selection of these is strongly based on the most work, and in particular the The aim of this column is to address a ISI ratings. Some South African jour- writing-up of the manuscript for sub- few of the issues that postgraduate stu- nals, including the South African Jour- mission, receives first authorship. But dents may find confusing or problem- nal of Botany and the South African how do you determine co-authorship? atic when it comes to publishing their Journal of Science, are already included There is no set “rule” regarding the research work in scientific journals, in the database. More southern Afri- inclusion or exclusion of co-authors,

SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 103 and the order in which they are listed. ties involved in the planning, funding, copyright when you publish in a jour- In general, anyone who has contrib- and execution of the research, ideally nal and how this affects your chances uted to the science has a right to be at the outset of a project. Should a of including the work in a book. included, in the order of the magnitude problem arise regarding co-author- of their contribution. The approach ship, an academic not involved in the Students should attend and present adopted may depend on the institu- situation should be able to offer advice. posters and talks at as many meetings tion; for example, some institutions Experience tells that working in large and conferences as possible. This will insist on the head of the laboratory or internationally-funded groups can help them to gain confidence in their department concerned to be included greatly complicate the issue of co-au- work, get feedback on their research, as last author. On occasion a footnote thorship. If in doubt, one should err on meet other people in their field, and can be used to denote that all authors the generous side in considering co- find out what other research is cur- contributed equally. authors for inclusion. rently happening. Unfortunately, not all students are lucky enough to be Publications are critical to academics, Writing, Submitting and with supervisors who have access to playing a role in their rating, salary, and Reviewing an Article large research budgets. These students opportunities for promotion. An im- should keep their eyes open for spon- portant source of publications for aca- When preparing your manuscript, en- sorship offered to students at confer- demics is their graduate students, and sure that you have a good start by care- ences. When you are planning to sub- students are usually expected to in- fully following instructions to authors; mit work for presentation at a confer- clude their supervisors as co-authors failure to do so will not endear you to ence, and for inclusion in conference on publications arising from their the- the editor. Consult a style manual! The proceedings, take advice on how this sis work. The situation may become CBE style manual (see references) is will impact the future publication po- more complicated where part of a stu- very useful, and should be available in tential of your work. dent’s work has been done independ- your library. It covers the whole writ- ently of the supervisor, or in collabo- ing and publishing process and con- Conclusion ration with other colleagues. How tains information on writing conven- these scenarios are resolved depends tions, abbreviations, and so on. In ad- A lot of very good scientific work is on the individuals and institutions in- dition, pass your paper around among being published in popular literature, volved. colleagues prior to submission to help because students do not have the nec- with writing style. Remember to write essary support to go the extra step! We In the same vein, there is also some a covering letter, and depending on the need to support our young generation debate over whether people who have journal, you might have to motivate of botanists and to encourage them to secured the funding—often the super- why they should consider your paper. publish. We live in a botanist’s para- visor in the case of student research— Generally it is best to keep it simple. dise in southern Africa; it is time to in- should automatically be included as form the scientific community of the co-authors. It is argued that Expect rejection! Or ready yourself to unique issues, fascinating systems, and fundraisers do so on the basis of their make lots of changes. If your manu- interesting plants of this species-rich scientific status, which is enhanced script is rejected, carefully read the subcontinent. through publication. In order to con- comments before submitting the pa- tinue successfully raising funds, they per to another journal or attempting —Ms Susanne Vetter need to publish. Also, they invariably to resubmit it to the same journal. Botany Department had some input into the project pro- When you have been advised to make University of Cape Town posal that was put together to obtain changes, make sure the covering let- Private Bag the funds in the first place. Students ter accompanying the revised manu- Rondebosch 7700 may underestimate the effort and in- script addresses each comment and South Africa put required to obtain the research whether a change has been made and Tel.: 27 21 650 3771 funding that eventually supports their if not, why not. Be prepared to enter [email protected] projects. into dialogue with editors. If you feel strongly, push your view, particularly This article was prepared from the proceed- The question of authorship is espe- if you feel that a reviewer has failed to ings of a postgraduate meeting on publishing cially important, because the institu- understand your research owing to a held at the University of Cape Town. Ms tions listed receive funding from the lack of understanding of a local sys- Susanne Vetter and Dr Clare van der Willigen Department of Education for publica- tem. Note that it is acceptable to ask organised and ran the workshop and Ms tions in accredited journals. Some uni- editors to exclude or include specific Pippin Anderson prepared the notes. versities use this funding as an incen- reviewers if you have a good reason. tive to encourage their staff to publish, If a reviewer has not signed their com- though in most cases the money is not ments then it is assumed they wish to CBE STYLE MANUAL COMMITTEE. 1983. distributed directly back to the authors, remain anonymous, which they are CBE Style Manual: a guide for authors, but to their faculty or department. If entitled to. editors, and publishers in the biological authors from more than one institution sciences, 5th ed. Council of Biology co-author a paper, the money is split Students are cautioned in signing over Editors, Bethesda, MD. between their institutions. copyright of papers. Be aware of STYLE MANUAL COMMITTEE OF THE whether this includes the rights to any COUNCIL OF BIOLOGY EDITORS. Co-authorship can become a conten- photos, of which you may wish to re- 1994. Scientific style and format: the CBE tious issue. As there are no hard and tain ownership. Also, if you are think- Manual for authors, editors, and fast rules, there needs to be good coming of publishing your thesis as a book, publishers, 6th ed. Cambridge University munication between the different par- you should determine who retains Press, New York.

104 SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 Further reading

LEISTNER, O. 1997. How to write articles for publication. SABONET News Farewell Carina… 2: 85–86.

LEISTNER, O. 1998. How to write articles for publication (2). SABONET News 3: 5–7.

LEISTNER, O. 1998. How to write arti- arina Haasbroek has been the cles for publication (3). SABONET Clongest-serving member of the News 3: 55–58. SABONET Regional Office staff and the notice of her resignation was a LEISTNER, O. 1998. How to write arti- blow for us. The rest of the Secretariat cles for publication (4). SABONET being administrators and botanists, News 3: 120–123. we were terrified at the thought that we might have to run the project’s LEISTNER, O. 1999. How to write arti- expenditure and budget for a couple cles for publication (5). SABONET of months. Carina, together with Gort News 4: 7–9. Hughes, NBI’s Director of Finance, had developed a unique system to Programme in Harare, Zimbabwe. LEISTNER, O. 1999. How to write arti- serve the specific needs of the Her experience with finances also cles for publication (6). SABONET SABONET Project. The system links enabled her to present a module on News 4: 86–88. into the NBI budget in such a way Costing and Budgeting during that we are part of the NBI, but also SABONET Management Courses. LEISTNER, O. 2002. How to review a independent. This system, when con- scientific manuscript. SABONET News sidering financial bookkeeping, im- As a person, Carina is always friendly 7: 36–39. plies that SABONET does not exist! and willing to assist with any prob- If you understand this philosophy, lems. She contributed substantially to you are welcome to apply for the job! the team spirit of the Secretariat and will leave her mark on the project. A full set of copies of these articles, including Carina started as the SABONET Fi- Thanks for your enthusiasm and hard this one, can be ordered from the SABONET nancial Officer at the National Her- work, Carina! Regional Office at no cost. Contact Nyasha barium, Pretoria, on 1 August 1997. Rukazhanga-Noko at [email protected] Carina was committed to SABO- Carina will be moving with her hus- or send a request to SABONET, National NET’s objectives, and very enthusi- band to Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu- Botanical Institute, Private Bag X101, Pretoria astic about her work. Over the past Natal, at the end of June 2002, where 0001, South Africa.—Eds five years she impressed with her he will advance his career in engi- particularly effective working capac- neering. We are sure that she will ity, and her ability to manage the rise to this new challenge with all the bookkeeping and financial manage- inspiration and commitment she has ment of a ten-country, USD 4.7m shown as a member of SABONET. (R40m), donor-funded project. Not only has the SABONET Project rec- We wish her the best of luck with her ognised the quality of her work and future career and will surely miss her management, but the external audi- a lot! tors of the project, KPMG, have never written an unfavourable report on the —Stefan Siebert & work she has done. Nyasha Rukazhanga-Noko

As Financial Officer, Carina attended various SABONET Steering Commit- tee meetings where she presented the financial reports of the project in a format even botanists could understand! She was also part of three Logframe Meetings with UNDP, where she played an active role in the revision of the Project logframe and the allocation of the budget. In addition, Carina also managed the funds of SABONET’s Plant Red Data List project and attended financial management courses of the NETCAB

SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 105 invasive alien plants in Part 4: Myrtaceae Eucalypts and Myrtles

Australia. Leaves are usually opposite, probably alludes to the spider-like in- simple, and glandular-dotted. The Eu- florescence with its strange elongated, calyptus species, however, are unusual curved bud caps covering the stamens. in having adult leaves that are apparently alternate. Flowers have many Eucalypts are well known for their abil- showy stamens and the ovary is usu- ity to use large volumes of water, which ally inferior. The fruit is usually a berry increases with growing availability of The distribution of declared myrtaceous or capsule and is tipped with the re- water, for example, along water- species in South Africa. Bold dots indicate mains of the calyx. courses. All the declared eucalypts in- where they are abundant, forming stands. vade watercourses and according to Eucalyptus CARA, they should be removed from these habitats. Red River Gum, in par- The genus Eucalyptus has the highest ticular, can form extensive stands number of invasive species in the myr- along watercourses and is one of the tle family in South Africa. The euca- primary target species for removal by lypts are best known for their commer- the Working for Water programme, cial use as timber trees and wind- South Africa’s largest and most costly breaks. They are also cultivated for or- alien plant control programme. Red nament, shade, firewood, and honey River Gum is the most widespread production. The South African public eucalypt in Australia, growing along is often surprised to hear that some and near watercourses, and potentially species are invasive and a threat to the has a very wide distribution in South natural resources of the country. The Africa. Sugar Gum and Karri have listed species are been cultivated mainly in the Western • Eucalyptus camaldulensis (Red River Cape and it is here that they are inva- Gum) sive. Saligna Gum is better suited to • E. cladocalyx (Sugar Gum) the more tropical regions of KwaZulu- • E. diversicolor (Karri) Natal and the northern provinces and • E. grandis (Saligna Gum) is invasive in these regions. Grey Eucalyptus lehmannii (Spider Gum), showing • E. lehmannii (Spider Gum) Ironbark is suited to the warm and spider-like inflorescence. • E. paniculata (Grey Ironbark) humid summer rainfall zone but little • E. sideroxylon (Black Ironbark) data is available of its naturalised dis- ixteen of the 198 species (8%) listed tribution. Black Ironbark is adapted to Sas declared plants in South Africa They originate from Australia and are the dry and cold interior; its natural- belong to the Myrtaceae. This group invading watercourses, forest mar- ised distribution is also likely to be of plants is unusual in that almost half gins, forest gaps, and fynbos. With the wider than shown on the map. of the listed species are regarded as exception of Spider Gum, all are rec- both a threat to the natural resources ognised as being valuable commercial Myrtle and as valuable commercial and util- or utility trees and may be cultivated ity trees. Legislation concerning their in demarcated areas under controlled Leptospermum laevigatum (Australian control, cultivation, and trade are con- conditions. They are prohibited out- Myrtle) has a similar distribution to tained in the Conservation of Agricul- side demarcated areas. Spider Gum Spider Gum, invading sandy coastal tural Resources Act (CARA), Act 43 of has been listed as a Category 1 Plant areas of the Western and Eastern Cape. 1983, and amended in 2001 (prohibited) in the Western Cape, as it It is a large, densely branching shrub is a serious threat to coastal fynbos and or small tree up to 8 m high, and is used The Myrtaceae is predominantly a its use as a sand-binder and windbreak as a windbreak and hedge. It is an ag- woody family of the subtropics and could be performed by other, non-in- gressive invader forming dense stands tropics, particularly Asia, America, and vasive species. The common name that exclude indigenous fynbos and

106 SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 southern africa

forest species. In places this invader is disperse its seed. Psidium X replacing another invasive species, durbanensis is a hybrid between P. Acacia saligna (Port Jackson), which guajava and P. guineense and is found has been brought under bio control by around Durban and on the southern a gall-forming rust fungus (Gordon KwaZulu-Natal coast. It is apparently 1999). Fortunately a bio control pro- sterile and spreads by suckering. P. gramme against Australian Myrtle is cattleianum (= P. littorale var. longipes; progressing well and should help to Strawberry or Cherry Guava), native curb its further spread. to Brazil, is grown for both ornament Eucalyptus diversicolor, showing 1) stem with and its edible fruit. This species is in- leaves, flowers, and buds and 2) capsules Metrosideros vasive on the KwaZulu-Natal coast and probably also in the lowveld of Metrosideros excelsa (New Zealand Mpumalanga. Bottlebrush or Christmas Tree) is a popular ornamental tree and hedge Eugenia Eucalyptus camaldulensis plant in coastal areas of the Western Eucalyptus grardis Cape. In its native New Zealand, it is Eugenia uniflora (Pitanga or Surinam known as “Pohutukawa” meaning Cherry) is another Brazilian tree that “spray-sprinkled”, as it rarely grows far has been cultivated for ornament, from the sea or an inland lake. It is so hedging, and its edible fruit. It is an well adapted to sea conditions that aggressive invader of riverbanks, oysters may even be found on coastal bush, forest edges, and forest branches that dip into the sea (Laing understories in KwaZulu-Natal. It is & Blackwell 1907)! In South Africa this likely to invade similar habitats in species is invading hygrophilous Mpumalanga and Limpopo Province. fynbos (fynbos on moist peaty soils) at It has been declared a Category 1 Plant Betty’s Bay and Kleinmond. Similar (prohibited) in all these regions. habitat types are threatened between Pitanga can be easily distinguished Hermanus and Gordon’s Bay, and on from other Eugenia and Syzygium spe- the Cape Peninsula. Large plants are cies by its very distinctive eight-ribbed difficult to eradicate because they cop- fruits, which are yellow turning deep pice when cut and the wood is very crimson when ripe. Eucalyptus cladocalyx tough; roots can penetrate rocky crev- Eucalyptus diversicolor ices and cracks. It produces large Syzygium quantities of fine, wind-blown seed. Moist conditions are necessary for Syzygium cumini (Jambolan) and S. seed germination and establishment. jambos (Rose Apple) are evergreen trees of Asian origin that have been Guavas cultivated as ornamentals and for their edible fruit. They invade coastal bush Psidium guajava (Guava) is a shrub or and savanna in frost-free areas. small tree of tropical American origin. Jambolan can easily be confused with It is grown commercially in the warm, the indigenous S. guineense (Water frost-free parts of South Africa for its Pear); however, Jambolan can be dis- edible fruit. It is also one of the most tinguished by its longer leaves (up to aggressive invasive species in these 150 mm) with many closely spaced lat- Eucalyptus paniculata regions, rivalling even Lantana camara eral veins, abruptly tapering leaf apex, Eucalyptus sideroxylon in the coastal belt of KwaZulu-Natal oval to pear-shaped fruits, and much- and the lowveld of Mpumalanga. Its branched sub-terminal inflorescence, fruit is eaten by birds and mammals, usually arising from old leaf scars. which spread the seed far and wide. P. Jambolan fruits are purplish-black guineense (Brazilian Guava) is an or- when ripe; those of Rose Apple are namental species whose fruits are bit- creamy yellow tinged with pink. ter and resinous but still attractive to birds and other animals, who help to

SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 107 Unlisted Species and Callistemon citrinus (Lemon Bottlebrush). Eucalyptus lehmannii Three additional myrta- Leptospermum laevigatum ceous species have been Next Instalment proposed as declared plants, but more informa- The next article in this series deals with tion is required before they the Solanaceae (potato family), a fam- can be listed. They are ily well known for its many edible spe- Callistemon rigidus (Stiff- cies which are important crop plants. leaved Bottlebrush), a popu- However, all 12 declared species, be- lar ornamental shrub, longing to the genera of Cestrum, which has been seen to in- Datura, Nicotiana, and Solanum in vade fynbos and forest South Africa, are poisonous to humans edges, Leptospermum sco- and other mammals. They are also im- parium (Manuka Myrtle or portant invaders of indigenous inland Metrosideros excelsa New Zealand Tea Tree), and coastal forests, forestry planta- and Syzygium paniculatum tions, watercourses, and agricultural (=Eugenia myrtifolia; Aus- crop lands. tralian Brush-cherry). Aus- tralian Brush-cherry is a popular ornamental tree GORDON, A.J. 1999. Biological control of and hedge plant with edible Australian myrtle, Leptospermum fruits. Birds in many parts laevigatum (J. Gaertn.) F. Muell. African of the country favour it; Entomology Memoir 1: 139–143. judging by the prolific seed- HENDERSON, L. 2001. Alien weeds and ling establishment in urban invasive plants. Plant Protection Psidium x durbanensis gardens, it is likely to be- Research Institute Handbook No. 12. Psidium guajava come invasive beyond the Agricultural Research Council, Pretoria. urban environment. LAING, R.M. & BLACKWELL, E.W. 1907. Plants of New Zealand, 2nd edition. Other myrtaceous species Whitcombe & Tombs Ltd, Wellington. that have been recorded as naturalised in the Western —Lesley Henderson Cape, but have not yet been ARC—Plant Protection Research proposed as declared Institute plants, are Melaleuca hy- Stationed at National Botanical pericifolia (Red-flowering Institute, Pretoria Tea Tree), M. wilsonii (Violet [email protected] or Wilson’s Honeymyrtle),

Syzygium cumini Psidium guineense Eugenia uniflora Syzygium jambos Psidium cattleianum

Myrtaceae: Eucalypts and Myrtles

108 SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 Declared Plants Belonging to the Myrtaceae in South Africa

N.B. The regulations concerning categories 1, 2 and 3 are briefly summarised here. To avoid any misunderstanding the reader should consult the full regulations given in the Government Gazette, Vol 429, No. 22166 of 30 March 2001 or Henderson (2001).

Category 1: Prohibited; must be controlled, or eradicated where possible. Eucalyptus lehmannii (only in Western Cape) Eugenia uniflora (only in Limpopo Province, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal) Leptospermum laevigatum

Category 2: Allowed only in demarcated areas under controlled conditions; prohibited within 30 m of the 1:50- year flood line of watercourses or wetlands. Eucalyptus camaldulensis Eucalyptus cladocalyx Eucalyptus diversicolor Eucalyptus grandis Eucalyptus lehmannii (excluding Western Cape) Eucalyptus paniculata Eucalyptus sideroxylon Psidium guajava

Category 3 : No further planting or trade of propagative material allowed; existing plants may remain but must be prevented from spreading; prohibited within 30 m of the 1:50-year floodline of watercourses or wetlands. Eugenia uniflora (excluding Limpopo Province, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal) Metrosideros excelsa Psidium cattleianum Psidium X durbanensis Psidium guineense Syzygium cumini Syzygium jambos Proposed category 3 plants: More information is required before they can be listed. Callistemon rigidus Leptospermum scoparium Syzygium paniculatum (= Eugenia myrtifolia)

SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 109 A second species of Brachystegia for South Africa

n November 2000, Troos van de Trilepisium madagascariensis, IMerwe and I travelled to the newly and Syzygium masukuense. discovered Brachystegia woodland in These species are not associated the Soutpansberg. During this first with the central Zimbabwe visit I became aware of some interest- Miombo floristic element, but ing leaf variation within the lower rather with the Eastern High- western section of the Brachystegia lands floristic element, espe- woodland. On closer investigation, it cially its foothills. This isolated became apparent that the Brachystegia community of Brachystegia spiciformis leaf form is dominant and woodland would therefore not the B. utillis/torrei leaf form is rare. In constitute a relic of the Miombo addition various intermediate forms Woodland, but is rather a relic were also observed suggesting that B. of an ancient tropical floral ele- Brachystegia habitat. utillis/torrei is being assimilated into ment that extended across the the dominant B. spiciformis genome. Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe into Brachystegia. Any material of Bra- the Soutpansberg. chystegia would be much appreciated Unfortunately, we have so far been and can be sent to the Herbarium unable to obtain flowering material of Curiously, the Venda common name Soutpansbergensis at the address be- the typical B. utillis/torrei leaf form, for the plant is “mutsiwa”, meaning low. notwithstanding various additional “the one that is left behind”—the lo- expeditions by Troos van de Merwe cals are well aware of the fact that this —Norbert Hahn and myself. is an isolated community of Brachy- Herbarium Soutpansbergensis (ZPB) stegia woodland with its main distri- P.O. Box 1734 In addition, the following species are bution being north of the Limpopo Louis Trichardt 0920 associated with a tropical floristic ele- River. As far as can be ascertained the South Africa ment, which reaches its southern dis- tree is not used ethnobotanically. Tel: (27) 15 5177176 tribution within the Soutpansberg: [email protected] Brackenridgea zanguebarica, Millettia Further studies are pending to resolve www.soutpansberg.com stuhlmannii, Oxytenanthera abyssinica, the identity of the second species of

Typical Brachystegia utillis/torrei leaf form. Typical Brachystegia spiciformis leaf form.

110 SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 12th SABONET Steering Committee Meeting

he 12th SABONET Steering Com- ment of more horticulturists, national The workshop looked at the remain- Tmittee (SSC) Meeting, Logframe and regional checklists, Threatened ing two years of the current project and Revision and Budget Allocation Meet- Plants Programmes, and the Terminal developed guidelines with regard to ing, and the Exit Strategy Workshop, Review. As a result, the option was the publications, staffing, showcasing, were held at Ezulwini, Swaziland, dur- taken to extend the project life into 2003 terminal evaluations, and networking ing the week of 11–16 March 2002. and to use that time to achieve the of SABONET. Discussions surround- major project outputs. ing a future project looked at the cur- Logframe Revision and Budget rent project’s impacts and immediate Allocation Meeting The Midterm Review stressed the need future in the light of macro trends fol- to provide quality outputs and to en- lowed by donor institutions. It was Dr Alan Rodgers from UNDP-GEF courage strong links with end-users of decided that a follow-on project should Regional Bureau for Africa, facilitated taxonomic information, as this would consider bioregional planning as an this important priority-setting meet- show the achievements of the project important possibility. The committee ing. Four National Coordinators, three and also demonstrate how capacity- considered the strengths of such a representatives from the National Bo- building projects like SABONET could project—what we can provide, where tanical Institute, and the three staff be a success. The key issue was there- we can assist, and where we are to go members from the SABONET Re- fore to get the SABONET outputs done from here. Another workshop will be gional Office attended the meeting. by mid-2003 before the funding runs scheduled to determine the project The meeting was guided by the out. Major outputs include the follow- options and links with important or- Project’s Exit Strategy; the strategy is ing: ganisations. a result of the recommendations of the • Speeding up the data-capturing Midterm Review conducted in Janu- process 12 th SSC Meeting ary 2001. • Dedicating staff to produce checklists and other SABONET-related The SSC meeting was hosted by Mr SABONET has a history of working publications Titus Dlamini, National Coordinator of sparingly with its funds, considering • Implementing Threatened Plants SABONET-Swaziland, and chaired by that the official closing date of the Programmes Prof. Brian Huntley, Chairperson of the Project was 31 March 2002 and the SABONET Steering Committee. Mr project still has approximately USD During the last quarter of 2003, much Christopher Nkwanyama, Under-Sec- 1.7m to use. Up to April 2002, only effort and money would be put into the retary of the Ministry of Agriculture & about USD 3m of an original budget Terminal Review, the Terminal Report, Cooperatives, made an opening of USD 4.7m had been spent since the and closing the project. speech and SABONET was welcomed start of the project in 1997. However, to the Kingdom of the Swazi. All ten from the logframe revision and budget It was stressed at the meeting to view countries were represented at the allocation for 2002/2003, it was clear the Exit Strategy as an end to the meeting, which included eight of the that SABONET has entered its last UNDP-GEF funding process, not the ten National Coordinators. Ms Marta stages and that funding would soon end of SABONET, which, it is hoped, Manjate from Mozambique and Mr become restrictive. It is anticipated that could continue indefinitely as a re- Moretloa Polaki from Lesotho attended the Project will be able to run until the gional network. the meeting as alternate coordinators. end of 2002 at full force, with restric- Mr Nonofo Mosesane attended his first tions and cuts here and there, but from Exit Strategy Workshop meeting as National Coordinator of January 2003 onwards, the Project will SABONET-Botswana after he took only have funds to complete its prior- This first workshop to develop an Exit over the leadership from Dr Moffat ity key outputs and to implement the Strategy for the current project and to Setshogo. In addition, the following Exit Strategy. plan for a future project was facilitated individuals also attended the meeting: by Prof. Brian Huntley and was at- • Dr Alan Rodgers, UNDP-GEF, The committee looked at the year 2001 tended by all the members of the Arusha, Tanzania in detail to ascertain the budgeted ex- SABONET Logframe Revision and • Mr Solomon Gamedze, Senior For- penditure against the actual expendi- Budget Allocation committee. The estry Officer, Ministry of Agricul- ture. A few activities budgeted for 2001 workshop was called for as a result of ture & Cooperatives were carried into 2002 and still have to discussions held in Maseru, Lesotho, • Mr Steven Zuke, Senior Environ- be completed. In order to complete during the 11th SSC Meeting in Sep- mental Officer, Ministry of Agricul- these activities and additional ones for tember 2001. Decision 8 of the Third ture & Cooperatives 2002, certain expenses have to be met Tripartite Review of the 11th SSC Meet- • Ms Thandi Lupupa, Curator, Na- and funds need to be committed to ing endorsed the proposal for an Exit tional Plant Genetic Resource Cen- such core activities. The committee put Strategy to be developed for the tre together what they regarded as core project and Decision 9 encouraged the • Ms Federica Battista, UNDP-South commitments—namely staff on con- development of a Concept Document Africa tract, running of the project (for exam- for a follow-on regional project to ad- • Ms Brenda Ndzinisa, UNDP- ple, vehicles, SSC meetings, equip- dress the integration of taxonomy and Swaziland ment), students at universities doing conservation activities. their one-year MSc degrees, recruit- continued overleaf

SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 111 • Mr Trevor Arnold, SABONET IT, SABONET Expedition 2001 Pretoria, South Africa • Mr Christopher Willis, National Botanical Institute, South Africa • Ms Khungeka Njobe, National Bo- tanical Institute, South Africa • Dr Stefan Siebert, Ms Carina SABONET Haasbroek, and Ms Nyasha Rukazhanga-Noko, SABONET Re- Goes gional Office in Mozambique Major issues discussed at the meeting Frogging related to National Checklists, progress with the computerisation of herbarium specimens, Threatened Plants ans are sporadically scattered around the pan can be described as a Programmes, and a SABONET Pthroughout Maputaland, where sand thicket–woodland transition. The Sustainability Strategy for 2002 and they usually occur in the shallow de- woody patches are characterised by beyond. All the decisions taken at the pressions between the ancient dune Psydrax moggii, Lagynias monteiroi, Logframe Revision Meeting and the ridges, or in the vicinity of rivers, Sapium integerrimum, Strychnos Exit Strategy Workshop were accepted where they have been isolated over madagascariensis and Anonna by the SSC as a true reflection of what time from the original river’s course to senegalensis. The grasslands con- the region expects and wishes to create what are known as oxbow lakes. tained suffrutices such as Eugenia achieve during the remaining months These pans may be permanent or sea- capensis and Salacia rehmanniana (the of the project. sonal and they usually support a well-known ”bangalala” of the muthi unique vegetation type derived from trade). As a result of the latter’s aphro- Date and venue for the next SSC Meet- an aquatic-dominated environment. disiac popularity, the over-harvested ing: 29–31 August 2002 at the National This aquatic environment hosts a wide grassland looked a bit like a minefield. Herbarium, Pretoria, South Africa, to diversity of frog species—Davis et al. coincide with the World Summit on (1994) report that approximately 45 Most of the SABONET participants Sustainable Development. frog species or subspecies have been accompanied me to the pan on our last recorded for the broader Maputaland night at Licuati. The cacophony of calls —Stefan Siebert & Titus Dlamini region. As only 129 frog species are was deafening, but we were also recorded for the entire southern Afri- treated to a visual display of frogs call- can sub region (Carruthers 2001), ing from various vantage points. The Maputaland is incredibly rich in am- Reed Frogs were on reeds, the Water phibian diversity. Lily Frogs were on the nymphaeas, and the Leaf-folding Frogs were call- Together with Wayne Mathews, we ing from leaf blades just above the were able to record 21 frog species in water’s edge. The toxic Banded Rub- the area immediately around a small ber Frogs were heard, but could not pan near the Licuati Forest Reserve be found. Participants were treated to during the December 2001 SABONET a display from the Foam Nest Frog Expedition to Maputaland. (It was (Chiromantis xerampelina) on their from this pan that water was pumped foam nest, into which the female de- for washing and showers during the posited her eggs. Three terrestrial spe- expedition.) The area immediately cies were recorded calling around our Licuati campsite early in December 2001, whereas 18 water-dependent frog species were recorded at the pan’s edge. Basic taxonomic and ecological aspects of amphibian biology were discussed along the banks of the pan. Everybody was given a chance to hold a Red-legged Kassina amongst mixed expressions of revulsion and excite- ment, but the experience was nevertheless unforgettable.

It is a debate as to which frog has evolved as the most “advanced” frog in southern Africa. Is it the Giant Bull- frog (Pyxicephalus adspersus), which displays parental care and has tooth- The making of a nest by the Foam-nest like projections in its lower jaw? Or is Frog (Chiromantis xerampelina) while it the ingenious Foam Nest Frog the next male awaits his chance. (Chiromantis xerampelina), of which (Photo: Mervyn Lötter) numerous males eventually fertilize a

112 SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 SABONET Expedition 2001

single female’s eggs, thereby increasing the genetic diversity of her off- spring? This is also the only species that is capable of producing the pro- tective and insulating foam nest in which the eggs develop into tadpoles before breaking through into the water below and swimming away.

Indeed, not all frogs require standing water in which to lay their eggs—terrestrial breeders have evolved to The unfortunate Red-legged Kassina (Kassina maculata) that everyone progress quickly through the process got a chance to hold. (Photo: Mervyn Lötter) of egg development into tadpoles (as long as eggs are protected and damp) and finally juvenile frogs. These species can usually be heard in environ- ments far from any surface water.

The amazing amphibian diversity in Maputaland was a joy to investigate— the wonder of the plant diversity, Maputaland Frogs within this botanical centre of endemism, is mirrored in the extraordinary Terrestrial species recorded at Licuati frog diversity. For in three nights, at Arthroleptis stenodactylus Shovel-footed Squeaker one pan, we were able to record 16% Breviceps adspersus subsp. adspersus Bushveld Rain Frog of southern Africa’s frog species. And that’s coming from amongst a group Leptopelis mossambicus Brown-backed Tree Frog of botanists! Water-dependent species recorded at Licuati —Mervyn Lötter Afrixalus delicatus Delicate Leaf-folding Frog Mpumalanga Parks Board Afrixalus fornasinii Greater Leaf-folding Frog Private Bag X1088 Lydenburg Bufo garmani Eastern Olive Toad 1120 Bufo gutturalis Guttural Toad [email protected] Chiromantis xerampelina Foam Nest Frog Hildebrandtia ornata Ornate Frog CARRUTHERS, V.C. 2001. Frogs and frogging in southern Africa. Struik , Cape Town. Hyperolius argus Argus Reed Frog CHANNING, A. 2001. Amphibians of central Hyperolius marmoratus subsp. taeniatus Painted Reed Frog and southern Africa. Cornell University Hyperolius nasutus Long Reed Frog Press. Hyperolius pusillus Waterlily Reed Frog DAVIS, S.D., HEYWOOD, V.H. & HAMILTON, A.C. (eds) 1994. Centres of Hyperolius tuberilinguis Tinker Reed Frog plant diversity. A guide and strategy for their Kassina maculata Red-legged Kassina conservation. Volume 1: Europe, Africa, Kassina senegalensis Bubbling Kassina South West Asia and the Middle East. Phrynobatrachus mababiensis Dwarf Puddle Frog IUCN Publications Unit, Cambridge, UK. PASSMORE, N.I. & CARRUTHERS, V.C. 1995. Phrynomantis bifasciatus Banded Rubber Frog South African frogs: a complete guide. Ptychadena mascariensis Mascarene Grass Frog Jointly published by Southern Book Ptychadena oxyrhynchus Sharp-nosed Grass Frog Publishers and Witwatersrand University Xenopus muelleri Tropical Platanna Press.

SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 113 SABONET Expedition 2001 Medicinal Plants of Maputaland

y first impression when I was was fine by me. Unfortunately, the gentleman from the Mozambican del- Mnominated to be the Botswana Chief was not available at that time, but egation, Mr Carlos Boane, to assist me representative on the expedition was we were able to speak to his younger with specimen and medicinal informa- “what an opportunity to go and see brother, who provided us with the rel- tion. Every-time he came across a me- Maputaland”. Little did I foresee that evant information regarding the use of dicinal plant, he would call me and we would be camping in tents before the Licuati Forest Reserve. He was con- with the little Portuguese I had learnt I we experienced real comfort—that is, vinced that the villagers valued the re- would jot down something. A proper sleeping on proper beds! During the serve and agreed it was important to compilation of notes for each medici- first night of the expedition at Ponto conserve the forest. He also mentioned nal plant was obtained on arrival in Malongane, it rained and rained, but that they were allowed to cut many of Maputo, when I asked Samira to trans- it did not dampen our spirits and we the trees to produce charcoal, but had late for me, since she is fluent in both still went out to collect the following to purchase a license from the Chief. English and Portuguese. The results day. The subsequent days at Those who were caught smuggling are summarised in the accompanying Malongane saw a lot of rain and by this trees from the Licuati paid heavy fines table. time some participants were begin- and the wood was confiscated. The ning to complain about headaches and Chief’s brother also informed us that little aches and pains from sleeping on children grew up knowing that the I am grateful to GEF-UNDP for providing me damp bedding! Licuati was not to be interfered with, with a chance to be part of the SABONET that even their great great grandpar- 2001 Mozambique Expedition, and all those Things began to improve when we ents knew it, and that they were left to who shared their knowledge in their different moved to Milibangalala in the Maputo teach the younger generation. They fields with me. I would like to thank the Elephant Reserve, although the mos- were only allowed to harvest such Government of Botswana for allowing me to quitoes were waiting for us. It was hu- things as honey, fruits, medicinal go on the SABONET expedition. I extend my mid, but quite often in the early morn- plants, and small animals. Samira and sincerest gratitude to Mr Carlos Boane for ings and evenings, we would go for I prepared a report and presented it to providing me with the information on the walks along the beach to get some cool the expedition members that same Mozambican medicinal plants and Ms fresh air. The best time of the day to evening. Samira Izidine for the translations. “network” was in the evenings after dinner; then all the “lady participants” During our visit to the Chief’s village, —Ms Queen Turner would congregate outside one of the we had a funny encounter when we Botswana National Herbarium tents and come up with a controver- stopped at one of the nearby villages [email protected] sial topic for discussion. We kept our and met up with one of the residents, voices low, hoping no-one would be called Lucas “Two-Bob” Tembe. The listening, but to our surprise the fol- guy was drunk, as we might have ex- lowing morning some men in the pected from his very “intelligent” an- group were curious to know what the swers to our questions about medici- laughter and giggles had been about nal plants! When we asked him what the previous night, letting us know that plants people in the area used to cure some people had been eavesdropping! malaria, he told us in his drunken stu- These little gatherings kept us going por that most people in the area died and at some stage the discomfort is- of malaria because the mosquitoes bit sue was forgotten. snakes, and then the snakes bit people, causing malaria. This explanation During one of our discussions we dis- was narrated with utmost seriousness, covered that the Chief of the villages so we had to pretend it agreed with on the edge of the forest had to be in- medical books! Anyway, on the same formed. I was nominated to go with a issue, but concerning HIV/AIDS and Portuguese-speaking colleague, medicinal plants, he said it did not ex- Samira Izidine, to inform the Chief. I ist in their area because he had not was very pleased to be nominated, seen anyone who had lost weight! because I was then undertaking a me- Another of his “brilliant” explana- dicinal plant project, and I was hoping tions… that, if there were any traditional doc- A charcoal production line in the tors where we went, I would be able During the expedition I was in constant Licuati Forest Reserve. to ‘kill two birds with one stone’, which contact with one very knowledgeable (Photo: S. Siebert)

114 SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 SABONET Expedition 2001

Participants recording locality information in coastal grassland near Ponta Malongane. (Photo: S. Siebert)

Maputaland Medicinal Plants Sources of traditional medicine for different ailments in southern Mozambique Plant name Ailment/Disease Preparation Vernonia colorata Diarrhoea Mix fresh leaves and roots and boil. Drink three times a day in a small cup. Dicerocaryum eriocarpum Relieves dandruff Rub the leaves on the hair daily. Hibiscus spp. Gives appetite Boil fresh roots and drink when required. Dichrostachys cinerea Cures ring-worm Dry fruits/seeds are placed on red-hot charcoal to burn, then mixed with a bit of oil, the mixture is then applied to the ring-worm. Momordica balsamina Edible, but also The leaves are boiled and the decoction drunk three alleviates high sugar times a day. levels (sugar diabetes) Catunaregam spinosa Cleanses the stomach The fruits are dried, pounded, and mixed with cold water. Drunk three times a day. Ochna natalitia Used for fractures The roots are dried and pounded and incisions are made and mixture applied to the fracture. Solanum panduriforme Used to cure toothache Boil roots and gargle. Abrus precatorius Impotence It gives men strength, probably the juice in the leaves gives them the power, “African Viagra”. The fresh leaves are chewed. Synaptolepis kirkii Used to abort embryos The roots are scraped, mixed with cold water, left for a while to infuse, then the mixture is drunk. Psydrax locuples Relieves headaches Fresh leaves are crushed, then placed on the forehead, tied with a head scarf. Cladostemon kirkii Relieves rheumatism The fresh roots are cut into small pieces, placed in a sealable bottle with cold water, and left to infuse for 2-3 days, drink three times a day. The leaves are left in hot water to infuse for a few minutes, then applied to the joints. Bridelia cathartica Cleanses the stomach Fresh leaves are boiled in water. Drink one cup three times a day. Aloe marlothii Used to cure sexually The leaves are cut into pieces, boiled thoroughly for transmitted diseases 1-2 hours with Bridelia leaves. Drink one cup daily.

SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 115 SABONET Expedition 2001

Field Drying Methods

he Maputaland Centre of Ende- Luckily for us, our very re- Tmism lies between the tropics in sourceful Logistics Team the north and sub-tropical coastal con- came to the rescue! We ditions to the south. It experiences hot made use of Sandie Bur- summers and cool to warm winters rows’s bread oven for dry- with no frost. The mean temperature ing our flimsies, blotters, in January is 27°C and the climate has and cardboard. These were been described as warm to hot, humid placed both inside and on and subtropical (Siebert et al. 2002). top of the oven, which had a fire burning underneath The SABONET Southern Mozambique it. This proved highly effec- Expedition was conducted during No- tive, but had to be staffed vember–December 2001, a time of year by at least two people at all during which the area receives a lot of times to prevent the paper Stefan Siebert and David Malumane drying blotters rain. Day temperatures reach 35°C and being burned. Flimsies, inside and on top of the bread oven. (Photo: J. Burrows) humidity levels are high: the mean blotters, and cardboard relative humidity along the coast is were dry within 3–4 minutes, depend- 55% in August and 90% in February. ing on the heat and the thickness of The annual average rainfall along the the paper. coast is 1 100 mm/year. Mervyn Lötter and David Goyder de- Although to some this might sound vised the second method we used. This like a part of paradise, conditions was an adaptation of a regular field proved quite detrimental to the drying dryer. First, a hole was dug in the of plant material. It is important that ground. A burning gas cylinder was plants dry out fairly quickly, otherwise placed into the hole and the hole was parts may become infested with fun- covered with metal boxes. The whole gus. On one really wet morning, we plant press was then placed inside the awoke to find many of our plant metal box. The heat and the contents presses soaked. We could not manage were monitored to prevent the plants to dry the material in either the sun or from becoming brittle. Even with our the wind—the wet, humid conditions careful monitoring, we still managed actually made the drying papers ab- to get a few frightfully large flames. sorb moisture! Luckily, they were easy to extinguish and didn’t cause any damage to the The excessive rain, high humidity lev- plant press. els, wet plants, and the fact that we David Goyder manned the field dryer were only halfway through our trip, In conclusion I must state that innova- to make sure that the specimens did forced us to turn to field dryers. How- tion saved us a lot of trouble with the not catch alight. (Photo: J. Burrows) ever, when choosing a dryer there are drying of our plant material in the wet, several points that need to be taken rainy weather of southern Mozam- into account (Fish 1999): bique. It would be advisable to try one • Size or capacity: there should be of these methods if you find yourself enough space to accommodate all in similar conditions. Where there is a —Marianne M. Uiras the presses or material brought in will, there is a way. National Botanical Research Institute at one time. (NBRI) • Efficiency: specimens should dry My appreciation to Ms Nikaya Govender and National Herbarium of Namibia quickly, but should not be overdried Ms Coleen Mannheimer for comments and (WIND) and become too brittle. proofreading this article. Private Bag 13184 • Ease and speed with which the Windhoek material can be deposited straight FISH, L. 1999. Preparing Herbarium Specimens. NAMIBIA from the press into the dryer-cum- Strelitzia 7, pp 31-32. Tel.: (264) 61 2022050 press type. SIEBERT, S.J., BANDEIRA, S.O., BURROWS, Fax: (264) 258153 • Possibility of a fire hazard: remem- J.E. & WINTER, P.J. 2002. SABONET [email protected] ber that the contents of a plant press southern Mozambique expedition 2001. can easily ignite. SABONET News 7(1): 6–18.

116 SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 SABONET Horticultural Course

rom 8 to 20 April 2002, a two-week Ftraining course was presented to 27 horticulturists from nine southern African countries (Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zim- babwe). The horticulturists represented 18 southern African botanical gardens. The course was held at the Durban Botanic Gardens, South Af- rica, and was hosted by SABONET and the Durban Parks Department. This tailor-made course forms part of the ongoing capacity-building activities SABONET Project, and was developed as a result of the need expressed by southern African botanical garden rep- Course participants discussing the indigenous wetland garden of the resentatives during a regional work- Durban Botanic Gardens. (Photo: S. Siebert) shop held in March 2001.

The course included the following modules: • Propagation • Soil mixes and growing media • Pest control • Nursery management and layout • Irrigation and structures • Fertilization • Interpretation • Machinery • Turf management • Bedding design and landscaping • Staff management • Plant collections • Record keeping • Field collecting techniques • Herbarium collections The entrance to the new Visitor Complex and NBS Education Centre of • Letter and report writing the Durban Botanic Gardens. (Photo: S. Siebert) • Communications

The course included several practical sessions, as well as field excursions to local nurseries, the Durban muthi market, Zimbali Nature Reserve, and the Natal National Botanical Garden in Pietermaritzburg.

We thank the staff of the SABONET Regional Office, Durban Botanic Gar- dens, and Durban Parks Department, for the assistance in the organisation and smooth running of the course. Their dedication, enthusiasm, and effort are greatly appreciated.

—Christopher Willis & Christopher Dalzell Course participants visiting the gardens of Mitchell Park, Durban. (Photo: S. Siebert)

SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 117 SABONET Horticultural Course Participants. (Photo: S. Siebert)

BACK: Ms Barbara Fouche (Visitors Centre), Ms Esther Makombe (Zimbabwe), Ms Johanna Thomas (South Africa), Ms Marta Manjate (Mozambique), Mr Tawanda Ganda (Zimbabwe), Mr Matthews Mbonambi (South Africa), Mr Allen Micho (Zimbabwe), Mr Siyabulela Nonyinga (South Africa), Mr Salomao Domingos (Mozambique), Ms Matshwenyego Stephen (Botswana), Mr Christopher Shabalala (Swaziland), Mr Ricky Chetty (South Africa), Mr Ernest Gondwe (Zambia), Mr Thabo Baasi (Lesotho), Mr Lawrence Maduramuthu (Durban Parks), Mr Thompson Mutshinyalo (South Africa), Mr Steve Carr (Namibia), Caterer (Durban Parks), Ms Francinah Mphaka (South Africa), Mr John Mapanga (Zimbabwe)

FRONT: Mr Onias Ndoro (Zimbabwe), Mr Lloyd Nkoloma (Malawi), Mr Roger Oliver (South Africa), Mr Austin Chikumba (Malawi), Mr Hilario Machava (Mozambique), Mr Diphetogo Menyatso (Botswana), Mr Alex Nkhonjera (Malawi), Mr Peter Gavhi (South Africa), Mr Tobias Angula (Namibia), Mr Albert Shange (South Africa) SABONET’s Students 2002

o build southern Africa’s botanical Congratulations to all those SABONET (University of Stellenbosch) Tcapacity, SABONET provides sup- students who successfully completed • Ms Elizabeth Mwafongo from Malawi port to postgraduate students who their degrees in 2001. Five students were (University of Cape Town) show commitment to the Project’s goals awarded BSc Hons degrees and they are • Mr Phelex Manyanga from Zimba- and objectives. Nine individuals hold all pursuing MSc degrees in 2002. In ad- bwe (University of Cape Town) SABONET scholarships to pursue dition, five students were awarded MSc • Mr Kunda Changwe from Zambia higher degrees in systematics during the degrees: (University of the Witwatersrand) 2002 academic year. • Ms Lerato Kose from Lesotho (Uni- versity of Stellenbosch) All of the best with your future careers • Ms Patricia Craven from Namibia as plant diversity specialists!

SABONET Students Individuals who hold SABONET scholarships for 2002 Ms Georgina Neto Angola MSc University of Lisbon, Portugal Mr Mbaki Muzila* Botswana MSc University of Cape Town Ms Bokang Theko* Lesotho MSc University of the Free State Mr Mphamba Kumwenda* Malawi MSc University of Stellenbosch Mr Dickson Kamundi* Malawi MSc University of the Witwatersrand Ms Samira Izidine Mozambique MSc University of Pretoria Ms Coleen Mannheimer Namibia MSc (Part-time) Rhodes University Ms Angela Gono* Zambia MSc University of the Witwatersrand Ms Ruvimbo Mapaya Zimbabwe MSc University of Cape Town

* Received BSc Hons degree in 2001 with SABONET sponsorship.

118 SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 Thanks for Your Hard Work, Nikaya!

ikaya Govender has been with vited as a demonstrator to the PRECIS strong motivation to succeed in what- Nthe SABONET project since July Database Course for Beginners in De- ever task she embarks on. She really 1998, when she was appointed as the cember 2000. She also attended a made a difference and will leave her SABONET Research Officer at the SABONET Herbarium Management mark on the project. Thanks for your Natal Herbarium, Durban. Since then Course and a Plant Identification dedication and hard work, Nikaya! she has impressed all with her par- Course. In addition, Nikaya took part We wish you the best of luck. ticularly effective working capacity in the Project’s Regional Botanical Ex- and leadership characteristics. Not pedition to southern Mozambique in —Stefan Siebert & Rose Williams only has the SABONET Project rec- 2001. ognized the quality of her work and leadership, but the National Botani- Nikaya was committed to cal Institute rated her as one of their SABONET’s objectives, and top young researchers by involving published several articles in her in the institution’s Leadership SABONET News on se- Academy Programme. lected plants of southern Africa and related her- Sadly, Nikaya is leaving us—she is barium and database activi- moving with her husband to London ties. She was also a mentor to pursue, we hope, more botanical to the new SABONET staff endeavours. We are sure that she will at the Natal Herbarium and rise to this adventurous challenge has motivated them to ex- with all the inspiration and commit- cel in their work and to pub- ment she has shown as a member of lish on relevant topics. SABONET. Nikaya also represented SABONET and the National Nikaya is extremely competent with Botanical Institute at several Nikaya Govender (right) with her SABONET computers and was in charge of the institutional meetings and colleagues at Natal Herbarium, Zoleka Dimon (left) Natal Herbarium’s Specimen Data- academic conferences. and Meeta Nathoo (centre). Here they are base. She attended a SABONET Ad- examining Kniphofia specimens during the vanced Database Management As a person, Nikaya has preparation of their article, which was published in Course in August 1999 and was in- impressed us with her SABONET News 7(1).

SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 119 Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden

he Breede River Valley is well- Thudicum, was appointed in August Living Plant Collections Tknown to many visitors for its fine 1945. He was responsible for laying out wines, fruit, and beautiful mountains. the roads and pathways and for the Bruce Bayer, previously a technical Not so well-known is the Karoo Desert planting out of many railway truck assistant at the garden, was appointed National Botanical Garden in Worces- loads of plants from the old garden at as Curator in 1973 and really put the ter, capital of the Breede River Valley. Whitehill. Many of these plants, espe- Karoo Desert Garden on the interna- It is probably one of the only truly in- cially specimens of Aloe dichotoma tional succulent map. The scientific digenous South African succulent gar- (Kokerboom), still survive in the origi- collections were increased and local dens and is one of only a handful of nal area on a hillock to the right of the and international succulent taxono- outdoor succulent gardens in the main entrance. Mr Thudicum watered mists made use of the living specimens world. In August and September each all the plants with buckets suspended in the plant houses. Bruce Bayer is in- year it becomes a magnificent carpet from a wooden shoulder harness or ternationally known for his work on of colourful flowers. The garden is also balanced on the handlebars of his haworthias, having published four the gateway to the floral delights of trusty bicycle! Mr Thudicum was books and numerous scientific publi- Namaqualand—and is only an hour’s memorialised in the name of a showy cations on the subject. The floral dis- drive from Cape Town. yellow mesemb, Drosanthemum plays in the garden were also ex- thudichumii. tended, making the garden famous for History its masses of colour in spring. Some Subsequently, Mr R.C. Littlewood was plants named in honour of Bayer’s The Karoo National Botanical Garden appointed as the Garden’s first horti- work include Tylecodon bayeri, Hawor- was originally established in 1921 on culturist in 1957, serving with great thia bayerii, and Anacampseros bayer- 20 morgen of land at Whitehill, near dedication until his death in 1968. iana. Matjiesfontein. It was known as the Drosanthemum littlewoodii is named in Logan Memorial Garden and Mr J. his honour. Mr Frank Stayner curated The garden has approximately 2 000 Archer, succulent lover and former sta- the Karoo Garden from 1959 until his species in the index collections. In to- tion master at Matjiesfontein, was the retirement in July 1973. During this tal there are nearly 3 700 taxa under first curator; he was appointed on 1 time, many buildings and plant houses cultivation, of which 65% are succu- January 1925. Unfortunately, owing to were built and the irrigation systems lents. This includes species in the in- lack of water and the re-routing of the (some still in use today) were installed. dex nursery, production nursery, gar- national road, the garden was eventu- A monotypic succulent genus, Stay- den, and estate.The garden’s main liv- ally closed. neria, was named after him. ing plant collections comprise the following families: In late 1944, Professor Compton, then Some 80 years after the garden’s incep- • Apocynaceae the Director of the National Botanic tion, the name was officially changed • Asclepiadaceae (now known as Gardens, decided to look for a more to Karoo Desert National Botanical Apocynaceae) suitable location for the garden. Two Garden, in keeping with other desert • Aizoaceae sites were investigated—one near gardens throughout the world. The • Amaryllidaceae Robertson and the other just outside name emphasises that this garden cul- • Asphodelaceae Worcester. The site chosen was 36 tivates and displays plants from an arid • Hyacinthaceae morgen of land just north of Worces- environment. • Oxalidaceae ter and the first curator, Mr J. • Portulacaceae

120 SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 Karroid phytogeographic beds, introduced by Bruce Bayer, in front of the main administrative offices displaying various regions of the Karoo, have proved to be immensely popular with visitors. Here plants from karroid (semi-desert) habitats are grown in small beds, each representing its own unique phytogeographical area. To date, 30 karroid phytogeographic areas have been identified. This 1 160 m2 area houses nearly 900 plant species.

The garden is internationally known for collections of the following succulent genera: • Conophytum • Huernia • Avonia • Anacampseros • Gasteria Quiver Trees Aloe dichotoma in the Richtersveld area. (Photo: National Botanical • Haworthia Institute) • Gibbaeum • Lithops • Stapelia • Tylecodon

The succulent collections are cultivated and displayed in four glasshouses with a total area of 330 m2.

The garden also has extensive geo- phyte (bulb) collections, including: • Brunsvigia • Haemanthus • Lachenalia • Ixia • Sparaxis • Strumaria • Boophane • Crossyne

The bulb collections are grown in raised beds, 1.5 m in height. Each plant The Index Nursery, which houses valuable collections of succulents and bulbs. has its own compartment, allowing the (Photo: National Botanical Institute) plants to develop fully. Some of the more shade-loving plants have a wooden slatted roof over the individual specimens, giving much-needed shade during the very hot summer. Compared to the cramped growth re- strictions of a plastic pot, the raised beds work very well, because the plants are grown under cooler conditions.

The Garden Through the Seasons

The Karoo Desert NBG is 154 ha in extent, with a developed area of 11 ha, and falls within the winter rainfall area of South Africa. Summers are hot, up to 40°C, whereas winters are cool and wet, with light frost in the lower reaches of the garden. Minimum tem- The plant sales area, where hardy waterwise indigenous palnts are offered for peratures of 2°C have been recorded. sale. Over 500 species are available. (Photo: National Botanical Institute)

SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 121 Constant wind is experienced, espe- ing summer, some of the red and pink • Argyrodermas cially during the winter. Crassula species are in full flower. It is • Lapidaria during these hot months, when the The garden has a number of sections natural Karoo veld takes on a pale During the winter months the days are for displaying the horticultural poten- green hue, that fires become our big- short. The first snow of the season has tial of the various desert plants. These gest threat. The Karoo veld, when dev- already fallen on the Brandwacht are mainly plants grown for their bril- astated by fire, can take up to 30 years Mountains to the north of the gardens. liant flower colour or sculptural forms. to recover! Rain falls sporadically, often accompa- Nearly 90% of plants grown are of a nied by strong northwesterly winds. waterwise nature! Autumn is the time when many of the The attractive displays of Oxalis (clo- dormant summer bulbs push out their ver) make a visit to the garden reward- The best time to visit the Karoo Desert massive round heads of flowers. From ing. These cheerful plants flower in an Garden is in spring, when March until May the following bulbs array of colours including pink, yellow, Namaqualand daisies (Dimorpho- flower: white, mauve, and purple. The warm theca), Bokbaai vygies (Dorothean- • Brunsvigia colours of the many flowering aloes thus), Gazania, Ursinia, Felicia, and • Boophone also brighten the dullness of winter. Arctotis all look their best. The follow- • Cyrthanthus Aloe dichotoma and Aloe ramosissima ing spring bulbs are also in flower: • Haemanthus with their bright yellow flowers and • Freesia • Nerine pale, flaky bark stand out like beacons • Tritonia • Amaryllis in the wintry landscape. Other note- • Lachenalia worthy aloes include: • Ornithogalum From early March until the end of May, • Aloe ferox (Medicinal Aloe) • Sparaxis the following genera are in flower— • Aloe barberae, (the Giant Tree Aloe • Babiana and characterized by their smell of rot- from the eastern Cape) • Bulbinella ten meat, very noticeable on hot, balmy • Aloe plicatilis(Fan Aloe) afternoons: The actual peak flowering time de- • Stapelia Some of the vygie species start flow- pends very much on the rain—when • Duvalia ering from early winter through to it falls and how much falls—but gen- • Piaranthus spring. The mat-forming Cephalophyl- erally August to early September are • Hoodia lum species provide especially vivid the best months. The perennial vygies, • Huernia displays with their metallic red, ma- Drosanthemum and Lampranthus, are genta, yellow, and pink flowers. at their best in early October. By No- Autumn is also the time when many vember most of the annuals and vygies of the mesembs are in flower. These Natural Vegetation are past their prime. chunky succulent plants, all of which make ideal pot plants, look their best According to Dr Tim Hoffmann in the Spring and early summer are ideal after the hot, dry summer months. Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and times to take advantage of the garden’s Their iridescent flowers are spectacu- Swaziland, the Karoo Desert Garden many nature walks. December to Feb- lar against the stone-like leaves: falls within the Little Succulent Karoo. ruary are the dry, hot months of the • Lithops (stone plants) The region occurs in the hot, dry val- year, but many hardy karroid trees • Conophytum (resembling stone leys between the two parallel east– have been planted in the car park and plants) west trending mountains of the Cape on the upper lawns. These in time will • Pleiospilos (liver plant) Fold Belt. The physical geography, lo- give shade to the weary visitor. Dur- • Dinteranthus cality, climate, geology, and soil create the ideal conditions for a succulent- rich flora.

The natural vegetation is characterised by small karroid bushes, hardy geophytes, and succulents. Some 422 species grow naturally on the estate; most are succulents. Beautiful geophytes are abundant: • Nerine species • Massonia species • Ornithogalum species • Brunsvigia josephinae

The shrubby plants are mainly of the family Asteraceae. They include the perennial shrubs • Pteronia • Elytropappus (Rhino Bush) • Galenia • Rhus A hiking trail in the Karoo Desert Garden. There are approximately 8 km of hiking • Eriocephalus trails. (Photo: M.J. Wells) • Euclea (Gwarribos)

122 SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 • P. alternans Rare and Endangered Species • P. carnosum • P. karooicum Of the 3 700 taxa growing in the Gar- den, 340 species are recorded as rare Trails or endangered. Over 60% are succulents. Rare and endangered plants are There is a network of propagated and offered for sale in an pathways in the attempt to take the pressure off natural areas, ap- populations in the wild. proximately 8 km long. These path- Visitors ways are connected to the Fairy Glen hik- The Karoo Desert National Botanical ing trail. There are Garden has a lot to offer visitors. It three trails with in- must surely be one of South Africa’s Signage at the Karoo Desert NBG with the Namibian wild grape formation/story/pic- largest waterwise gardens. Some of Cyphostemma juttae in the foreground. (Photo: National ture boards: our special features include the follow- Botanical Institute) • The Braille trail, ing: 400 m long • Display of arid plants, indigenous Plants of a succulent mesemb nature • The Shale trail, 1 000 m long to southern Africa include: • The Karoo Adventure trail (includ- • One of South Africa‘s biggest • Antimima mucronata ing the new Bushmanland section waterwise gardens • Conophytum ficiforme of 2 ha) • The Index collections of succulents • Drosanthemum bicolour • The Xhosa herb garden • D. speciosum Future Development Plans • The Nama cooking shelter and herb • D. micans garden • D. striatum 2 • Portulacaria afra and plant maze • D. thudichumii • 5 000 m Aloe dichotoma (Quiver Tree) forest/Bushmanland area. The • Karroid phytogeographic sections • D. barkwickii • Collections of caudiciform plants • Ruschia carolii garden has received financial support of R40 000 for this project from • Spring colour (annuals and vygies) • R. multiflora • Shop and plant sales where unusual • R. pygmaea the Kirstenbosch Branch of the Bo- tanical Society. The project is well desert plants, seed, and botanical books are available for sale Other notable succulents are: under way with 300 young Aloe dichotoma plants having been • Largest artificial Quiver Tree forest • Aloe microstigma in the world • Cotyledon orbiculata planted. We plan to rescue another • Crassula (25 species) 200 young Quiver Trees during 2002/2003, bringing this project to The Garden receives approximately 34 • Euphorbia burmannii 000 visitors per year, and staff mem- • E. mauritanica its conclusion. 2 bers conduct guided tours for 85 • Haworthia herbacea var. herbacea • 1 000 m Aloe barberae (Bains Aloe) forest. These will be grown from groups per annum. Of these, approxi- • H. pumila mately 60% are international visitors. • Orbea variegata cuttings or seed if available, and will • Othonna retrofracta be planted during the winter of • Senecio radicans 2002. • Quaqua mammilaris • Further development of Karroid OLIVER I.B. 1993. The Karoo National • Tylecodon paniculatus phytogeographical areas. • Development of a Pelargonium hill- Botanical Garden—showpiece of the Bree River Valley and gateway to Some of the succulent pelargoniums ock, featuring mainly succulents Namaqualand. Veld & Flora Vol. 79(2): are: and species from arid areas. • Automated irrigation on all lawned 46–48. • Pelargonium abrontanifolium areas. OLIVER I.B. 2000. A unique desert garden • Arboretum featuring the trees from in the winter rainfall areaa of South the dry areas with emphasis on Aca- Africa Aloe. Vol. 37(2,3): 28–30. cia. • Re-establishment of Aloe pillansiiin —Ian Oliver South Africa and Namibia (Rich- Curator tersveld). Mortality is extremely Karoo Desert National Botanical high, with a large percentage of Garden mature trees dying. Recruitment of [email protected] new seedlings has been sparse in places. This is a joint NBI/NBRI (Windhoek) project. • Construction of an additional glass house for cultivation of Aloe species. Conophytum flavum, one of the many mesembs growing in the Index collections at the Karoo Desert NBG. (Photo: National Botanical Institute)

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SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 125 Munda Wanga Trust Botanical Gardens

unda Wanga Botanical Gardens, Munda Wanga Botanical Gardens is ever, will ever get the chance to visit MZambia’s only botanical garden, largely exotic, with perhaps only 10– the national parks or have the oppor- is located 15 km south of the capital, 20% of indigenous species. The past tunity to learn about their natural her- Lusaka. Originally established by three years have been devoted to itage. The Munda Wanga Trust aims Ralph Sander in 1950 as a private gar- strengthening capacity, establishing to change this state of affairs by devel- den, it has undergone many different facilities to support the work in the fu- oping a holistic environmental educa- phases. The latest chapter in its history ture, and re-establishing horticultural tion and interpretation service. By uti- started in December 1998, when the control. This has included the con- lising the Botanical Gardens and the current management team took construction of shade houses and propa- Wildlife Park, we are able to provide trol after years of instability and a lack gation areas, staff training, restoration an accessible outdoor classroom dedi- of resources. At the time, the 5-ha gar- of irrigation systems, and the develop- cated to raising awareness and stimu- den was derelict: bougainvilleas ment of income-generating facilities lating interest. We also plan to add a swamped trees, Queen Palms grew for example, the Terrace Café and Bar, Cultural Centre to Munda Wanga, to wherever their seeds fell, lawns were Plant Sales and Function Hire. illustrate the interactions and interde- neglected and bare, water features lay pendence between society and the empty. Nevertheless, it was still possi- Although Munda Wanga is owned by environment. ble to get an idea of the former glory the State, Munda Wanga Trust receives of the garden. no financial support from the Govern- Botanical Collections ment. The support for the redevelop- ment of the Botanical Gardens has The work of the last three years has largely come from the British and strengthened the Gardens and enables Dutch Governments (through their us to start establishing new botanical diplomatic missions); significant gifts collections. No plant collections sur- and donations have come from a wide vived the difficult period in Munda range of organisations, for example, Wanga’s history, and all that remained Lasher Tools and the National Botani- was a disorderly collection of exotic cal Gardens of South Africa. plants—mainly common street trees and garden shrubs. This gave us the Education opportunity to redirect the Garden towards a more indigenous and Zam- One of the greatest threats to our en- bian future. vironment is a lack of awareness and knowledge. Zambia has a very urban- People and Plants Garden ised population, which leaves large Aloe christianii, an indigenous aloe tracts of land with very low population One of the main principles of the new recently introduced to the Succulent densities and some of the best national collections policy is to highlight and Garden. (Photo: Douglas Gibbs) parks in Africa. Few Zambians, how- promote appreciation for the inextri-

Munda Wanga means ‘My Garden’ in Nyanja, one of the Zambian languages.

126 SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 Munda Wanga Trust The Munda Wanga Trust, an independent not-for-profit Zambian Trust, operates Munda Wanga Environmental Park on behalf of the Government of Zambia. The Environmental Park consists of the Botanical Gardens and a Wildlife Park (a former zoo), and forms an important educational and recreational resource for Zambia. The Wildlife Park is being redeveloped to meet international standards of living cable links between society and the conditions and animal welfare. environment. With this in mind, a significant new collection is the People and Plants Garden. Both Zambian and non-Zambian plants will be displayed to demonstrate and highlight the numerous interactions between society and the environment.

Succulent Garden

The new botanical collection that has made the most progress is the Succu- lent Garden. The collection is located in an area of the garden with ideal conditions for succulents, but where pines, Acrocarpus, and Queen Palms had been allowed to germinate and grow unhindered. After these weed trees were removed, regionally indigenous succulent species, particularly aloes and euphorbias, were planted here. The exotic succulents (Opuntia, Agave, cacti) that were dominant in the garden three years ago, have now been Simuyaka, the site that will be dedicated to the new threatened plants restricted to form a small sub-collec- programme and indigenous plants. (Photo: Douglas Gibbs) tion within the Succulent Garden.

The National Botanical Garden (Harare), Ewenrigg Botanical Garden (Zimbabwe), and the Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden (South Af- rica) donated many of the new plants that form this collection; additional specimens were obtained on plant collecting trips within Zambia.

Cycad Garden

After a generous donation of cycads from Kirstenbosch, and also the support of the British Government, we were able to establish a Cycad Garden. Munda Wanga now has 15 species of cycad, predominantly Encephalartos species, in two garden sections—the Cycad Garden and the Living Fossil Garden, where the cycads are joined by a Ginkgo biloba and a collection of petrified wood.

Other Collections

We also have some smaller collections in the early stages of development, including epiphytic Zambian orchids, herbs, and two small geographic collections. We hope to establish additional collections later this year, for Interpretative signage is being introduced throughout the Gardens as example, a collection of plants that are part of the new education programme. (Photo: Douglas Gibbs)

SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 127 found around the many waterfalls in Zambia.

Threatened Plants Programme

Munda Wanga Trust will also start a Threatened Plants Programme (TPP) later this year. The project will be established on an adjacent 12 ha plot of derelict land, called Simuyaka. Along with providing the space to develop a TPP, this plot will also provide us with the opportunity to develop a com- pletely indigenous collection of plants and extend the recreational facilities of Munda Wanga by adding nature trails.

This new aspect of the work at Munda Wanga will be carried out in association with several other Zambian organisations interested in plant conservation and with the support of donor funding. Other interested organisations or individuals are welcome to get involved in Munda Wanga; our contact details are given below.

The Future

We hope that 2002 will be another remarkable year for Munda Wanga. Since our first year of operation in 1999, our visitor numbers have grown from under 20 000 to an anticipated 60 000 this year. This is important as it means that we are getting closer to The Succulent Garden. Prior to 1999, the site was dominated by large self-sown becoming a self-supporting and viable exotic trees. (Photo: Douglas Gibbs) institution. Half of our visitors are children, many of who come as organised groups to benefit from the new education programme.

Another significant change planned for this year is the replacement of the current Botanical Manager with a Zambian botanist. A UK charity, Vol- untary Services Overseas, provided the Munda Wanga Trust with a Botani- cal Manager to establish the redevel- opment of the Gardens, with the hope of thereafter attracting suitable Zam- bian botanists. This has largely been achieved; however, funds to support this change in management are still being sought, but it is hoped that an external donor will shortly be found.

With the Gardens in a prime state for new collections to be established and the new threatened plants programme starting, the new Botanical Manager will no doubt be very busy for a long time. Encephalartos horridus, part of the —Douglas Gibbs Living Fossil Garden and one of only Munda Wanga Trust Botanical two cycads found in the Garden in Gardens, Lusaka Zambia 1999. (Photo: Douglas Gibbs) [email protected]

128 SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 Workshop on Plants Threatened Propagation with Extinction Techniques Seminário sobre plantas for ameaçadas de extinção Southern

first-ever workshop on plants The following main topics were cov- Athat are threatened with extinc- ered at the Angola Plant Red Data List Africa’s tion was held in Luanda, Angola, on Workshop: 28 and 29 May 2002. This activity • The role of herbaria and specimen formed part of the Plant Red Data List information in the development of Threatened Project of SABONET, and more spe- Red Data Lists cifically, the Angola Red Data List ini- • What the Convention of Biological tiative. The workshop was a joint un- Diversity means to a country like Plants dertaking between SABONET, Angola Agostinho Neto University, and the • A national vision for the conserva- Angolan Ministry of Wildlife and En- tion of Angola’s flora s part of the various activities as vironment. • The legislative context for the con- Asociated with the Southern Af- servation of threatened species in rican Botanical Diversity Network Prof. Esperanca Costa from the Angola (SABONET), funding has been made Agostinho Neto University organised • The IUCN Red Data List system of available by the Regional Steering this very successful workshop. Ms categories Committee to prepare and publish, Janice Golding from the National Bo- • The experiences of the SABONET by the end of December 2002, a tanical Institute of South Africa and Ms Red Data List Project in the south- manual on the propagation and Samira Izidine from the National Insti- ern African region cultivation of southern Africa’s tute of Agronomic Research of Mo- • The experiences of the SABONET threatened plants . This publication zambique, were both invited as key Red Data List Project in Mozambique will be particularly useful for horti- persons to facilitate certain topics and culturists working on threatened to lead some of the discussions. They The workshop created awareness of plant collections in southern Africa’s were also the organisers and conven- Red Data Lists and stimulated much botanical gardens. ers of a very successful Plant Red Data discussion on threatened plants in List Workshop in Maputo, Mozam- Angola. A more detailed report on the Many botanical gardens world-wide bique, from 29 to 31 August 2001 (see workshop will be featured in a later grow southern African plants as part SABONET News 6(3): 170–171). edition of SABONET News. of their collections, and we would like to offer an opportunity for any staff —Prof. Esperança Costa from botanical gardens around the Luanda world to contribute towards the pub- Angola lication. If you or one of your staff are involved in cultivating threatened southern African plants, we would encourage you to contribute some of these techniques. A list of southern African threatened plants can be found on the SABONET web site: www.sabonet.org/reddatalist/ database.html.

Should you be willing to share some of the techniques developed and experience gained over the years in cultivating southern African threatened plants, please contact Geoff Nichols directly at the following address:

Digital Muthi 8 Larch Road Durban 4001 [email protected]

SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 129 Joint International Conference of the South African Association of Botanists and the International Society for Ethnopharmacology

The Department of Botany at the University of Pretoria and the National Botanical Institute of South Africa are pleased to invite you to the 29th Conference of the South African Association of Botanists, which will convene jointly with the 7th Congress of the International Society for Ethnopharmacology.

Date & Venue

The combined conference will be held 7 to 11 January 2003 at the University of Pretoria’s Conference Centre, Pretoria, South Africa.

Scientific Programme

The role that Africa has played in the development of modern medicine, as well as the specific needs of African nations to further develop their phytomedical systems, will be addressed. Much will be learned about phytomedicines in primary health care in Africa and the continent’s cultural and biological diversity.

All other botany-related fields will be covered in the scientific programme and will include themes such as Anatomy, Biogeography, Biotechnology, Ecology, Genetics, Morphology, Physiology, Taxonomy/Systematics, Phytodiversity and Natural Product Chemistry.

Pre-Conference Symposia

A symposium on the Apiales will be held on 6 and 7 January 2003 and one on the Asteraceae on 7 and 8 January 2003.

Plenary Speakers

Dr A. Cunningham (independent consultant in Ethnobotany) Prof. N. Etkin (ethnobotanist from the United States of America) Prof. A.E. van Wyk (taxonomist from the Botany Department, University of Pretoria) Prof. M. Iwu (ethnobotanist from Nigeria)

Registration

Delegates can register online at http://www.up.ac.za/academic/botany.

Address for All Correspondence

Mrs René Swart SAAB/ISE 2003 Conference Department of Botany Tel.: 27 (0)12 4203770 University of Pretoria Fax: 27 (0)12 3625099 Pretoria, 0002 [email protected] South Africa www.up.ac.za/academic/botany

130 SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 Threatened Plants Programmes

t a workshop held in March 2001, blooms and compact growth habit. To meet these aims, the project has the Ait was decided that one of the key Its appearance makes it one of our following objectives: outputs of the botanical garden initia- most sought-after indigenous tive of the SABONET Project would be plants for gardens. It is, however, Part 1 the development of Threatened Plants extremely difficult to cultivate, and • Investigate the status of in situ Programmes in each of the participat- this requires investigation. A high populations in respect of genetic ing gardens. Subsequently, the SABO- priority conservation action is the variation. NET Project has allocated USD 3 000 propagation of plants to provide an • Select and collect representative to each of its 22 participating botani- ex situ reserve of propagules (Scott- material. cal gardens in southern Africa. It was Shaw 1999). • Propagate plants from seed, tissue hoped that the provision of these funds • It is endangered (listed as Vulner- culture, and other vegetative means. will encourage each of the participat- able by Hilton-Taylor (1996)) due to • Establish ex situ populations in the ing botanical gardens to initiate a habitat destruction and subsequent botanical garden and other selected Threatened Plants Programme. fragmentation resulting from agri- areas. culture and forestry. The popula- Participating botanical gardens were tions are also under pressure from Part 2 to apply for the funding and were to collectors, who remove plants from • Investigate the status of in situ submit a project proposal and budget. the wild. The development of read- populations in respect of horticul- Applications were then circulated to ily available, easily grown plants tural desirability. SABONET Steering Committee mem- would alleviate this threat. • Select and collect desirable plant bers for comment and they evaluated • It has an emotive association with forms. the proposals according to the follow- the village of Hilton and in particu- • Establish the most effective propa- ing main criteria: lar with Hilton College, where tra- gation methods. • A threatened species from a Plant ditionally the boys wore a Hilton • Establish horticultural require- Red Data List must be targeted. Daisy buttonhole on Spring Day ments for optimal growth under • The selected species must have hor- before the decline of the population cultivation. ticultural potential. on the college estate. • Make available selected clones to • Cultivation techniques must be de- interested parties. veloped for the selected species. The aim of the Threatened Plant Pro- • Make available the findings of the • A viable ex situ population must be gramme is to contribute to the ex situ investigation in published media. established in the garden. conservation of the species by estab- • Build partnerships conservation lishing representative ex situ popula- agencies and landowners in the ex- Currently three botanical gardens’ tions for implementation of a species ecution of a recovery plan for the project proposals have been success- recovery plan, and the selection and species. ful and they are developing their propagation of desirable horticultural projects further. Natal National Botani- forms to relieve pressure due to un- The Natal National Botanical Garden cal Garden of South Africa is working scrupulous collecting in natural areas. will collaborate with KZN Conserva- on the Hilton Daisy (Gerbera aurantiaca, Asteraceae), Katse Botani- cal Garden of Lesotho is working on Berg Bamboo (Thamnocalamus tessellatus, Poaceae), and Harold Porter Na- tional Botanical Garden of South Af- rica is working on two orchids (Sa- tyrium carneum and S. hallackii subsp. Hallackii, Orchidaceae).

Hilton Daisy

The Hilton Daisy (Gerbera aurantiaca) is a long-lived Kwazulu-Natal mistbelt grassland endemic and is a charismatic species because of its spectacular red flowers. This plant is an ideal flagship species for the conservation programme at the Natal National Botani- cal Garden for the following reasons: • It has considerable horticultural The Hilton Daisy (Gerbera aurantiaca) is a long-lived Kwazulu-Natal mistbelt potential because of its showy grassland endemic with spectacular red flowers. (Photo: Ms I. Johnson)

SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 131 tion Services, Natal Herbarium, Uni- versity of Natal, Hilton College, Botani- cal Society of South Africa, conserv- ancies, and forestry companies.

—Mr Brian Tarr Natal National Botanical Garden [email protected]

Berg Bamboo

Berg Bamboo (Thamnocalamus tessellatus) is found along streams at an el- evation of 1 800 m above sea level in association with the shrub Leucosidea sericea and is endemic to southern Africa. Its global conservation status is Rare and its national status is Vul- nerable (Talukdar 2002), although more information is required on the distribution and abundance of this species to confirm its status. Specimens housed at the Roma Herbarium come Thamnocalamus tessellatus (Berg Bamboo, Poaceae) is endemic to southern from only three localities in Lesotho. Africa; its global conservation status is Rare. (Photo: T. Mahlelebe) Recent reports cite other sites, but these have not yet been confirmed. make an assessment of its risk of Eastern Cape and occurs in moist, sa- threat based on its distribution. line soils inland from the shoreline Berg Bamboo is a perennial plant • Investigate its uses (cultural prac- (Linder & Kurzweil 1999). known to flower after a number of tices associated with the genetic years, after which it dies. It can, how- material) and main threats to the The satyriums are ideal flagship spe- ever, easily be propagated using rhi- plants occurring in situ. cies for the established Threatened zomes. The species is also the host/ • Propagate plants for the ex situ con- Plants Programme at the Harold Por- habitat for the Red Data Book listed servation programme, the recovery ter National Botanical Garden for the butterfly Metisella syrinx. Threatened plan, and re-introduction to the following reasons: butterflies are vulnerable and if their natural habitats. • They are threatened by housing habitat is destroyed or disturbed they • Explore the plant’s local economic developments on vacant properties can become locally extinct. Major potential and assist local communi- where they occur naturally. threats to Berg Bamboo include col- ties to grow their own stock. • They are difficult to cultivate, be- lection by local people and wildfires. cause animals regularly feed on The Katse Botanical Garden will col- their tubers. Berg Bamboo is an ideal flagship spe- laborate with the local communities, • They have showy inflorescences cies for the conservation programme conservation agencies, government and could be introduced in the hor- at Katse Botanical Garden for the fol- ministries (National Environment Sec- ticultural trade once optimum lowing reasons: retariat), and the National University growing conditions have been de- • It has great economic importance of Lesotho. termined. for the local communities where it • They can easily be propagated is found (crafts and basketry). —Mr Tau Mahlelebe through tissue culture techniques. • It has broad traditional uses and Katse Botanical Garden • They could form part of a well- these need to be explored further. [email protected] planned partnership with local • It is a host to a Red Data Book listed landowners to re-establish threat- butterfly. Satyriums ened species in protected areas where they have become extinct. The aim of this Threatened Plant Pro- Satyrium carneum and S. hallackii gramme is to cultivate Berg Bamboo subsp. hallackii are listed in both Red The aim of this Threatened Plant Pro- in large quantities and to re-introduce Data Lists for southern Africa. S. gramme is to cultivate the Satyrium the plant to areas where it has gone carneum was listed as Indeterminate in species that are experiencing habitat extinct. Local communities will also be the 1996 list and is now assessed as loss because of the development of supplied with young plants to cultivate Lower Risk–Near Threatened in the coastal areas. Development has re- their own resources of bamboo. It is 2002 list; S. hallackii subsp. hallackii was sulted in habitat fragmentation and hoped that this will develop a sustain- listed as Rare in the 1996 list and is as- places remaining populations under able balance that will allow the harvest- sessed as Endangered in the 2002 list increasing threat of local extinction. ing of the plants in the wild. To meet (Hilton-Taylor 1996; Victor 2002). S. We hope to contribute to their in situ these, the project has the following carneum is a Western Cape species and ex situ conservation through objectives: that occurs amongst dune vegetation, sound propagation and conservation • Investigate the status of in situ Berg fynbos on coastal hills, and sand/lime- techniques. To meet these aims, the Bamboo populations, as there is in- stone ridges. S. hallackii subsp. hallackii project has the following objectives: adequate information available to is a coastal species of Western and • Investigate the status of in situ

132 SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 populations to estimate the number of plants of the two Satyrium species that are threatened by develop- Obituary ment. • Establish where threatened in situ Eduard Meine van Zinderen Bakker populations occur, and select and collect representative genetic mate- e are deeply saddened by the sub-Antarctic is- rial. Wpassing of Eduard van lands, Marion • Propagate plants from seed and tis- Zinderen Bakker in Somerset West on and Prince Ed- sue culture. 19 March 2002, at the age of almost 95. ward. For this • Establish and maintain ex situ pop- After suffering two strokes within five extensive re- ulations within the botanical garden years, he bore the progressive deterio- search he was and other selected areas. ration of his health with great courage. granted a Palynology Unit by the CSIR. • Investigate whether other factors In 1965 he initiated the first major bio- are contributing to the rarity of Eduard was born in Friesland, on 15 logical expedition to the islands. Un- these species. April 1907. After graduating with a der his guidance, scientists from vari- • Locate alternative sites that could be PhD in Botany at the University of ous countries studied subjects like used to relocate viable in situ Amsterdam, he taught Biology at the palynology, glacial geology, volcanol- populations that are under imme- Grammar School and Royal College in ogy, limnology, mineral cycling, and diate threat of housing develop- Apeldoorn. His inspiration, according bioenergetics. A voluminous mono- ments. to recent letters from old students in graph in co-operation with 35 special- • Build partnerships with local au- Holland, had directed the course of ists was produced in 1971. thorities, conservation agencies, many lives in various fields of Science and landowners to remove or con- and Medicine. Eduard also held the following posi- serve plants that are threatened by tions: immediate development. During World War II with the occupa- • Chairman of the International Sci- • Publish the research findings on the tion of the Netherlands, he was en- entific Committee for Antarctic Re- propagation of these species and gaged in the underground resistance search (SCAR) the introduction of cultivated plants movement at the risk of his life, while • President of the Archaeological So- back into the wild. continuing with ecological research. In ciety of South Africa • Incorporate the Satyrium species 1947—at the age of 40—he emigrated • Fellow of the Royal Society of South into the garden’s existing Threat- with his wife and two sons to South Africa ened Plants Programme, which is Africa, as he had always been fasci- • Honorary membership of INQUA, involved with the successful propa- nated by the mysteries of the ancient the Deutsche Quatarvereinigung, gation of a rare member of the African continent. the Society of Quaternary Research Iridaceae, Nivenia stokoei. of South Africa (SASQUA), and the Eduard was attached to the University South African Association of Bota- The Harold Porter National Botanical of the Orange Free State from 1947 to nists Garden will collaborate with Cape 1972, first as lecturer and later as Pro- Nature Conservation, the Conserva- fessor in Botany. After an illustrious He was recipient of a number of awards, tion Division of the Overstrand Munici- career, respected nationally and inter- among which were the South African pality, the Orchid Society of South Af- nationally, the University honoured Gold Medals for Antarctic Research and rica, Compton Herbarium, and local him by establishing the Institute for for Botany. He also received the Senior landowners. Environmental Sciences with Eduard Captain Scott Medal for Biology and the as Director: he held this position until Havenga Prize for Biology from the —Ms Berenice Carolus 1976 and had a staff of dedicated na- South African “Akademie”. For his out- Harold Porter National Botanical tional and international scientists. standing career, the University of the Garden From 1976 to 1988, he worked as Re- Orange Free State conferred a D.Sc. [email protected] search Officer. Honoris Causa on him.

HILTON-TAYLOR, C. 1996. Red Data List of One of Eduard’s main interests was the Besides his scientific work he was southern African plants. Strelitzia 4. NBI, application of fossil pollen analytical Honorary Consul of the Netherlands Pretoria. (palynological) methods to the prob- for 20 years and for this service the LINDER, H.P. & KURZWEIL, H. 1999. Orchids lems of the Quaternary of Africa, Queen appointed him Officer in the of southern Africa. A.A. Balkema, stressing the temperature factor as the Netherlands Order of Oranje-Nassau. Rotterdam. primary cause of profound palaeoen- SCOTT-SHAW, C.R. 1999. Rare and threatened vironmental changes. Having intro- Eduard distinguished himself as a dy- plants of KwaZulu-Natal and neighbouring duced this discipline to the subconti- namic personality with high principles, regions. KZNNCS, Pietermaritzburg. nent as early as 1951, he mentioned in vision, and an intense interest in sci- TALUKDAR, S. 2002. Lesotho. In Golding, J.S. the Archaeological Bulletin, that entific explanations for the intricacies (ed.), Southern African Plant Red Data palynology was “South Africa’s latest of biological problems. Professor Lists. SABONET Report Series No. 14. archaeological weapon” and empha- Hugues Faure of Marcella sent the fol- SABONET, Pretoria. sised that there was indeed a treasure lowing tribute: “INQUA loses one of VICTOR, J. 2002. South Africa. In Golding, J.S. trove of palynological information on its most eminent Honorary Members, (ed.), Southern African Plant Red Data the palaeoenvironments of early hu- and Africa its first palynologist, and a Lists. SABONET Report Series No. 14. mankind. In this connection, he great Quaternary scientist and SABONET, Pretoria. worked at several desert sites and the palaeoecologist”.

SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 133 Southern African Herbaria

A view of the building that houses the Swaziland National Herbarium. (Photo: Comfort Nhleko) The Swaziland National Herbarium (SDNH)

he history of plant collecting in 1984 he moved the Herbarium to the institution used for this purpose is PRE. TSwaziland dates back to 1886 when headquarters of the Ministry of Agri- Ernest E. Galpin made collections soon culture. In the late 1980s it was moved In recent times, Environmental Impact after the start of gold mining in the to the Malkerns Research Station, Assessment (EIA) and Comprehensive eastern Transvaal. He entered Swazi- where it is today. Mitigation Plans (CMP) procedures land at the narrow pass in the Bulembu have been adopted by Swaziland as Mountains near Barberton. Purpose and Functions standard practice for major development works such as road construction, In 1956 Professor R.H. Compton, for- The mission statement of the Swazi- dam excavation, and agricultural ex- merly a Professor of Botany at the Uni- land National Herbarium is: “To accu- pansion. Therefore, in development versity of Cape Town and Director of mulate and disseminate botanical activities one of the purposes of col-

Southern African Herbaria the National Botanical Gardens in knowledge, to promote sustainable uti- lecting (sometimes, but not always South Africa, arrived in Swaziland to lization of Swaziland’s Plant heritage undertaken by SDNH) is to identify do a botanical survey. His work was and to protect the ecosystems in which threatened plants so that proper miti- wrapped up in 1966 and eventually led plants occur through research, aware- gation measures for them are outlined to the publication of the Flora of Swazi- ness campaigns, and displays in her- in the EIA reports. The Red Data List land in 1976. His herbarium was lo- baria, botanical gardens, and publica- work done for the SABONET project cated where the veterinary offices are tions”. has had a very significant impact in this today, in Mbabane, the capital city of respect. Swaziland. In 1968, Professor Compton The Swaziland National Herbarium left Swaziland and his collections were currently holds more than 8 000 speci- The Herbarium is engaged in several taken to the Botanical Research Insti- mens of higher plants, representing collaborative efforts within Swaziland, tution in Pretoria where they were kept about 3 400 species in 771 genera and working closely with the Plant Genetic until 1975, when Mrs Ellen Kemp—an 135 families. The classification system Resource Centre, National Trust Com- American Peace Corps volunteer— follows Dyer (1976) and Engler’s num- mission, Environmental Authority, was asked by the Swaziland Govern- bering system of families and genera, University of Swaziland, and the For- ment to re-establish the Herbarium. which is elaborated by De Dalla Torre estry Section of the Ministry of Agri- The collections were returned from and Harms (1958). Under each genus culture and Cooperatives. Pretoria and the new Herbarium of- species are arranged alphabetically. fices were housed in Millers Mansions The Herbarium is participating in the in Mbabane. The work of Mrs Kemp Activities and Services development of a national strategy for continued until 1979, when she had to the control of alien invasive plants, as return to the United States to attend to The purpose of the herbarium is to well as the formulation and implemen- some family matters. She returned in collect and identify all plants occurring tation of the criteria and indicators for 1983 and resumed her work, finally in the Kingdom of Swaziland. As a sustainable forestry management in accumulating more than 1 500 speci- service to the scientific community and Swaziland, under the auspices of the mens and publishing A Flora Check- general public, SDNH also identifies National Forest Policy and Legislation list for Swaziland. plants collected by individuals and in- Project. stitutions. For expert identification of The current Curator, Mr Gideon Dla- difficult taxa, SDNH relies on larger In addition, the Herbarium is part of mini, joined the herbarium in 1979. In herbaria outside Swaziland; the main the Swaziland National Biodiversity

134 SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 Southern African Herbaria Southern African Databank Unit (NBDU), which is one flora of Swaziland to facilitate pub- of the components of the national lication of a revised version of Clearing House Mechanism, an infor- Compton’s Flora of Swaziland. mation-sharing facility supported by the Convention on Biological Diversity. Conclusion Other institutions involved in the NBDU are the Swaziland Environmen- The Swaziland National Herbarium is tal Authority and the University of a small institution both in its number Swaziland. of staff and the size of the herbarium and library. Efforts are underway to Policy and Legislative Support increase the staff and establish a per- Encephalartos relictus. manent Herbarium and Botanical Gar- (Photo: P.J.H. Hurter) Various policy documents support the den. Collaboration with various bo- work of the Herbarium, including the tanical institutions within and outside Forest Policy now awaiting approval continues to provide support techni- from the Cabinet. In addition, the New cally and otherwise. Participation in Flora Protection Act of 2002 empow- regional projects such as SABONET ers the Minister responsible for Flora and SECOSUD has played a very vital to take certain measures to conserve role in improving the situation at the plants, including selecting particular herbarium. areas as Flora Reserves, Botanic Gar- dens, and Special Habitats. —Christopher Shabalala, Gideon Dlamini & Titus Dlamini SDNH Administration and Swaziland National Herbarium Staffing Malkerns Research Station P.O. Box 4 Administratively, the Swaziland Na- Malkerns tional Herbarium falls under the For- Swaziland estry Section of the Ministry of Agri- Tel.: (268) 5282111/3017 culture and Cooperatives. Permanent Fax: (268) 5283360 staff members are: [email protected] • Mr G.M. Dlamini, Herbarium Cu- rator • Mr T.S. Dlamini, Assistant Her- barium Curator • Mr B.A. Dlamini, Herbarium Tech- nical Assistant

Temporary staff members funded by SABONET are: • Mr C.V. Shabalala, Research Officer Siphonochilus aethiopicus. • Mr C.Z. Nhleko, Technician/Data (Photo: N. Crouch) Capturer

Future Plans

The following activities have been identified as goals and objectives to be targeted for the near future in Swaziland: • Establish a permanent Herbarium and a Botanical Garden. • Promote studies and research on plants in the country by having a Botanical Garden. • Update the herbarium library. • Collect plants from the various eco- geographical areas of Swaziland. • Review information on plants threatened with extinction (Red Data List) so as to protect them. Chris Tshabalala examining specimens • Compile an updated list on plants in the Herbarium. in Swaziland (Checklist). (Photo: Comfort Nhleko) • Participate in national and international programmes of the control of Mondia whitei. invasive alien plants. (Photo: N. Crouch) • Continue the botanical survey of the

SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 135 Southern African Herbaria

SABONET workers involved in clearing the site for the new Botanical Garden. From left to right, Mr Njovu, Ms Mbuzi, Mr Nkunika, and Mr Katontoka. (Photo: University of Zambia) The University of Zambia Herbarium

he University of Zambia Her- Fitzgerald also published excellent ac- graduate students affiliated to the Uni- T barium (UZL) is one of four her- counts on the grasslands of central versity of Zambia. The herbarium also baria in the country and one of two Africa. Another notable contributor to provides teaching facilities to under- located in Lusaka Province. UZL is a the collections of IRLCS Herbarium graduate students and short-term re- teaching and research herbarium and was Mary Alice Eleanor Richards, of- gional workshops in Plant Genetic Re- was founded by the late Professor ten referred to as Mrs H. Mary Ri- sources programmes. Dewan Mohinder Nath Nair in 1967, chards, who recorded several new spe- shortly after the University of Zambia cies in Mbala District. The genus Classification Systems was established. The herbarium was Richarsiella (Poaceae) and the species then located in the Department of Monopetalanthus richardsiae (Faba- The families of higher plants in the Botany, which was merged with the ceae) have been named after her in herbarium are arranged according to

Southern African Herbaria Department of Zoology in 1972 to form recognition of her extensive plant col- a phylogenetic system devised by the Department of Biology. In 1995, this lections made in this part of central George Ledyard Stebbins, also em- department was renamed the Depart- Africa. ployed in Heywood’s Flowering Plants ment of Biological Sciences. The UZL of the World. Pteridophyte families are Herbarium initially consisted mainly of The Collections arranged using R.E. Pichi-Sermolli’s specimens collected within a 50-mile system, whereas the bryophytes are (75-km) radius around Lusaka. This Today the UZL Herbarium contains arranged according to A.J.E. Smith’s initial collection was later boosted by about 25 000 specimens of vascular system, employed in his textbook, The duplicate specimens donated by the plants and bryophytes. There are also Moss Flora of Britain and Ireland. The Forest Herbarium (NDO), the Mount a few specimens of lichens, algae, and genera under Poaceae have been clas- Makulu Herbarium (MRCS), the fungi, mostly preserved for teaching sified using the Clayton–Renvoize Lusaka Natural History Club, and in- purposes. However, the lichen and numbering system, which places spe- stitutions in India and New Zealand. bryophyte collections are currently cimens of related genera in close prox- being boosted by deliberate efforts imity. The genera and species in each In 1971, Dr P.S.M. Phiri became the made by departmental staff—field trips of the other angiosperm families are curator of the herbarium, after the un- are planned to include collection of arranged alphabetically. timely death of Professor Nath Nair. these lower cryptogams. A few pick- Shortly afterwards, in the mid-1970s, led specimens are available, though Important Collections the International Red Locust Control unfortunately not very well maintained Service (IRLCS), whose headquarters at the moment. Plans are underway to Important collections at UZL include were located in Mbala, offered about improve the status of this aspect of the specimens collected by the following 10 000 herbarium specimens to the herbarium collection, with emphasis people: University of Zambia. These were col- on the preservation of reproductive • Andrew Angus, a plant pathologist lections made partly by the IRLCS’s parts for anatomical and morphologi- who was based at Mount Makulu resident botanist L.D.E.F. Vesey- cal studies in the area of systematics. Central Research Station. Fitzgerald, who collected a large • William L. Astle, a Pasture Research number of specimens with the assist- UZL is the most active botanical cen- Officer (Mt. Makulu) and later Chief ance of Mr Wilfred Siame. In addition tre in the country and provides identi- Wildlife Research Officer to the establishment of a reference fication services to research institu- (Chilanga). herbarium for the IRLCS, Vesey- tions, as well as local and foreign post- • Dennis Basil Fanshawe, Principal

136 SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 Southern African Herbaria Southern African Forest Research Officer (Kitwe) who pus, and sited near the main entrance. University under the auspices of collected woody taxa countrywide. A number of plants have been col- SABONET. • Raymond M. Lawton, forest ecolo- lected for planting on the campus gist who carried detailed studies on grounds. It is envisaged that the ma- Ms Maureen Kalusa: Data Entry Clerk miombos in Northern Province of jority of plants to be established in this employed under the auspices of Zambia. garden, as a form of ex situ conserva- SABONET. She is also involved in the • B.L.Mitchell, wildlife biologist who tion, will be drawn from the wild. The general curation of herbarium speci- collected extensively in the Kafue focus will be on the cultivation of rare mens. National Park. plants and species of ecological, eco- • J.M. Mutimushi, a forester who col- nomic, and medicinal value. It is also —David Chuba & Patrick S.M. Phiri lected plants countrywide. hoped to cultivate perennial tropical University of Zambia • Dewan M. Nath Nair carried out crops to enhance the teaching of eco- Lusaka many collections of specimens in nomic botany. However, the botanic Zambia the Lusaka District. garden is expected to act as a living • Edward A. Robinson collected collection of plants to exhibit the specimens of Cyperaceae. growth habits that cannot be displayed • Specialised groups of plants include by specimens mounted on herbarium specimens of orchids by Graham sheets. It is for this reason that the link- Williamson and pterido-phytes by ing of the herbarium to the botanic Jan Kornas. garden will improve the taxonomic • P.S.M. Phiri, who has covered the determination of plants. Luangwa Valley, Muchinga Escarp- ment, and Nyika Plateau with David Staff Chuba, has made recent additions to the herbarium. Dr P.S.M. Phiri: Senior Lecturer in the • Excellent specimens of pterido- Department of Biological Sciences, phytes have been donated by John Herbarium Curator and SABONET- Burrows of Buffelskloof Private Zambia National Co-ordinator. His in- Nature Reserve in South Africa. terests cover Fabaceae, Poaceae, pteridophytes and mosses. UZL staff members maintain collaborative contacts with National Herbaria Mr D.K. Chuba: Lecturer in the Depart- of Pretoria (PRE), Zimbabwe (SRGH), ment of Biological Sciences, Assistant Kew (K), and Missouri (MO) to ensure Curator. Research interests in orchids, authentic determination of the speci- bryophytes and lichens. mens. Curation of botanical specimens and studies in plant systematics are Ms Florence C. Nyirenda: Herbarium usually enhanced by availability of Research Officer (a SABONET-spon- taxonomic literature. In this regard, the sored position). She is being guided to SABONET Secretariat has on a regu- specialise in legume systematics. lar basis provided useful taxonomic lit- Brachycorythis angolensis. erature on southern Africa. The Head Ms Angela Gono Bwalya: Herbarium (Photo: G. Williamson) of SRGH also recently donated several Research Officer, currently studying back issues of Kirkia. Gerald Pope, in for her Master of Science degree in his capacity as editor, continues to do- plant systematics at Witwatersrand nate copies of Flora Zambesiaca to the herbarium. The herbarium has also received a donation from Professors Inga and Olov Hedberg of Uppsala University, of some published theses and reprints on plant systematics. However, further appeals are being made to other botanical institutions to extend the donations of more literature on African Botany, and in particular publications on central and southern Africa.

The Botanic Garden

In recent years the SABONET Project has been instrumental in the supply of curatorial materials to the herbarium. Through the auspices of this regional project, programmes are already underway to develop a teaching bo- Part of the UZL herbarium showing the Bryophyte section. tanic garden within the university cam- (Photo: University of Zambia)

SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 137 ThePaper Chase

he object of this column is to keep an eye open for literature which SABONET users may find useful. This will mostly Tbe new publications, but may well include older information in answer to questions such as “what’s the best key to …”. It is neither possible nor desirable that the flow of such information should be one-way, from Pretoria outwards, so please feel free to submit notes and useful information to the address at the end of this column.

The citation of an item here does not imply any guarantee of its contents or even its existence; very often the compiler has not seen the documents referred to.

Mary Gunn Library: Theses ❚ Makwarela, A.M. 2001. An assessment of the subgeneric complemented by a thumbnail distribution map. The text classification of Zygophyllum (Zygophyllaceae) in southern includes a description, and notes on uses, cultivation, and Africa: evidence from noncoding trnL-trnF chloroplast DNA generalities. sequences. M.Sc. thesis, University of Stellenbosch. 56 pages. ❚ Arnold, M. (ed.) 2001. South ❚ Mwafongo, E. 2002. Phytogeographic patterns in three South African Botanical Art: Peeling African forest mosses. M.Sc. thesis, University of Cape Town. Back the Petals. Fernwood 130 pages. Press, Vlaeberg. Hard cover, 216 pages, A4, 131 plates, Mary Gunn Library: New Books ISBN 1–874950–54–7. ❚ Joffe, P. 2001. Creative Gardening with Indigenous Plants: A South African Guide. Briza Publications, Pretoria. Soft cover, 371 This book gives what is in pages, ISBN 1–875093–29-X. many ways an artist’s-eye view of botanical art, which Pitta starts by regarding the garden as an ecosystem, and shows makes it a mind-stretching how natural control of pests works, is cheaper than using all the and, at times, difficult read “aids” in the garden centre, and attracts desirable residents to for a botanist. There is a the garden. She also writes great good sense about designing chapter on the history of the right garden for each biome in southern Africa (fynbos won’t botanical art in southern grow in the bushveld, so rather use the beautiful plants of your Africa (by John Rourke), own region). There are chapters on attracting birds which covers familiar and butterflies, and on ground. A chapter by Dee Snijman starts with the development of descriptive terminology before covering the history of botanical study in southern Africa and a general survey of the science behind the art. John Man- ning and Peter Goldblatt describe flower form and function, which leads them into a consideration of pollination ecology. Unusually, this chapter includes a few photographs among its illustrations; these are by Colin Paterson-Jones, and leave one wondering how on earth he persuaded the insects to stay still long enough for him to make such visually stunning studies. The introduction, postscript, and a chapter on plant portraiture by the editor demonstrate the divide between the two cultures which botanical art implicitly brings together. Finally, there is a biographical dictionary of southern African botanical artists.

❚ Bramwell, D. & Bramwell, Z. 2001. Wild Flowers of the Canary Islands. 2nd ed. Editorial Rueda SL, Madrid. propagating your own plants. Hard cover, 437 pages, ISBN 84– Then the meaty part begins, 7207–129–4. with individual descriptions of numerous plants and how to ❚ Judd, W.S., Campbell, C.S., grow them. There are icons for Kellogg, E.A. & Stevens, P.F. 1999. shape, what the plants attract, Plant Systematics: A Phylogenetic growth requirements, flower Approach. Sinauer Associates, colour and other characters. Sunderland. Hard cover, 464 pages, Pictures of the habit, flowers, ISBN 0–87893–404–9. fruit, and leaves are

138 SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 ❚ Chen, C-J. (ed.). 1999. Biology and ❚ Rapanarivo, S.H.J.V., Lavranos, J.J., Conservation of Cycads. Proceedings of the Leeuwenberg, A.J.M. & Röösli, W. 1999. Fourth International Conference on Cycad Pachypodium (Apocynaceae): Taxonomy, Conservation. International Academic Habitat and Cultivation. A.A. Balkema, Publishers, Beijing. Hard cover, 415 pages, Rotterdam. Hard cover, 120 pages, ISBN line drawings and black-and-white photos, 90–5410–485. ISBN 7–80003–452–6. Recent work on cultivated plants has given This is the proceedings of the fourth Inter- me great respect for the thoroughness and national Conference on Cycad Biology, held accurate detail of Leeuwenberg’s series of in Panzhihua, Sichuan, China, in 1996. The revisions of Apocynaceae. His influence is contents indicate that in five days, the clearly visible in this book, and it is all delegates were exposed to 56 papers plus the beneficial. The taxonomic section of this obligatory VIP speeches. The biodiversity book recognises 23 species—18 from session yielded 13 papers, systematics and Madagascar and five from Africa (all of the phylogeny 15, ecology 6, reproductive latter being endemic to the SABONET biology 7, physiology 4, and conservation 11 area.) This section has all that one could papers. The presentation does no credit to the want in a taxonomic work, including reputation of Chinese book production: one nomenclatural synopses, line drawings, section is unattached to the rest of the book, distribution maps, no less than three fully there are numerous typographical errors and working keys to species, and immensely the reproduction of photographs leaves much detailed and directly comparable descrip- to be desired. tions. The colour plates have been laid out for economy, and so occupy single sheets ❚ Eggli, U. (ed.). 2001. Illustrated Handbook of wrapped around sections of letterpress. Succulent Plants: Monocotyledons. Springer- Regrettably, this means that some of the Verlag, Berlin. Hard cover, 370 pages, ISBN 3– plates are far from the descriptions of the 540–41692–7. species they represent. Other sections detail the ecology and cultivation of plants in this ❚ Hartmann, H.E.K. (ed.). 2001. Illustrated genus. The cultivation system includes Handbook of Succulent Plants: Aizoaceae A–E. growers’ summary descriptions of species, Springer-Verlag, Berlin. Hard cover, 285 as well as the expected cultural notes. pages, ISBN 3–540–41691–9. ❚ Sampson, I.R. 2000. The Guide to ❚ Hartmann, H.E.K. (ed.). 2001. Illustrated Environmental Auditing in South Africa. Handbook of Succulent Plants: Aizoaceae F–Z. Butterworths, Durban. Ring file, 17 sections, Springer-Verlag, Berlin. Hard cover, 371 ISBN 0409–10327–6. pages, ISBN 3–540–41723–0. ❚ Goode, D. 2001. Cycads of Africa. Volume 1. D&E Cycads of ❚ Berg, C.C. 2001. Moreae, Artocarpeae and Dorstenia Africa Publishers, Gallomanor. Hard cover, 351 pages, ISBN 0– (Moraceae): With Introduction to the Family and Ficus. Flora 620–26959–6. Neotropica Monograph 83. New York Botanical Garden, New York. Hard cover, 346 pages, ISBN 0–89327–439–9. ❚ Stuessey, T.F. & Sohmer, S.H. (eds.). 1996. Sampling the Green World. Columbia University Press, New York. Hard cover, 289 ❚ Tuxill, J. & Nabhan, G.P. 2001. People, Plants and Protected pages, black-and-white photos and line drawings, ISBN 0–231– Areas: A Guide to in situ Management. Earthscan, London. Soft 10136–8. cover, 248 pages, ISBN 1–85383–782–2. Surprisingly, this turns out to be the proceedings of a conference ❚ Miller, K.R. 1996. Balancing the Scales: Guidelines for held as long ago as 1993. Sixteen Increasing Biodiversity’s Chances through Bioregional Management. World Resources Institute, Washington DC. Hard cover, 73 pages, ISBN 0–9158285–6.

❚ Roberts, M. 2001. Edible and Medicinal Flowers. Spearhead Press, Claremont. Hard cover, 160 pages, ISBN 0–86486–467–1.

❚ Hansen, E. 2001. Orchid Fever: A Horticultural Tale of Love, Lust and Lunacy. Methuen, London. Soft cover, 272 pages, ISBN 0413–74750–6.

By all accounts a gripping read, this is the story of one man’s search for wild orchids in Borneo, and their breeding through to their eventual appearance in commercial cultivation.

SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 139 papers in total record the importance of documenting ❚ Volume 37: Dichapetalacéae, edited by G. Achoundong & P. phytodiversity (3 papers), continuing to collect specimens (2 Morat (2001). papers), collecting images (4 papers), preservation of materials (4 papers), and storage of materials (2 papers); a final contribution Flora Zambesiaca offers a conclusion. Fortunately, the session on collecting images also addresses indexing (or databasing) them so that users can ❚ Volume 9, Part 5: Euphorbioideae (Euphorbiaceae), edited by find the one they want. G. Pope (2001).

❚ Manning, J. 1999. SASOL First Guide to Wild Flowers of ❚ Volume 3, Part 6: Desmodieae, Southern Africa. Struik, Cape Town. Hard cover, 56 pages, colour Psoraleae, Aeschynomeneae, illustrations on every page, ISBN 1–86872–290–2. edited by G. Pope (2000).

❚ Manning, J. 2001. SASOL First Guide to Succulents of Southern Recently Published Africa. Struik, Cape Town. Hard cover, 56 pages, colour Papers illustrations on every page, ISBN 1–86872–601–0. African Wildlife 56(2) If I were a foreign tourist visiting southern Africa for the first (2002) time, or a very new beginner exploring the world of plants, I should bless John Manning’s name for these. They are brief, ❚ Drugs from the Desert: clear, well-illustrated accounts of the few commonest succulents Spreading the Benefits from or wild flowers one is likely to see with no experience to guide Bioprospecting. R. Wynberg. one. These books also make great tourist souvenirs or come-ons Pages 17–18. to send overseas to family or friends one would like to persuade to visit our region. ❚ Confirming the Global Extinction Crisis. IUCN-SSC. Pages 22–23. ❚ Pallithanam, J.M. 2001. A Pocket Flora of the Sirumalai Hills, South India. Rapinat Herbarium, Tiruchirapalli. Hard cover, 360 Aloe 38(3,4) (2001) pages, A5, 1 map and 4 pages of line diagrams. ISBN 81–900539– 7–3. ❚ Endemic euphorbias from Zambia with notes on habitat Calling this a pocket Flora lends a new dimension to one’s and ecology. G. Williamson. concept of Indian clothing; I don’t own a pocket large enough to Pages 58–70. house this one! But it is much smaller than the same institution’s esteemed Flora of the Tamilnadu Carnatic and Flora of the Palni ❚ An odd collection of a Hills. It is much closer to the idea of an excursion-Flora than its Haworthia from Rooiberg, predecessors, and eliminating the supporting material that Calitzdorp. B. Bayer. Page 71. occupied several supplementary volumes of each of the other Floras has saved bulk. ❚ A new Aloe from Malawi. S. Eliminating all illustrations Lane. Pages 72–73. except a few diagrams and one map, and most of the nomen- ❚ The first record of Euphorbia clatural details, and ruthlessly stapelioides from Namibia. G. pruning the descriptions, has Williamson. Pages 74–75. saved more space. ❚ An odd population of H. Mary Gunn Library: arachnoidea var. nigricans. B. New Parts of Floras Bayer. Pages 76–79.

Flore du Cameroun Australian Journal of ❚ Volume 32: Célastracées Botany 50(1,2) (2002) (Hippocrateoidees), edited by B. Satabie & P. Morat (1990). ❚ Are listed threatened plant species actually at risk? M.A. ❚ Volume 33: Rhamnacées, Burgman. Pages 1–13. Balanophoracées, Diptérocarpacées, edited by B. ❚ Morphometric, genetic and Satabie & P. Morat (1991). ecological studies clarify the conservation status of a rare ❚ Volume 34: Orchidacées I., edited by B. Satabie & P. Morat Acacia in Western Australia. C.P. (1998). Elliott, C.J. Yates, P.G. Ladd & D.J. Coates. Pages 63–73. ❚ Volume 35: Orchidacées II., edited by G. Achoundong & P. Morat (2001). ❚ History of the family Malpighiaceae in Australia and ❚ Volume 36: Orchidacées III., edited by G. Achoundong & P. its biogeographic implications: Morat (2001). evidence from pollen. H.A. Martin. Pages 171–182.

140 SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 ❚ Effects of heat and smoke on germination of soil- ❚ The genus Erica (Ericaceae) in stored seed in a south-eastern Australian sand southern Africa: taxonomic heathland. T.J. Wills & J. Read. Pages 229–236. notes 1. E.G.H. Oliver & I.M. Oliver. Pages 37–61. Australian Systematic Botany 15(2) (2002) ❚ Hyacinthaceae. A new ❚ On the distribution of gymnosperm genera, their combination in Daubenya. J.C. areas of endemism and cladistic biogeography. R. Manning & A.M. van der Contreras-Medina & I. Luna Vega. Pages 193–203. Merwe. Pages 63–65.

Biodiversity and Conservation 11(3) (2002) ❚ Thymelaeaceae. Systematics of Passerina truncata and a new ❚ Synoptic assessment of wetland function: a planning subspecies monticola. C.L. tool for protection of wetland species biodiversity. E.W. Bredenkamp & A.E. van Wyk. Schweiger, S.G. Leibowitz, J.B. Hyman, et al. Pages Pages 65–71. 379–406. ❚ Apocynaceae. A new species ❚ Structure and floristic composition of community of Brachystelma from Eastern forests and their compatibility with villagers’ traditional needs Cape, South Africa. A.P. Dold. Pages 71–73. for forest products. S. Straede, G. Nebel & A. Rijal. Pages 487– 508. ❚ Campanulaceae. A new species of Merciera from Western Cape, South Africa. C.N. Cupido. Pages 74–76. ❚ Tourism and flagship species in conservation. M.J. Walpole & N. Leader-Williams. Pages 543–547. ❚ Eriospermaceae. Validation of two sectional names in Eriospermum. J. Thiede. Page 76. Biological Invasions 3(1) (2001) ❚ Thymelaeaceae. A new species of Passerina from Western Cape, South Africa. C.L. ❚ Patterns of plant invasions: a case Bredenkamp & A.E. van Wyk. Pages 76–79. example in native species hotspots and rare habitats. T.J. Stohlgren, Y. ❚ Thymelaeaceae. A new species of Gnidia from Otsuki, C.A. Villa, M. Lee & J. the Knersvlakte, Western Cape, South Africa. Belnap. Pages 37–50. J.B.P. Beyers. Pages 79–81.

Bojanala 1(1) (2002) ❚ Lamiaceae. New combinations in the genus ❚ Southern Africa’s trans-frontier Rotheca in southern Africa. P.P.J. Herman & E. conservation areas. B. Manale. Retief. Page 81. Pages 1 & 8. ❚ Marsileaceae–Pteropsida. First report of the ❚ South Africa readies itself for genus Pilularia from continental Africa. J.P. Roux. World Summit 2002. M.Q. Sithole. Pages 82–83. Page 2. ❚ The taxonomic significance of trichome type ❚ Our coast for life. Z. Sishuta. Page and distribution in Melolobium (Fabaceae). A. 17. Moteetee, B-E. van Wyk & P.M. Tilney. Pages 85– 90. Bothalia 32(1) (2002) ❚ Pollen morphology and biometry of the genus Androcymbium ❚ Clivia mirabilis (Amaryllidaceae: Haemantheae) a new species (Colchicaceae) in southern Africa: taxonomic and biogeographic from Northern Cape, South Africa. J.P. Rourke. Pages 1–8. considerations. N. Membrives, J. Martin, J. Caujape-Castells & J. Pedrola-Monfort. Pages 91–96. ❚ The genus Buglossoides (Boraginaceae) in southern Africa. E. Retief & A.E. van Wyk. Pages 9–14. ❚ Biogeography of Oxalis (Oxalidaceae) in South Africa: a preliminary study. K.C. Oberlander, L.L. Dreyer & K.J. Esler. ❚ Studies on the liverwort family Aneuraceae (Metzgeriales) Pages 97–100. from southern Africa. 3. Riccardia compacta. S.M. Perold. Pages 15–20. ❚ A checklist of plants of Mahwaqa Mountain, KwaZulu-Natal. E.B. Meter, T.J. Edwards, M.A. Rennie & J.E. Granger. Pages ❚ Revision of the Tarchonanthus camphoratus complex 100–116. (Asteraceae–Tarchonantheae) in southern Africa. P.P.J. Herman. Pages 21–28. ❚ Preliminary DNA fingerprinting of the turf grass Cynodon dactylon (Poaceae: Chloridoideae). R. Roodt, J.J. Spies & T.H. ❚ Taxonomy of the Passerina filiformis L. complex Burger. Pages 117–122. (Thymelaeaceae). C.L. Bredenkamp & A.E. van Wyk. Pages 29– 36. ❚ Poaceae. Chromosome studies on African plants. 16. Polyploidy in the genus Ehrharta. J.J. Spies, M.M. van Dyk & S.M.C. van Wyk. Pages 123–126.

SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 141 Conservation Biology 16(1) ❚ Vegetative propagation of Siphonochilus aethiopicus (Wild (2002) Ginger). N.R. Crouch & R. Symmonds. Pages 19–20.

❚ Outreach and partnership ❚ The trees and shrubs of Mpumalanga and Kruger National programs for conservation Park. M. Lötter, W. McCleland, E. Schmidt & J. Burrows. education where endangered Pages 21–22. species conservation and research occur. C. Brewer. Pages 4–6. ❚ Interesting regional plant distributions: Strelitzia reginae. R. Scott-Shaw. Pages 29. ❚ Ecoregions in context: a critique with special reference to Indonesia. ❚ Rare orchid found at Tanglewood. J. Walker. Page 30. P. Jepson & R.J. Whittaker. Pages 42–57. ❚ Ecology, cultivation and conservation status of Ledebouria atrobrunnea. A. Hankey & S. Venter. Pages 32–34. Environmental Impact Assessment Review 21(6) ❚ Amateur herbaria in South Africa: the Treasure Beach (2001) Herbarium, Durban. C. Potgieter. Pages 35–36.

❚ The application of Geographical Information Systems to ❚ Survey of the Pondoland Centre of Plant Endemism (KZN determine environmental impact significance. P. Antunes, R. Wildlife & Eastern Cape Conservation Important Plant Program). Santos & L. Jordao. Pages 511–536. T. Abbott & C. van Tichelen. Pages 37–39.

Environmental Impact Assessment Review 22(2) Samara 1,2 (2002) (2002) ❚ Rare plants rediscovered in the Northern Cape. P. Smith, P. ❚ Environmental impact assessment—a tool for sustainable Burgoyne & E. van Wyk. Page 1. development? S. Bruhn-Tysh & M. Eklund. Pages 129–144. ❚ Research on Kenyan Orchid seeds. G. Mugambi & C. Wood. Forest Ecology Management Page 7. 155(1–3) (2002) South African Journal of Science 97(11,12) (2001) ❚ Rationale and methods for conserving biodiversity in ❚ Is there a unique serpentine flora on the Witwatersrand? R.A. plantation forests. M.J. Hartley. Reddy, K. Balkwill & T. McLellan. Pages 485–494. Pages 81–95. ❚ Compositae on serpentine in the Barberton Greenstone Belt. S. Kew Scientist 21 (2002) Smith, K. Balkwill & S. Williamson. Pages 518–520.

❚ ❚ Madagascar Floras. M. Lock. Endemism in the flora of ultramafic areas of Sekhukhuneland, Page 1. South Africa. S.J. Siebert, A.E. van Wyk & G.J. Bredenkamp. Pages 529–532. ❚ Innovations in systematics. V. ❚ Savolainen, T. Pennington, A. Taxonomic studies in the Acanthaceae: Peristrophe Farjon, G. Kite, M. Chase. serpenticola—a new species from the Great Dyke, Zimbabwe. K. Pages 4–5. Balkwill & G.J. Campbell-Young. Pages 551–553.

❚ ❚ Sustainable development. M. Simmonds, M. Chase, H. Conservation biology of Kniphofia umbrina, a critically Prendergast, S. Davis. Page 7. endangered Swaziland serpentine endemic. E.T.F. Witkowski, L.A. Dahlmann & R.C. Boycott. Pages 609–616. NewScientist 173(2329) (2002) South African Journal of Science 98(1,2) (2002) ❚ Law of the jungle: forget about ingenious adaptations ❚ and well-tailored lifestyles, because all a successful The Species Plantarum Project: Flora of the species needs is good luck. O. Baker. Page 28–31. World moves ahead. G.F. Smith. Page 28.

Novon 12(1) (2002) ❚ Antibacterial activities of five plants against some medically significant human ❚ Taxonomic and morphological notes on Hypoxis bacteria. C.L. Obi, N. Potgieter, L.P. angustifolia (Hypoxidaceae) from Africa, Madagascar Randima et al. Pages 25–27. and Mauritius. J. Wiland-Szymanska & Z. Adamski. Page 142–151. South African Journal of Wildlife Research 31(3,4) (2001) PlantLife 26 April (2002) ❚ Tourism, protected areas and ❚ An assessment of threatened plants and development in South Africa: views of conservation in Sekhukhuneland. S. Siebert, J. Victor, visitors to Mkambati Nature Reserve. T. B. van Wyk & G. Bredenkamp. Pages 7–18. Kepe. Pages 155–159.

142 SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 Systematic Botany 27(1) (2002) ❚ Anatomical features of the leaves in the Dichrostachys Book Prize Group (Leguminosae: Mimosoideae) and their utility for phylogenetic he KZN region of the Wildlife and Environment So- studies. M. Luckow. Tciety of South Africa (WESSA) is pleased to an- Pages 29–40. nounce that the book, Bring Nature Back to Your Gar- den, has been the joint winner of the Natal University ❚ Phylogenetic relationships prize for “Popularising Science”. The book is published of the mangrove family by WESSA and was written by two of its members, Avicenniaceae based on Charles and Julia Botha. chloroplast and nuclear ribosomal DNA sequences. Approximately 10 000 copies have already been sold A.E. Schwarzbach & L.A. and the book is now in its third reprint. The authors McDade. Pages 84–98. have donated all royalties from the book to WESSA. A Zulu version of the book is due soon and a “Western Taxon 50(4) (2001) Edition,” dealing with gardening in the western part of ❚ The Species Plantarum the country, was published last year. Project, an international collaborative initiative for Bring Nature Back to Your Garden describes how to higher plant taxonomy. R.K. transform your garden into an oasis for birds, butter- Brummitt, S. Castroviejo, flies, and other small creatures, by planting indigenous A.C. Chikuni et al. vegetation and using nature-friendly gardening tech- Pages 1217–1230. niques. With this new approach, gardeners will help preserve and restore our fast-disappearing natural her- Taxon 51(1) (2002) itage and can actually contribute to conservation right on their own doorsteps. ❚ Why do we name organisms? Some reminders For further information, please contact the authors di- from the past. P.F. Stevens. rectly on tel. (031) 209 3929. Pages 11–26. —Sandra Dell Member ❚ Xerophyta seinei WESSA Publications Committee (KZN Region) (Velloziaceae), a distinctive P O Box 5015 new species from Durban Zimbabwe. H-D. Behnke, K. Kramer & E. Hummel. Pages 55–68. 4000 Tel. c/o (031) 465 6179 h ❚ Yams reclassified: a recircumscription of Dioscoreaceae and [email protected] Dioscoreales. L.R. Caddick, P. Wilkin, P.J. Rudall et al. Pages 103–114.

❚ Taxonomic monographs in relation to global Red Lists. J. Kirschner & Z. Kaplan. Pages 155–158.

❚ The Global Taxonomy Initiative in Africa. R.R. Klopper, G.F. Smith & A.C. Chikuni. Pages 159–166.

❚ Proposal to reject the name Crinum crassicaule (Amaryllidaceae). I. Nordal, C. Zimudzi & R.H. Archer. Pages 187–188.

❚ Proposal to conserve Terminalia nom. cons. (Combretaceae) against an additional name, Bucida. C.A. Stace. Pages 193–194.

Urban Green File 7(1) (2002) ❚ How green will the Summit be? G. Gardner. Pages 15–17. Operation wildflower: Plant rescue at andalusite mine. C. Knoll. Pages 19–21.

❚ Balancing conservation and intervention: Khayelitsha Wetlands Park. N. Shand & M. Robertson. Pages 22–29.

—Hugh Glen & Stefan Siebert [email protected] Charles and Julia Botha, the authors of Bring Nature [email protected] Back to Your Garden. (Photo by Rob Cross for WESSA)

SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 143 the

FLORA Publications Trust

ANNOUNCES THE PUBLICATION OF ITS LIMITED EDITION PRINT PORTFOLIO UKHAHLAMBA DRAKENSBERG FLOWERS BY TESSA DEAN

These superb life-size, individually-signed and numbered prints of Eucomis bicolor, Gladiolus oppositiflorus, Nerine bowdenii and Agapanthus campanulatus are available in a limited edition of only 500 sets in variously-priced editions.

If you are interested in acquiring one of these superb sets, please visit our website www.floratrustkzn.com or telephone (031) 563 9481 or (031) 201 6454 for further information.

The Flora Publications Trust was established ten years ago and has become one of the most important institution of its kind in the country. It aims to:

• publish affordable books on the indigenous plants of this country • stimulate greater awareness in and understanding of our plant life and environment • develop resources and relationships to fund and create future publications

Previous publications by the Trust are The Complete Field Guide to Trees of Natal, Zululand and Transkei and A Field Guide to Wild Flowers of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Region (both by Elsa Pooley). Due in April 2003 is her Southern African Mountain Flowers, A Field Guide to the Flora of the Drakensberg and Lesotho.

144 SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 book review Structure and Condition of Zambesi Valley Dry Forests and Thickets

R.E. Hoare, E.F. Robertson & K.M. Dunham. 2002. Published by The Zambezi Society. English. 40 pages Ring-bound, soft cover. 210 x 300 mm. Available from The Zambezi Society at Tel.: +263 4 747 002/3/4/5 [email protected]

onsidering the need for scientific Cmotivation for the conservation of dry deciduous lowland forests in southern Africa, this report is an extremely valuable piece of work.

This soft-cover book consists of 40 pages of text (including Appendices), suitable not only for scientists, but also for the Zimbabwe and one in general public. Figures are presented in Mozambique). In the provisional full colour. sampling protocol, assessment was based on four categories of The layout of the book follows the typi- indicators, namely plant species, cal scientific approach. It consists of an structural diversity, forest distur- introduction, information on the study bance, and forest condition. Infor- area, description of the methodology mation on these indicators is pre- used, results obtained, discussion, con- sented in different tables in the Ma- clusions and recommendations, a refer- terials & Methods section; there is also ence list, and appendices. a table justifying the use of woody plant species as indicators. The Introduction gives a general over- view of the state of the study area, which The Results section of the study is well comprises the patches of dry deciduous presented. TWINSPAN classification re- lowland forest botanically classified as sults are presented in an ordered two- Despite the short time available for this Xylia torreana Dry Forest. This vegeta- way table. Structural characteristics of study, the authors constructed a valuable tion type is rare and threatened in the transects are presented in a biplot de- initial assessment of these threatened Zambezi Valley and is poorly represented rived from principal components analy- patches of dry deciduous forests. Not in protected areas. A study on its current sis. All other indicators are presented in only is this report a valuable addition to condition is therefore considered of glo- neat and informative index diagrams. the existing literature on dry deciduous bal importance. The study aimed to im- forests in southern Africa, but it also pro- prove the knowledge of the biodiversity The results of the study are clearly ex- vides adequate information and recom- within dry forests, to identify indicators plained and evaluated in the Discussion, mendations for research on these areas of forest condition, and to evaluate con- where it is shown that the Zambezi Val- to insure their conservation. servation issues associated with the for- ley dry deciduous lowland forests are ests, including the effects of disturbance threatened and therefore deserve to re- This publication relates closely to the and wildlife. ceive attention from future conservation work being carried out by the Zambezi initiatives. Current threats are mainly Society and the Biodiversity Foundation To meet the objectives over the short pe- fires and debarking by elephants, with for Africa on the identification of com- riod of time allocated for the study, a rapid human impacts predicted as a future munity-based mechanisms for the con- assessment method was used to record problem. In the Conclusions and Recom- servation of biodiversity in settled lands. vegetation structure, indicators of forest mendations, the authors list various rea- For more information about the Zambezi health (condition), and evidence of dis- sons for conserving these dry deciduous Society, access their website at turbance by people and wildlife. The forests. The authors also put forward use- www.zamsoc.org. methodology was clearly structured and ful recommendations, including sugges- well planned. Thirty-one transects were tions for future research to focus on these —Franci Siebert sampled over seven sites. Five of these forests and contribute to the knowledge Botany Department sites were situated in Communal Lands of this sensitive ecosystem. University of Pretoria and two in Protected Areas (six sites in [email protected]

SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 145 book review Living on the Land: Change in Forest Cover in north-central Namibia 1943–1996

The Owambo ages, amplified by ground truth data, region has were used to monitor and analyse the three major expansion of settled areas and to de- vegetation termine its effect on forest cover. Long- types—de- term interaction between humans and sert, savan- the woody vegetation was analysed in na, and wood- a test area of 28 x 15 km in the Ondobe lands. The and Eenhana constituencies of the semi-arid Ohangwena Region. The study area savannas of was located in the transition zone, north-central where relatively fertile savanna Namibia com- changes into infertile woodland, an prise 13% of area that remained uninhabited until the total sur- the First World War. During ground face area of truth data recording, the author, as- the oshana sisted by local inhabitants, assessed delta, which different fencing methods as well as originates in homestead construction materials. the highlands During data recording trips, the author of south-cen- interviewed local people to gather ad- tral Angola. Oshanas are shallow ditional notes on local wood consump- ephemeral floodwater courses, where tion. the water either stands or flows, depending on the amount of rainfall. Results of this study support earlier Considering that the mean precipita- observations of high wood consumption for Namibia is 270 mm, with a po- tion in the Owambo area, which will tential mean annual evapotrans- inevitably result in a shortage of wood piration of approximately 3 000 mm, in the near future. The mean household the oshana delta provides in one of the density, percentage inhabited area, major natural resources: water. This, and population densities have in- in combination with relatively fertile creased remarkably. These increases soils and abundant fish supplies dur- explain why the consumption of wood ing the three-year flood of the Culvelai exceeds the sustained yield. It is esti- drainage system, is the main reason mated that growth of the population Antti Erkkilä. 2001. why the oshana delta has become one by one person leads to about 1 ha of Silva Carelica 37 of the most densely populated areas in deforestation! Change in land cover Published by the University of Namibia. Hence, pressures on natural from forest to non-forest was caused Joensuu, Faculty of Forestry. resources have increased severely. almost entirely by expansion of perma- English. 118 pages nent agriculture and use for residen- Hard cover: 180 x 255 mm. The aim of this academic dissertation tial purposes. Settled areas were first ISBN 952-458-049-7; ISSN 0780-8232. was to provide scientific evidence for expanded into the savanna and later Available from Joensuu University deforestation and forest degradation even into the eastern woodlands. The Library at of the Owambo area of north-central results of this study clearly indicate the Tel.: +358 13 251 2652 Namibia. This is, however, not the first pressure on indigenous tree species. Fax: +358 13 251 2691 report to address the problem of de- Pole fences replaced traditional brush- [email protected] forestation in this region. The earliest wood fences—a major change in con- reports concerning degradation of struction on farms. Furthermore, lo- amibia has a rich diversity of eth- wood resources in Owamboland date cally available wood resources were Nnic groups and past political in- back to the 19th century. Already in 1931 favoured. Colophospermum mopane stability, resulting in the centralisation it was reported that forest trees in was the most desired tree species in of large numbers of people in small ar- north-central Namibia were being de- savannas, whereas Terminalia sericea, eas, despite the country’s small popu- stroyed at an alarming rate. In 2001, Burkea africana, and Baikiaea plurijuga lation. In north-central Namibia alone, Living on the land addressed the prob- were favoured in the woodlands. nine predominant Owambo languages lem of deforestation in an analysis of Ground truth data have however re- and eight tribes or tribal authorities are forest cover change in the Owambo, vealed that local farming systems have found. The census of 1991 indicated with special focus on the domestic use increased the number of indigenous that the Owambo area contained 44 % of wood for construction on farms. fruit trees to some extent. of the Namibian population. Aerial photographs and satellite im-

146 SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 In addition to the main theme, the dissertation also provides definitions, sta- tistics, and the history of global forest cover change. The first two chapters of the book deal with the physical environment of the Owambo area. A detailed literature review on political history, population of the Owambo area, farming practices, migration, and tra- ditions of the native people, as well as News from News from an assessment on the domestic use of wood in the Owambo region, is given in about 45 pages. In addition to the Lesotho Zimbabwe text, information is also presented in tables, graphs, maps, and photos. Thank You SABONET! lthough Zimbabwe has quite a Arich and diverse flora of around This dissertation is a remarkable pres- t was an honour to be awarded a 6 000 species and probably the second entation of the deforestation problem ISABONET scholarship to enrol for largest herbarium in Africa, it, unfor- in the Owambo region of north-cen- an MSc in Botany (Systematics and tunately, does not have a long and im- tral Namibia. It strives to focus atten- Biodiversity Science Program). I was pressive track record of symposia and tion on the fast depleting wood re- the second of the three candidates public lectures on botanical subjects. sources of Owambo, which could from Lesotho to be given this oppor- negatively influence the rural liveli- tunity. I have successfully completed However, with the encouragement and hoods of the local people. A study of this course and was awarded the de- motivation of a handful of amateur this kind is imperative for the evalua- gree by the University of Stellenbosch botanists and the enthusiastic support, tion of sustainable utilisation of wood- in March 2002. The course was very assistance, and co-operation of the Of- lands in southern Africa. Due to its sci- diverse and consisted of various mod- ficer in Charge of the National Her- entific basis, the dissertation is not ules, such as Molecular Analysis, GIS barium and Botanic Garden, Miss likely to be popular among the general (Geographical Information Systems), Nozipo Nobanda, three very success- public; however, it will make a valuable Herbarium & Museum Curation, ful symposia have been held over the addition to any bookshelf of research- Rapid Biodiversity Assessment, flora past couple of years at the Education ers interested in the southern African & fauna identification skills, and Centre in the National Botanic Garden. savanna, forest, and woodland sys- Multivariate Analysis. tems. Orchids —Franci Siebert The course also equipped me with Botany Department skills to do research work in Botany. The first symposium was on the Indig- University of Pretoria My research project was entitled “A enous Orchids of Zimbabwe and was [email protected] search for taxonomically informative held under the joint auspices of the characters in the genus Heliophila L. Zimbabwe National Herbarium and (Family: Brassicaceae)”. According to Botanic Gardens and the Zimbabwe several authors, this genus is Orchid Society. taxonomically unknown and in need of study, yet it holds clues to the Dr Mupawose, the Chairman of the phylogenetic understanding of the Friends of the National Botanic Gar- Cape flora. My results showed that den, officially opened the symposium palynological and micromorphological and Mr Mike Kimberley of the Indig- characters are very useful for taxo- enous Orchid Group of the Zimbabwe nomic understanding of Heliophila. Orchid Society introduced the speakers and chaired the proceedings. The seven- I am currently working for SABONET- hour programme was held on a Satur- Lesotho and am attached to ROMA day and repeated on the Sunday and at- herbarium (ROML), at the National tended by a total of about 180 people. University of Lesotho. I am assigned to the mammoth task of documenting The subjects and speakers were local flora and producing a national • Introduction to and ecology of Zim- checklist. babwe’s orchid flora by Werner Fibeck Thank you SABONET for investing in • Zimbabwe’s 100 Epiphytic Orchids me! by Mike Dare • Zimbabwe’s 80 Montane Terrestrial —Lerato Kose Orchids by Darrel Plowes ROMA Herbarium (ROML) • Zimbabwe’s 150 Savanna Terrestrial Biology Department Orchids by Werner Fibeck and Vir- National University of Lesotho ginia Phiri [email protected] • Conservation and legislative protection of Zimbabwe’s Indigenous Or- chids by Mike Kimberley

SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 147 The talks were all illustrated by colour • Pests and Diseases of Palms and • Succulents around Africa by Darrel slides and an exhibition of live Zimbab- Cycads and how to Control them by Plowes wean epiphytic and terrestrial orchids Ian Waters • How to Grow Succulents from Seed was mounted outside the lecture room. • Legislation affecting Palms and to Maturity (Demonstration) by Cycads in Zimbabwe by Mike Kim- Claude le Resche Cycads and Palms berley • Hybridising Aloes and Grafting Cactus (Demonstration) by Brian The second symposium was on Cycads Some of the talks were illustrated by Terry and Palms and was held under the joint colour slides and appropriate props • Pests and Diseases of Succulents auspices of the Zimbabwe National accompanied the demonstrations. An and how to Kill or Cure them by Ian Herbarium and Botanic Garden, and exhibition of palms and cycads of the Waters the Cycad and Palm Branch of the world was mounted outside the lecture • Succulent Orchids by Werner Aloe, Cactus and Succulent Society of room. Fibeck Zimbabwe. • Succulents and the Law in Zimbab- Succulents we by Mike Kimberley Dr Mupawose officially opened the • Learn more about Succulents by symposium. Mr Mike Kimberley, The third symposium was on joining the Aloe, Cactus and Suc- Chairman of the Cycad and Palm Succulents and was held under the culent Society by Mike Harvey Branch introduced the speakers and joint auspices of the Zimbabwe Na- chaired the proceedings. The seven- tional Herbarium and Botanic Garden The talks were illustrated by colour hour programme was held on a Satur- and the Aloe, Cactus and Succulent slides and appropriate props accom- day and repeated on the Sunday and Society of Zimbabwe. panied the demonstrations. A small attended by a total of about 120 peo- exhibition of succulents was mounted ple. Mike Kimberley, Honorary President outside the lecture room. It is intended of the Aloe, Cactus and Succulent So- to have further symposia on appropri- The subjects and speakers were: ciety of Zimbabwe, introduced the ate botanical topics on an annual ba- • Introduction to Cycads and Palms speakers and chaired the proceedings. sis at the same venue and under the of the World by Mike Kimberley The seven-hour programme was pre- same auspices. • Zimbabwe’s Indigenous Palms and sented on Sunday 25 November 2001 Cycads by Ian Turner and attended by 45 people. —Mr Mike Kimberley • Propagation and Cultivation of Honey & Blanckenberg Cycads in Zimbabwe by Brian The subjects and speakers were: P O Box 85 Schlachter (Demonstration) • Introduction to Succulent Plants by Harare • Some Palms around the World by Mike Kimberley Zimbabwe Erik Morris • Zimbabwean Succulents: Stapeli- Tel.: +253-4-775577/750295 • Some Cycads around the World by ads and other Succulents by Darrel Fax: +263-4-775578/752283 Ian Turner Plowes [email protected] • How to Grow Palms in Zimbabwe • Zimbabwean Succulents: Aloes and www.honeyb.co.zw by Erik Morris (Demonstration) Euphorbia by Mike Kimberley

News from Malawi

Advanced Database participants worked very hard in Management and Networking developing their skills in the Course management of networks and databases. Many modules had was delighted to be one of the par- to be covered within a short pe- Iticipants in the SABONET Advanced riod of time, and although we Database Management and Network- were stretched most of the time, ing Course held at the National Botani- the course has equipped me cal Institute in Pretoria in May 2002. with up-to-date skills. Khetso Kobisi (left) and Donald Mpalika (right) hard This regional course drew fourteen at work on the computers during the Database participants from ten southern African My newly acquired skills will Course. countries. Trevor Arnold and Franco assist me with the development Alberts successfully facilitated the of a current National Plant Checklist for good news on a completed Vascular course, which focused on network in- Malawi. So far the checklist only cov- Plant Checklist for Malawi. stallation, configuration, troubleshoot- ers the Dicots, but through the knowl- ing, database design, and table struc- edge I have gained in building queries, In conclusion, thanks to the SABONET ture and relationships. it is now very easy to extract the Secretariat, course facilitators, and the Monocot specimen data from the da- entire NBI staff for their great support Though it was a very tough course, the tabase by myself. Very soon I will have during the wonderful time I spent in

148 SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 the beautiful city of Pretoria. I can also not fail to convey my —Mr Donald Mpalika warm gratitude to all the partici- National Herbarium and Botanic pants from the ten countries. Gardens of Malawi They were lovely, friendly, and PO Box 528 helpful. I feel that I am missing Zomba them and the wonderful “Preto- Malawi ria Nights” already. Tel.: +265 525 388/145 [email protected]

Relaxing after a hard day’s work.

with our group, which consisted of News from staff at all levels of knowledge, from pretty knowledgeable through just Namibia hanging in there, down to com- pletely confused. Senior staff benefited greatly from the course, while It has been a busy time at WIND since new staff members were at least our last contribution to SABONET exposed to the horrors of this sub- News. We have been checking speci- ject and made aware that patience men data whenever we have a spare and application will get you there moment (even when none seems to eventually. exist) and Esmerialda Klaassen has been obsessed with the new Poaceae Our thanks to PRE, NBG, and Checklist for what seems to be forever. SABONET, and especially to Dee Babiana falcata looks and smells delightful. The checklist will be a valuable tool for and Hugh for helping and motivat- farmers, extension officers, pasture ing us. scientists and others—it includes data such as habitat and ethnobotanical April saw the WIND staff in the uses, amongst others. The arrival of North-Central communal areas of our new herbarium cabinets necessi- Namibia. These areas are histori- tated reshuffling the entire collection, cally undercollected, and we target but at last we have (a little) breathing at least one every year. Esmerialda space. We have had two excellent and Silke disagree on one thing courses organised under the SABO- about this trip—Silke says they were NET internship programme. lost at one stage, and Essie says they were not lost, they just didn’t know The first was a course on the collec- where the road was. They say if you tion and identification of petaloid have a GPS you are never lost, you monocots, presented by Dr Dee know exactly where you are, you Erica Maass, Hydnora hunter par excellence! Snijman of the Compton Herbarium in just don’t know where that place is Cape Town. The theory and practical and how to get back to where you identification part of the course was should be. Still, once they found followed up by fieldwork, so that we themselves, they had a very suc- could see firsthand how the experts cessful trip. They knew they had collect these taxa. We all came away reached the Okavango Region and far more enthusiastic and motivated it was time to turn around when about geophytes. In fact, Silke Helvi Haufiku, our technical assist- Rugheimer (née Bartsch) and I got ant from the North-Central area, quite carried away after Dee went back didn’t understand what the local to Cape Town. We stayed in the field inhabitants were saying anymore. collecting for a few more days, and For several staff members this was now poor John Manning is also get- their first visit to the north, and a ting a million queries. It’s Dee’s fault, valuable opportunity to see, alive John! and unsquashed, the plants they routinely have to identify and dis- Hydnora triceps in situ under Euphorbia dregeana. Dr. Hugh Glen of the National Her- cuss. barium in Pretoria presented the sec- had several items on our agenda, in- ond course, on botanical nomencla- Our most recent fieldwork was a short cluding collecting in new squares, Red ture. Hugh was the essence of patience trip to the Aus-Rosh Pinah area. We Data assessment of certain taxa, seed

SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 149 collection for the National Plant Ge- netic Resources Centre, and photog- raphy for the new field guide we are Southern African@ putting together for the southwest of @ Namibia. We were very pleased to see Babiana falcata for the first time, and @Botanists’ to smell its exquisite perfume. @ Dr Erica Maass of the Biology Depart- E-mail Addresses@ ment at the University of Namibia accompanied us. Erica is a parasite en- @ thusiast and hoped to find some new localities for Hydnora triceps. It was The following list includes the e-mail General address: very exciting for us when she found a addresses of staff working in some of [email protected] specimen in (subterranean) flower, and the national/university herbaria, we realised that we were amongst the botany departments, botanical gar- University of Botswana Herbarium few people in the world to see this unu- dens, and biodiversity programmes of (UCBG) sual plant alive. None of us managed southern Africa. Thanks to all those Mr Mbaki Muzila: to spot any, and we are convinced Eri- who have sent their e-mail addresses [email protected] (currently ca’s success has to do with her habit of to the editors for inclusion in this list. studying for a M.Sc. Degree at the wandering around while plaintively University of Cape Town) calling “where are you?” PLEASE NOTE that this list gets up- Dr Moffat Setshogo: dated every issue of our newsletter. In [email protected] Other interesting collections on this order to avoid frustration and possi- trip include Schwantesia loeschiana ble disappointment, our readers are and both species of Hartmanthus, as advised to use the most recent list avail- LESOTHO well as a number of live euphorbias for able. Some of the addresses listed in the National Botanic Garden. previous editions of the newsletter Herbarium: National University of may no longer be relevant. Lesotho (ROML) It was encouraging to get a couple of Ms Annah Moteetee: enquiries from South Africa and over- SPECIAL APPEAL: Should you be [email protected] (currently studying seas about the last article from Namibia aware of any changes to one or more for a PhD at the Rand Afrikaans in SABONET News 7(1). John Manning of the addresses listed below, or University) asked to see my Whiteheadia bifolia, would like to be added to the list, Ms Puleng Matebesi: and instantly pronounced it to be the please notify Stefan Siebert, at [email protected] new Whiteheadia etesionamibensis. [email protected] so that the This is the only record we have at list can be updated on a regular Katse Botanical Garden WIND, as many of our sheets are on basis. Mr Tau Mahlelebe: loan. [email protected]

So, that’s about it from us. We hope that ANGOLA National Environment Secretariat you are all well, and making the most Mr Thulo Qhotsokoane: of the last year of the SABONET pro- Agostinho Neto University [email protected] gramme. Dr Esperança Costa: —Coleen Mannheimer [email protected] OR University Botanic Garden [email protected] OR Mr Moretloa Polaki: [email protected] [email protected] Dr Elissaveta Loutchanska: [email protected] Ms Liz Matos: MALAWI [email protected] National Herbarium (MAL) and Botanic Gardens BOTSWANA Prof. J.H. Seyani: [email protected] (currently on leave National Botanical Garden of absence at the Commonwealth Mr Diphetogo Menyatso: Secretariat, London) [email protected] Dr Augustine Chikuni: [email protected] National Herbarium (GAB) Mr Dickson Kamundi: General address: [email protected] [email protected] (currently studying for a M.Sc. Degree at the University of the Witwatersrand) Peter Smith Herbarium (PSUB) Mr Bintony Kutsaira: Dr Elmar Veenendaal: [email protected] [email protected]

150 SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 Mr Zacharia Magombo: Ms Coleen Mannheimer: Mrs Reneé Reddy: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] (currently on study leave at Missouri) Mr Ramagwai Sebola: Ms Cecilia Nyirenda (nee Maliwichi): National Botanic Garden [email protected] [email protected] Mr Tobias Angula: Ms Elizabeth Mwafongo (nee Mayaka): [email protected] Coastal & Environmental Services [email protected] Dr Ted Avis: Mr Montfort Mwanyambo: Vegetation Survey [email protected] [email protected] Mr Ben Strohbach: Ms Gladys Msekandiana: [email protected] Compton Herbarium (NBG & SAM) [email protected] Ms Jo Beyers: Mr Jameston Kamwendo: National Plant Genetic Resources [email protected] [email protected] Centre Ms Pascale Chesselet: General NHBG address: Ms Herta Kolberg: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Mr Christopher Cupido: Medicinal plants: [email protected] [email protected] Namibian Tree Atlas Project Dr Peter Goldblatt: Ms Barbara Curtis/Ms Coleen [email protected] National Botanic Gardens of Malawi Mannheimer: Dr Hubert Kurzweil: Mr Mphamba Kumwenda: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] (currently Dr John Manning: studying for a M.Sc. Degree at the Polytechnic of Namibia [email protected] University of Stellenbosch) Mr Dave Joubert: Dr Ted Oliver: [email protected] [email protected] Dr John Rourke: MOZAMBIQUE [email protected] SOUTH AFRICA Dr Koos Roux: LMA Herbarium [email protected] Mr Mario da Silva: ARC-Plant Protection Research Dr Dee Snijman: [email protected] Institute [email protected] Ms Samira Izidine: Mr Alan Wood: [email protected] OR [email protected] Donald Killick Herbarium, KwaZulu- [email protected] (currently Natal Nature Conservation Service studying for a M.Sc. Degree at the Bolus Herbarium (BOL): University Mr Rob Scott-Shaw: University of the Pretoria) of Cape Town (includes Associated [email protected] Ms Marta Manjate: Staff) [email protected] OR Mrs Anne Bean: Durban Botanic Gardens [email protected] [email protected] Mr Christopher Dalzell (Curator): Dr Peter Bruyns: [email protected] LMU Herbarium: Eduardo Mondlane [email protected] Mr Barry Lang: University Prof. Tony Hall: [email protected] Mr Salomão Bandeira: [email protected] Mr Richard Symmonds: [email protected] Ms Cornelia Klak: [email protected] Ms Filomena Barbosa: [email protected] [email protected] Ms Sioban Munro: Free State National Botanical Garden Ms Carlota Quilambo: [email protected] Mr Amadeus Mogale (Curator): [email protected] Terry Trinder-Smith: [email protected] [email protected] Department of Biological Sciences: Mr George Verboom: When sending mail to a staff member at the Eduardo Mondlane University [email protected] Free State National Botanical Garden, insert John Hatton: Bolus Library: the name of the person in the subject line. [email protected] [email protected] Gauteng Nature Conservation Buffelskloof Private Nature Reserve Ms Michele Pfab: NAMIBIA & Herbarium [email protected] Mr John Burrows: National Botanical Research Institute [email protected] Harold Porter National Botanical Ms Patricia Craven: Garden [email protected] C.E. Moss Herbarium (J): University Ms Karin Behr (Curator): Dr Gillian Maggs-Kölling: of the Witwatersrand [email protected] [email protected] Prof. Kevin Balkwill: General NBRI address: [email protected] Herbarium Soutpansbergensis [email protected] Ms Glynis Cron: Mr Norbert Hahn: [email protected] [email protected] National Herbarium (WIND) Mr Donald McCallum: Ms Esmerialda Klaassen: [email protected] [email protected]

SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 151 Jonkershoek Herbarium Mpumalanga Parks Board: Ms Emsie du Plessis: Ms Melanie Simpson: Lydenburg [email protected] [email protected] Ms Sonnette Krynauw: Ms Lyn Fish: [email protected] [email protected] Karoo Desert National Botanical Mr Mervyn Lotter: Mr Gerrit Germishuizen: Garden [email protected] [email protected] Mr Ian Oliver (Curator): Dr Hugh Glen: [email protected] OR Natal Herbarium (NH) [email protected] [email protected] Ms Hassina Aboobaker: Ms René Glen: [email protected] [email protected] Kimberley McGregor (KMG) Dr Neil Crouch: Mr Hans Heilgendorf: Museum Herbarium [email protected] [email protected] Ms Tania Anderson (Curator): Ms Zoleka Dimon: Ms Lesley Henderson: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Ms Annemarie van Heerden: Ms Melusi Mazibuko: Mr Paul Herman: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Ms Meeta Nathoo: Ms Marie Jordaan: Kimberley South African National [email protected] [email protected] Parks Herbarium (KSAN) Mr Alfred Ngwenya: Dr Marinda Koekemoer (Curator): Dr Hugo Bezuidenhout: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Ms Yashica Singh: Ms Louisa Liebenberg: [email protected] [email protected] Kirstenbosch National Botanical Ms Rosemary Williams (Curator): Mr Cuthbert Makgakga: Garden [email protected] [email protected] Mr Graham Duncan: Ms Alice Masombuka: [email protected] Natal National Botanical Garden [email protected] Mr Philip le Roux (Curator): Mr Brian Tarr (Curator): Mr Jean Meyer: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Mr Ernst van Jaarsveld: Mr John Roff: Ms Beverly Momberg: [email protected] OR [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] (home) Ms Caroline Netnou: National Botanical Institute [email protected] Kirstenbosch Research Centre Prof. Brian Huntley: Mr Solomon Nkoana: Dr Neville Brown: [email protected] (CEO) [email protected] [email protected] Ms Khungeka Njobe: Dr Sarie Perold: Mr J de Wet Bösenberg: [email protected] (Director: [email protected] [email protected] Biodiversity, Policy & Planning) Ms Julie Ready: Dr John Donaldson: Prof. Gideon Smith: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] (Director: Ms Elizabeth Retief: Mr Barney Kgope: Research & Scientific Services) [email protected] [email protected] Mr Christopher Willis: Mr Paulus Sebothoma: Ms Boniswa Madikane: [email protected] (Director: [email protected] [email protected] Gardens & Horticultural Services) Ms Shirley Smithies: Dr Guy Midgley: Dr Maureen Wolfson: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] (Deputy- Ms Hannelie Snyman: Dr Charles Musil: Director: [email protected] [email protected] Research and Education) Ms Christina Steyn: Ms Ingrid Nänni: [email protected] [email protected] National Herbarium (PRE) Dr Elsie Steyn: Mr Les Powrie: Dr Heidi Anderson: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Dr Jacques van Rooy: Dr Tony Rebelo: Dr John Anderson: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Ms Helen van Rooyen: Dr Mike Rutherford: Ms Clare Archer: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Ms Janine Victor: Dr Robert Archer: [email protected] Lowveld National Botanical Garden [email protected] Ms Mienkie Welman: Mr Rudi Britz (Curator): Mr Trevor Arnold: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Mr Johan Hurter: Ms Antoinette Botha: NBI Libraries: [email protected] [email protected] Mary Gunn Library: Mr Willem Froneman: Ms Christien Bredenkamp: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Librarian, Mary Gunn Library (Ms Estelle Ms Priscilla Burgoyne: Potgieter), National Herbarium: When sending mail to a staff member at the [email protected] [email protected] Lowveld National Botanical Garden, insert Ms Carole de Wet: the name of the person in the subject line. [email protected]

152 SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 Librarian, Kirstenbosch (Ms Yvonne Prof. CEJ Botha: Umtamvuna Herbarium, Umtamvuna Reynolds): [email protected] Nature Reserve [email protected] Prof. Roy Lubke: Mr Tony Abbott: [email protected] [email protected] National Museum Bloemfontein: Mr Pete Phillipson: Dr Ziets Zietsman: [email protected] University of Cape Town: Botany [email protected] Dr Brad Ripley: Department [email protected] Prof. John Bolton: Peninsula Technikon: Department of [email protected] Biological Sciences Rondevlei Scientific Services Prof. William Bond: Mr JC Coetzee: Herbarium, Wilderness National [email protected] [email protected] Park, Sedgefield Dr Jill Farrant: Dr Nick Hanekom: [email protected] Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African [email protected] Dr Jeremy Midgley: Ornithology: Tierberg Karoo Dr Ian Russell: [email protected] Research Centre field station [email protected] Prof. Willie Stock: Dr Sue Milton: Ms Beate Sachse: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] University of Cape Town: Plant Genetic Resources Unit, Saasveld Herbarium (SAAS): Port Department of Cell and Molecular Agricultural Research Council Elizabeth Technikon Biology Dr Roger Ellis: Mr Mike Cameron: Prof. Jill Farrant: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Mr Peet Peens (Curator): Dr Brigitte Hamman: Potchefstroom University [email protected] [email protected] Dr Matt Buys: [email protected] H.G.W.J Schweickerdt Herbarium University of Cape Town: Institute Dr Sarel Cilliers: (PRU): University of Pretoria for Plant Conservation [email protected] Prof. Braam van Wyk: Dr Dave Richardson: Prof. Braam Pieterse: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Scientific Services Herbarium, University of Durban-Westville: PRECIS Department of Water Affairs and Botany Department [email protected] Forestry, Knysna Prof. Snowy Baijnath: Mr Johan Baard (Curator): [email protected] Pretoria National Botanical Garden [email protected] Prof. AD Barnabas: General: Mr Rynhard Kok: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Prof. G Naidoo: [email protected] Qwa Qwa Herbarium: University of Selmar Schonland Herbarium, Dr Ashley Nicholas: the North (Qwa Qwa campus) Grahamstown [email protected] Prof. Rodney Moffett: Ms Estelle Brink: Mr Pravin Poorun: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Mr Tony Dold: Dr Francois Smith: Qwa Qwa Herbarium: University of [email protected] [email protected] the North (School of Life Sciences) Prof. Laco Mucina: Skukuza Herbarium (KNP), Kruger University of Natal-Durban: [email protected] National Park Biological Sciences Department Rand Afrikaans University: Botany Ms Guin Zambatis (Curator): Prof. Alan Amory: Department [email protected] [email protected] Dr Patricia Tilney: Mr Nick Zambatis: Prof. Patricia Berjak: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Prof. Herman van der Bank: Dr Glen Campbell: [email protected] Southern Cape Herbarium [email protected] Prof. Ben-Erik van Wyk: Yvette van Wijk: Prof. John Cooke: [email protected] [email protected] OR [email protected] [email protected] Mr Bruce Page: Range and Forage Institute, [email protected] Agricultural Research Council Technikon Pretoria Herbarium Prof. Norman Pammenter: Dr Kathy Immelman: Cecilia de Ridder: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Mr Herbert Sibiya: Dawid du Plessis (Curator): [email protected] Rhodes University: Botany [email protected] Mr Dehn von Ahlefeldt: Department [email protected] Dr Nigel Barker: Dr Paula Watt: [email protected] [email protected]

SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 153 University of Natal-Durban: Electron University of Pretoria: Botany Mr Robert Tshivhandekano: Microscope Unit, George Campbell Department robie/[email protected] Building Prof. George Bredenkamp: Prof. Pablo Weisser: Mr James Wesley-Smith: [email protected] pablo/[email protected] [email protected] Prof. Marion Meyer: [email protected] University of the Western Cape: University of Natal- Ms Franci Siebert: Botany Department Pietermaritzburg: School of Botany [email protected] Dr Derek Keats: & Zoology Dr Veldie van Greuning: [email protected] Ms Angela Beaumont: [email protected] Dr Richard Knight: [email protected] Prof. Gretel van Rooyen: [email protected] Dr RP Beckett: [email protected] Lincoln M Raitt: [email protected] [email protected] Mr Clinton Carbutt: University of Pretoria: Pharmacology Mr Frans Weitz: [email protected] Department [email protected] Dr TJ Edwards: Prof. JN Eloff: [email protected] [email protected] University of the Western Cape: Ms CW Fennell: Department of Biotechnology [email protected] University of Stellenbosch: Botany Dr Gwen Koning: Dr JF Finnie: Department [email protected] [email protected] Prof. Frikkie Botha: Dr JE Granger: [email protected] University of the Witwatersrand: [email protected] Dr Charlie Boucher: Department of Animal, Plant and Prof. EF Hennessy: [email protected] Environmental Sciences [email protected] Dr Leanne Dreyer: Prof. Ed Witkowski: Dr Steven D Johnson: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Dr Karen Esler: Ms NP Makunga: [email protected] Witwatersrand National Botanical [email protected] Ms Lynn Hoffmann: Garden Ms Christina Potgieter: [email protected] Ms Sharon Turner (Curator): [email protected] Dr Bettie Marais: [email protected] Dr MT Smith: [email protected] Mr Andrew Hankey: [email protected] Prof. Valdon Smith: [email protected] Prof. Hannes van Staden: [email protected] General WNBG address: [email protected] Dr Piet Vorster: [email protected] [email protected] University of the North: Botany Insert the name of the staff member you wish Department University of Stellenbosch: to contact in the subject line. Mr Martin Potgieter: Biochemistry Department [email protected] Mr Benny Bytebier: Mr Pieter Winter: [email protected] SWAZILAND [email protected] University of Stellenbosch: Botanic National Herbarium (SDNH) University of the Free State: Garden Mr Titus Dlamini (Curator): Department of Botany and Genetics Mr Piet van der Merwe: [email protected] Dr Andor Venter: [email protected] [email protected] This address can also be used to contact Prof. Johan Venter: University of the Transkei: Botany Gideon Dlamini and Bongani Dlamini at the [email protected] Department National Herbarium. Insert the name of the Prof. RL Verhoeven: Prof. R Bhat: person in the subject line. [email protected] [email protected] Dr Sizwe Cawe: Independent University of Port Elizabeth: Botany [email protected] Ms Linda Dobson: Department RV Nikolova: [email protected] Dr JB Adams: [email protected] [email protected] Prof. Guy C Bate: University of North-West: Biological ZAMBIA [email protected] Sciences Department Dr EE Campbell: Mr David Phalatse: Forestry Herbarium (NDO) [email protected] [email protected] Mrs EN Chupa: Dr DR du Preez: [email protected] [email protected] University of Venda: Botany Noah Zimba: Mr PT Gama: Department [email protected] [email protected] Mr Maanda Ligavha: ligavham/[email protected] Ms Colleen Todd: todd_colleen/[email protected]

154 SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 Herbarium (UZL): University of Dr Clemence Zimudzi: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Zambia [email protected] Diane Bridson: Ms Tasila Banda-Sakala [email protected] (currently studying at the Arizona State University of Zimbabwe: Institute of (Rubiaceae, Vahliaceae) University, Phoenix, USA): Environmental Studies Dr Dick Brummitt: [email protected] OR Prof. Peter GH Frost: [email protected] [email protected] OR [email protected] Dr Thomas Cope: [email protected] [email protected] Mr David Chuba: Vumba Botanic Garden (Poaceae) [email protected] OR Mr Onias Ronie: Dr Phillip Cribb: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Ms Florence Nyirenda: (Orchidaceae) [email protected] Independent Dr David Goyder: Dr Patrick Phiri: Mr Mark Hyde: [email protected] [email protected] OR [email protected] (Asclepiadaceae, Fabaceae) [email protected] Mr Michael Kimberley: Ms Yvette Harvey: [email protected] [email protected] Munda Wanga Trust (Botanical Ms Meg Coates Palgrave: (Capparaceae, Lamiaceae, Sapotaceae) Garden) [email protected] Dr Michael Lock: Mr Douglas Gibbs: Mr Darrel CH Plowes: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] (Fabaceae, Xyridaceae, Zingiberaceae) Mr Rob M Plowes: Dr Alan Paton: Independent [email protected] [email protected] Mr Mike Bingham: Dr Fay Robertson: (Lamiaceae, Verbenaceae) [email protected] [email protected] Dr Sylvia Phillips: Ms Cathy Sharp: [email protected] [email protected] (Eriocaulaceae, Poaceae) ZIMBABWE Dr Gerald Pope: Botanists Working on [email protected] Bindura University of Science Southern African Plant (Asteraceae) Education Taxa Dr Brian Schrire: Mr Alfred Maroyi: This section lists e-mail addresses of a [email protected] [email protected] few of the botanists living outside (Fabaceae, Rhamnaceae) southern Africa that are working with Dr Kaj Vollesen: Biodiversity Foundation for Africa southern African plant taxa. If you [email protected] Mr Jonathan Timberlake: would like to be included in this list, (Acanthaceae: Blepharis, Duosperma) [email protected] please notify one of the editors together with the names of the National Herbarium (SRGH) & families/taxa you are working on. GERMANY Botanic Garden Mr Ezekeil Kwembeya: Friedrich-Schiller University, Jena [email protected] AUSTRALIA Dr Norbert Zimmermann: Mr Claid Mujaju: [email protected] [email protected] Queensland Herbarium, Toowong, (Euphorbiaceae, Ms Nozipo Nobanda: Queensland Mesembryanthemaceae) [email protected] Bryan Simon: Mr Soul Shava: [email protected] (w) OR Hamburg University: Botanical [email protected] [email protected] (h) Institute & Garden Ms Ratidzayi (Rattie) Takawira: (Tropical grasses) Prof. Dr HEK Hartmann: [email protected] (also Paul Forster: [email protected] available through SRGH address) [email protected] (w) OR (Aizoaceae, Mesembryanthema) General SRGH address: [email protected] (h) Dr Pia Parolin: [email protected] (Asphodelaceae, Alooideae) [email protected] (desert ecology, ecophysiology) TEAM VUMBA: The Environmental Dr Joachim Thiede: Association for Management of ENGLAND [email protected] Vumba’s Unique Mountain (Aizoaceae, Crassulaceae) Biodiversity Areas IUCN: World Conservation Union Dr Colin Saunders: Craig Hilton-Taylor: University of Bayreuth [email protected] [email protected] Prof. Sigrid Liede: [email protected] University of Zimbabwe: Department National History Museum, London (Asclepiadaceae, of Biological Sciences Brian O’Shea: Mesembryanthemaceae) Dr Shakkie Kativu: [email protected] Dr Ulrich Meve: [email protected] (Bryophytes) [email protected] Mr Isaac Mapaure: (Asclepiadaceae) [email protected]

SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 155 NETHERLANDS SCOTLAND UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Department of Plant Sciences, Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh Wageningen University Dr Mary Gibby: Arkansas State University: Beebe Ir Ben Groen: [email protected] Prof. Stephen Manning: [email protected] (Geraniaceae) [email protected] (Asphodelaceae, Mesembryanthemaceae) Bishop Museum (Department of Prof. Dr LJG van der Maesen: SWEDEN Natural Sciences): Hawaii [email protected] Dr George Staples: (Fabaceae, Mesembryanthemaceae) Swedish Museum of Natural History [email protected] Dr Ir Jan Wieringa: Dr Mari Kallersjo: (Convolvulaceae) Herbarium Vadense (WAG) [email protected] [email protected] (Asteraceae, Myrsinaceae, Iowa State University: Department of (Fabaceae, Aphanocalyx, Bikinia, Primulaceae) Botany (Ada Hayden Herbarium) Icuria, Monopetalanthus and Prof. Bertil Nordenstam: Prof. Robert Wallace: Tetraberlinia) [email protected] [email protected] (Compositae, especially Senecioneae (Molecular systematics and phylogeny and Calenduleae, Syncarpha, of Aizoaceae s.l., Aloaceae/ NEW ZEALAND Colchicaceae: Anticharis) Asphodelaceae, Cactaceae, Didiereaceae, Nyctaginaceae, Victoria University, Wellington Uppsala University Phytolaccaceae, Portulacaceae) Mr Fanie Venter: Prof. Kåre Bremer: [email protected] [email protected] University of California: Jepson (Asteraceae) Herbarium Mr Mattias Iwarsson: Bruce Baldwin: NORWAY [email protected] [email protected] (Lamiaceae, Leonotis) (Asteraceae: Blepharispermum, Agricultural University of Norway: Welwitschiella) Department of Biology and Nature University of Missouri-Columbia: Conservation SWITZERLAND Dunn-Palmer Herbarium (UMO) Prof. Kåre Lye: Dr Leszek Vincent: [email protected] Institute for Systematic Botany, [email protected] (Cyperaceae) University of Zürich (Asteraceae: Senecio, Iridaceae: Prof. Christopher Cook: Aristea) Botanical Garden, University of Oslo, [email protected] OR Blindern [email protected] Independent Prof. Brita Stedje: (Hydrocharitaceae, Limnocharitaceae, Mrs Mary Wilkins & Mr Anthon Ellert: [email protected] Lythraceae, Podostemaceae, [email protected] (Anthericaceae, Asphodelaceae, Pontederiaceae) Hyacinthaceae) Juerg Schoenenberger: [email protected] (Penaeceae, WALES Botanical Institute, The Norwegian Oliniaceae, Rhynchocalycaceae) Arboretum, University of Bergen, National Botanic Garden of Wales Hjellestad Dr Charles Stirton: Dr Cornelis Berg: [email protected] [email protected] (Fabaceae, Hyacinthaceae, Rosaceae, (Moraceae, Ulmaceae) Verbenaceae)

Last updated 26 August 2002

156 SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 From The President’s Desk Highest NRF Accolade for SAAB Stalwart

n 2001, the book chapter, established her as an is further illustrated by the professional I South internationally recognised worker in success of her postgraduate students, African Asso- the field. Her research at the Univer- many of whom hold key positions in ciation of sity of Natal (Durban) over the last two academia and industry. Botanists hon- decades led to several pivotal break- oured Profes- throughs regarding seed desiccation Unbelievable as it may seem, Pat still sor Patricia sensitivity, the nature of seed recalci- has spare time to indulge in many di- Berjak’s life- trance and germplasm cryopreser- verse hobbies. Apart from being long commit- vation. To date, she has published over proudly owned by MacBite, the most ment and con- 120 articles in scientific journals and spoiled cat in the Kingdom of the Zulu, tributions to books and has given a multitude of ple- she and Norman (Professor Norman Botany with nary lectures at international and lo- Pammenter, also a long-serving and the prestigious Silver Medal award. cal conferences. She has received nu- distinguished member of our Associa- Consequently, we are delighted, al- merous other accolades from her tion) have recently refurbished a clas- beit not surprised, by the NRF Evalu- peers, including election as a Fellow sic Scimitar GTE, are both holders of ation Centre’s recent announcement of the University of Natal in 1994 and pilot licences, judge international aero- of her A-rated status. We congratu- Fellow of the Royal Society of South batics competitions, and are accom- late Pat on this important tribute to Africa in 1996. She is, however, not plished ballroom dancers! her international standing as an in- only a gifted researcher, but is also novative plant scientist. dedicated to improving university Professor Berjak’s considerable scien- teaching and is widely regarded as an tific prowess and generosity of spirit Pat’s botanical career started when, innovative and highly effective educa- have and will continue to leave an in- after obtaining an M.Sc. in Zoology, tor. She serves on many strategic com- delible and inspirational mark on the she discovered—and was conse- mittees of the University of Natal, is a international botanical landscape. The quently mesmerised by—the intrigu- trustee of the Durban Botanical Gar- Association is proud to count her ing world of seeds. Her Ph.D. thesis dens, and the Chair of its Education amongst its members and wishes her on maize seed deterioration, which committee. Her impact on the ad- continued success. yielded five keystone papers and a vancement of Botany in South Africa —Professor J. van Staden

level and appointment, in 1966, as a to Wits, when he was invited to take junior lecturer in the Department of up the Chair of Botany (1987–2002) and Botany. The following year he took headship of the Department. In addi- up a lecturing position at the Univer- tion he has served as Assistant Dean sity of Natal, Durban, but returned of the Faculty of Science since 1989. He to Wits in 1972 to a senior lectureship has remained in academia throughout and was promoted to associate pro- his career and has been an inspiration fessor in 1975. In August 1974 he was to staff and students during the last awarded a Wits Council Fellowship thirty years. He has made an ongoing and CSIR Postdoctoral Bursary, and significant contribution to the ad- which enabled him to spend some vancement of Botany in South Africa. five months at the University of Washington Marine Station and a Richard is also an outstanding teacher. further seven months in the UK at the Throughout his long career he has lec- Richard Pienaar Marine Biological Association labo- tured to undergraduate and post- A Botanist of Note ratory in Plymouth. Natal beckoned graduate students. His lectures are again, and in 1977 he was appointed well prepared, challenging, and pre- Professor and Head of the Department sented in a way that builds confidence ichard Pienaar was educated at of Botany at the Pietermaritzburg cam- in students. Professor Pienaar consid- the universities of Natal and the R pus, where he was also Dean of the ers teaching to be an extremely impor- Witwatersrand, beginning at the lat- Faculty of Science during 1985 and tant part of any academic’s role and ter with his studies up to Masters 1986. 1987 saw his long-term reversion sets an outstanding example to his staff

SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 157 by being prepared to teach large Over the years, Richard has made a extremely popular as the Head and first-year classes, as well as smaller, significant contribution to the study of many younger staff members blos- more advanced, specialist classes. He cryptogamic botany in South Africa. somed under his leadership. He also believes that an academic should be Since 1996, he has concentrated on the established a process for providing sufficiently versatile to be able to step potentially harmful toxic algae occur- postgraduate students with excellent into almost any area of the first-year ring off the coastline of South Africa, support. He created a postgraduate curriculum. He also considers prac- as well as the potential for introduc- structure that ensured the quality of tical classes an essential part of any tion of harmful micro-algae via ship- the research being undertaken, as degree and again sets an example by ping ballast water. Much of this work well as a committee structure that being present in all his practical is done in collaboration with the Ma- gave ongoing advice and support to classes regardless of other demands rine and Coastal Management pro- the students. This extremely efficient on his time. gramme. system allowed the number of graduate students to grow to over a Richard has a high research profile He is often invited as the keynote 100 in the Department in 2000. The in South Africa and internationally speaker at large international meet- University of the Witwatersrand has with his research focus currently ings. He promotes and facilitates the most recently recognized his lead- being on marine and estuarine attendance of staff and postgraduate ership skills by promoting him to nanoplankton. His publications students at South African conferences Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic– show the breadth of his knowledge, and pays particular attention to ensur- Internal). as well as his ability to produce ex- ing that as many people as possible are tremely detailed descriptions of or- funded to attend the annual SAAB Richard is a warm, friendly, caring ganisms. His CV lists 114 publica- conferences. person with a good sense of humour. tions in refereed journals with a fur- His wife, Shirley, provides him with ther five in preparation, and presen- Richard has dedicated his entire career enormous support, always under- tations at 27 international and 99 to the training of botany students and standing his commitment to doing South African conferences. Over the the development of botany depart- the job right. He works long hours, years Richard has supervised 27 ments in the country. Richard made often being the first to arrive at work MSc, PhD, and post-doctoral stu- outstanding contributions in the Wits and the last to leave. As members of dents. The award of a B rating by the Department of Botany during his term his staff we have all benefited enor- National Research Foundation has as head of the department: his mana- mously and feel that he is truly de- recognized the quality of his re- gerial style—a mixture of relatively serving of the Silver Medal. search. tight control with high expectations— and an open-door policy allowed his —Prof. Mary Scholes & staff plenty of space to develop. He was Prof. David Mycock Haarlem Honeybush Sweet Smell Of Success

roleplayers in the Cape’s agricultural supplemented their income by gath- industry. The first harvest, consisting ering wild Honeybush in often haz- of 30 tons, has already been sold to ardous conditions, typically walking commercial buyers, including Cape for many kilometers in rocky, snake- Natural Tea Products and Grassroots infested terrain to find and harvest Natural Products, and is expected to the plants. As the demand for Ho- A close up of the brilliant yellow bring a cash injection of more than R70 neybush grew, however, gatherers flowers of a Cyclopia species. 000 to the community. Although rela- had to move deeper into the wilds (Photo: ASNAPP team) tively small, the first crop signals the to find adequate supplies, resulting beginning of a burgeoning Honey- in depleted natural stocks and ural farmers in Haarlem, one of bush industry in the area, where for- putting heavy pressure on the envi- Rthe Western Cape’s most impov- mal employment opportunities are ex- ronment. erished communities, have taken tremely limited and pension or social their first steps towards becoming grants are often the main source of in- In a bid to create self-sustaining commercial growers of Honeybush, come. agribusinesses through commercial an indigenous herb tipped to be- Honeybush production, members of come a major South African export. Rich in minerals and prized for its anti- the Haarlem community joined oxidant properties, low tannin and caf- forces with organized agriculture The ten farmers, including three feine content, Honeybush (Cyclopia last year to establish the 10-hectare women, have produced their first species) is indigenous to South Africa Haarlem Honeybush plantation. Honeybush harvest following a and grows only in the mountainous Each of ten participating farmers groundbreaking project between fynbos regions of the Cape Province. purchased 10 000 Honeybush seed- emerging entrepreneurs and leading For decades, local communities have lings for cultivation on one hectare of

158 SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 land, leased long-term from the local for botanical ingredients, they intro- cal support and expertise from our council. duced the Haarlem farmers to leading project collaborators, representing exporters and international fair trade government, the private sector, and Scientific Methods, Close buyers. Led by horticulturalist Elton commercial farmers, and on the Collaboration Jefthas, ASNAPP also continues re- other the Haarlem entrepreneurs’ searching vegetative propagation of commitment and willingness to suc- The project was coordinated by Honeybush tea and sustainable harvest- ceed. That is a potent combination, ASNAPP (Agribusiness in Sustain- ing procedures. The ASNAPP team plans a recipe bound for success.” able Natural African Plant Products), to make cultivation and data available to a program of the University of the broader industry, which is still in its The farmers themselves agree that Stellenbosch, formed in partnership infancy compared to Rooibos, South Af- the four cornerstones of the project’s with the US Agency for International rica’s prime herbal tea product. success were affordable access to fi- Development (USAID) to develop nance, training, securing buyers for and implement sustainable African This community-driven project was their product, as well as individual natural products businesses that will also supported by other role players ownership and dedication. provide income, employment, and in the Western Cape’s agricultural sec- economic development in rural tor. The Agricultural Research Coun- One of the three female farmers in the communities. cil assisted with establishing the test group, 26-year-old Karen Hoggans, stand, and further helped with soil said she had previously tried, unsuc- ASNAPP conducted cultivation tri- analysis and preparations. Access to cessfully, to grow flowers and vegeta- als and investigated post-harvest financial resources came in the form bles. “But all the plants simply died at processing and quality control meth- of a grant from the Deptartment of some stage and I really thought I would ods in conjunction with Rutgers Uni- Agriculture for infrastructure develop- never be able to be a successful farmer. versity of New Jersey in the USA. ment, and two loans from ASNAPP This time it was different as the people They also did the technology trans- and Landcare for other establishing from ASNAPP helped us every step of fer and market research. As part of costs. Cape Natural Tea Products partly the way. Without the training and sup- ASNAPP’s commitment to helping funded the purchasing of seedlings on port they gave me, I would have had emerging farmers gain a foothold in the condition that the farmers sell the just more dead plants. Now I am so the burgeoning worldwide market same percentage of their first crop proud that I can sell my harvest to a back to the company. Commer- buyer.” cial farmers from the area also reached out to the new Haarlem When asked what advice she would farmers by visiting the plantation give to other community farmers to give some practical advice. who are interested in cultivating Honeybush, Hoggans said: “You Good Expansion Prospects must accept full responsibility and not expect anyone else to do the Says team leader Elton Jefthas of work for you. And you must take ASNAPP, “Our aim is to empower care of every single plant—treat it emerging farmers to create self- with love and respect. I am now sustaining agribusinesses. We ready to also try other crops, as long were very encouraged by the as ASNAPP will again show me how way these farmers took respon- to do it right.” The ASNAPP team at the entrance to the Haarlem sibility for the one hectare of land Honeybush project. Left to right Mr Petrus and the 10 000 plants under each For this group of farmers, the first Langenhoven (crop scientist), Mr Basil Williams one’s care. They should be very Honeybush harvest was merely the (technician), Ms Jacky Goliath (horticulturist), Ms proud of what they have achieved beginning. They are keen to expand Glynis Cyster (secretary), Dr Marianna Smith to date and we believe we will see the plantation and to investigate the (researcher), Ms Retha Venter (information this project expand and prosper feasibility of other crops. They also specialist) and Mr Elton Jefthas (project leader). in the years to come.” hope to see more people from Haarlem (Photo: ASNAPP team) getting involved in agribusinesses. In According to Jefthas, from a re- the past, half of the Honeybush farm- source-limited farmer’s per- ers have had to rely on pension and spective, Honeybush tea offers social grants as their main source of a less expensive alternative to income. Now they are motivated and the more traditional crops geared to change that. grown in the Cape Province. Jefthas added that the Haarlem —Retha Venter Honeybush project could serve ASNAPP, South Africa as a model for establishing new PO Box 2331 entrepreneurs in agribusiness, Dennesig, 7601 not only in South Africa, but South Africa also the rest of Africa. “This was Tel.: + 27 21 808 2915 a truly community-driven ven- Fax: + 27 21 808 2917 One of the proud farmers look at his harvest of tea. ture. On the one side, we had [email protected] (Photo: ASNAPP team) access to financial and techni- www.asnapp.org

SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 159 SAAB Conference Proceedings to Appear in South African Journal of Botany

he annual SAAB Conference was Theld in Grahamstown in January this year. A suggestion was made at the Annual General Meeting to consider publishing the abstracts of the papers and posters presented at the Conference in the South African Jour- nal of Botany. SAAB takes pleasure in announcing that the abstracts will be published in SAJB Volume 68, Is- sue 2, 2002—a first for the Confer- ence. As we plan to do this annually, contributors are urged to pay more attention to both content and quality of abstracts submitted for future Con- ferences. The final product will be what has been submitted and will not The honeybush tea plantation at Haarlem. be sent out for proofreading at the galley stage.

Drawing by Edwin Kathumba.

160 SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 the

FLORA Publications Trust

Announces the publication of its limited edition print portfolio uKhahlamba Drakensberg Flowers by Tessa Dean. (see page 144 for details)

SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 161 We thank the following people and organisations for help with preparing this issue of SABONET News:

Trevor Arnold Norbert Hahn Nyasha Rukazhanga-Noko Antoinette Burkhardt Lesley Henderson Mary Scholes Berenice Carolus Hans Heiligendorff Christopher Shabalala Jim & Betty Chapman Edwin Kathumba Franci Siebert David Chuba Mike Kimberley Mariana Smith Christopher Dalzell Lerato Kose Hannelie Snyman Sandra Dell Mervyn Lötter René Swart Titus Dlamini MacImage Brian Tarr Gideon Dlamini Tau Mahlelebe Sandra Turck Titus Dlamini Coleen Mannheimer Queen Turner Didier Dogley Donald Mpalika Marianne Uiras Douglas Gibbs David Mycock Johannes van Staden Lidia Gibson Ian Oliver Retha Venter Hugh Glen Patrick Phiri Susanne Vetter Janice Golding Moretloa Polaki Rose Williams Carina Haasbroek Estelle Potgieter Christopher Willis

In the November 2002 edition of SABONET News...

Profiles: Marinda Koekemoer (South Africa) Gladys Msekandiana (Malawi)

Living Collections: Free State National Botanical Garden (South Africa) Vumba Botanical Garden (Zimbabwe)

Herbaria: UCBG and GAB (Botswana) ROML and MASE (Lesotho) Various articles on the Poaceae and grasslands

162 SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 About SABONET

This publication is a product of the Southern African Botanical Diversity Network (SABONET), a programme aimed at strengthening the level of botanical expertise, expanding and improving herbarium and botanic garden collections, and fostering closer collaborative links among botanists in the southern African subcontinent.

The main objective of SABONET is to develop a strong core of professional botanists, taxonomists, horticulturists, and plant diversity specialists within the ten countries of southern Africa (Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe). This core group will be competent to inventory, monitor, evaluate, and conserve the botanical diversity of the region in the face of specific development challenges, and to respond to the technical and scientific needs of the Convention on Biological Diversity.

To enhance the human resource capacity and infrastructure available in the region, SABONET offers training courses, workshops, and collaborative expeditions in under-collected areas. The programme produces a series of occasional publications, the Southern African Botanical Diversity Network Report Series, and a newsletter, SABONET News.

SABONET is co-funded by: • The United States Agency for International Development (USAID/World Conservation Union—Regional Office for southern Africa (IUCN-ROSA) • The Global Environment Facility (GEF)/United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

For more information about our projects in southern Africa contact one of the following addresses:

General enquiries about SABONET MALAWI SWAZILAND SABONET Coordinator National Herbarium and Botanic National Herbarium c/o National Botanical Institute Gardens of Malawi (Mr Gideon Dlamini) Private Bag X101 (Dr Augustine Chikuni) Malkerns Agricultural Research Station Pretoria 0001 P.O. Box 528 P.O. Box 4 South Africa Zomba Malkerns Tel: (27) 12 804 3200 Tel: (265) 525 388/118/145 Tel: (268) 52 82111/83017/83038 Fax: (27) 12 804 3211/5979 Fax: (265) 524164/108 Fax: (268) 52 83360/83490 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] http://www.sabonet.org MOZAMBIQUE ZAMBIA ANGOLA LMA Herbarium (Mr Calane da Silva) Herbarium (Dr Patrick Phiri) Luanda Herbarium Instituto Nacional de Investigaçáo Department of Biological Sciences (Prof. Esparança Costa) Agronómica University of Zambia Universidade Agostinho Neto Caixa Postal 3658 P.O. Box 32379 Rua Fernando Pessoa No. 103 Mavalane Lusaka Villa Alice Maputo Tel: (260) 1 293 158 Caixa Postal 3244 Tel: (258) 1 460 255/130/190/097 Fax: (260) 1 294806/253952 Tel: (244) 2 336 168 Fax: (258) 1 460 074 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: (244) 2 336 168 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] ZIMBABWE NAMIBIA National Herbarium and Botanic Garden BOTSWANA National Herbarium (Ms Nozipo Nobanda) National Herbarium (Dr Gillian Maggs-Kölling) Alexandra Park (Mr Nonofo Mosesane) National Botanical Research Institute Avondale Private Bag 00114 Private Bag 13184 Harare Gaborone Windhoek Tel: (263) 4 708 938/744170/725313/ Tel: (267) 373860/374616 Tel: (264) 61 202 2020 745230 Fax: (267) 311186/302797 Fax: (264) 61 258 153 Fax: (263) 4 728 317/708 938 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]

LESOTHO SOUTH AFRICA National Environment Secretariat National Herbarium (Mr Moretloa Polaki) (Prof. Gideon Smith) Ministry of Environment National Botanical Institute Private Bag A23 Private Bag X101 Maseru 100 Pretoria 0001 Tel: (266) 311 767 Tel: (27) 12 804 3200 Fax: (266) 310 506/321505 Fax: (27) 12 804 3211/5343 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]

SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002 163 164 SABONET News Vol. 7 No. 2 September 2002