Ecological Scan: Tjate

Booysendal South Flora & Fauna

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SECTION B: TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Introduction ...... 1

2. Methodology ...... 1 2.1. Desktop Research ...... 1 2.2. Fieldwork ...... 2 2.3. Data Analysis ...... 1 2.4. Limitations...... 2

3. Results ...... 4 3.1. Regional Vegetation ...... 4 3.2. Regional Floral Diversity ...... 5 3.3. Local Habitats and Floral Communities ...... 5 3.4. Conservation Important Species ...... 36 3.5. Alien Invasive Species ...... 51

4. Concluding Remarks ...... 53

SECTION B: LIST OF TABLES

Table 2-1 Braun-Blanquet cover classes (Mueller-Dombois & Ellenberg, 1974) ...... 1 Table 3-1 Vegetation types within the region of Booysendal South...... 4 Table 3-2 Top ten dominant plant families and overall proportion of each plant growth form recorded within the QDS wherein Booysendal is situated ...... 5 Table 3-3 Floral communities identified within the Study Area (Phase 1 and 2 of the Booysendal South Expansion Project) ...... 9 Table 3-4 Aloe -Myrothamnus Shrub Sheetrock Community ...... 11 Table 3-5 Searsia- Diospyros - Rhoicissus Rocky outcrops Community ...... 13 Table 3-6 Brachiaria - Tristachya Exposed Rock Community ...... 15 Table 3-7 Lydenburgia - Vitex - Kirkia Rocky Thicket Community ...... 17 Table 3-8 Acacia - Euclea- Hippobromus - Scolopia Thicket Community...... 19 Table 3-9 Protea – Themeda Open Woodland Community...... 21 Table 3-10 Slope Grassland Communities ...... 23 Table 3-11 Heteropogon - Eragrostis Semi-natural grassland Community ...... 25 Table 3-12 Tulbaghia – Eleocharis Sheet Rock Seeps Community ...... 27 Table 3-13 Fuirena - Agrostis Seep Community ...... 29 Table 3-14 Phragmites Vlei Community ...... 30 Table 3-15 Faurea - Combretum - Halleria Riparian Community ...... 32 Table 3-16 Acacia-Hyperthelia Lower Floodplain Grassland...... 34 Table 3-17 CI Plant Numbers per TSP, MTPA in South Africa and Mpumalanga ...... 37 Table 3-18 Conservation Important plant species listed for grid square 2530AA ...... 38

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Table 3-19 Protected Species of flora found in the NSS Study area (highlighted in green) and in the broader surrounds ...... 42

SECTION B: LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 2-1 Vegetation sampling plots ...... 3 Figure 3-1 Photographic representation of broad habitats in BS4 ...... 7 Figure 3-2 Photographic representation of broad habitats in the valley and slopes of the Groot Dwars River (Section 24G Footprint, survey areas north and south of BS1/2) ...... 8 Figure 3-3 Map of the floral communities identified in the Booysendal Study Area ...... 10 Figure 3-4 Species to look out for in the study area ...... 37 Figure 3-5 Examples of observed CI plant species in Booysendal ...... 44 Figure 3-6 Additional Examples of Red Listed CI plant species in Booysendal ...... 45 Figure 3-7 Photographic evidence of additional CI fern plant species on Site ...... 46 Figure 3-8 Photographic evidence of CI Fungi plant species on Site ...... 48 Figure 3-9 Photographic evidence of additional CI Fungi plant species in the NSS Study Area ...... 49 Figure 3-10 Locations of observed CI plant species in the NSS Study area – Booysendal South Expansion Project ...... 50 Figure 3-11 Examples of observed alien invasives in BS4 ...... 53 Figure 3-12 Examples of observed alien invasives within the study area ...... 53

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SECTION B: FLORAL ASSESSMENT

1. Introduction

This report Section B details the Baseline Floral Assessment, which involved desktop- and field- based investigations of the structure, dominant species composition and condition of regional vegetation types and local floral communities. It is important to note that vegetation and flora is a major component when studying ecosystems. The composition, diversity, and structure of vegetation are important factors for assessing biological diversity. Vegetation is the source of primary production, plays a direct role in water and nutrient cycling, and interacts strongly with other biotic components being a determinant habitat for many species. Within the study region, as indicated in Section A, the vegetation is representative (a transitional area) of both the Savanna and Grassland Biomes. Grasslands provide essential ecosystem services, which include water production, wetland functioning and flood attenuation, good quality soil and forage for livestock; cultural and heritage value and the support for livelihoods (i.e. the use of medicinal plants). It is well documented that grasslands contain a high diversity of both plants and animals and is second only to the Cape Floristic Region.

Vegetation has also been identified as a specific target for the calculation of critical loads/levels. The composition and structure of vegetation can serve as bio-indicators for environmental changes to ecosystems. Changes in vegetation and in underlying environmental factors can serve as indicators of the status of other organisms based on our current knowledge of the ecological niches of numerous plant species. This is specifically applicable in Ecotone areas. Although ecological changes will occur everywhere in response to say an environmental factor such as climate change, the signals will be detectable first in ecotones (Neilson, 1993). This sensitivity makes them indicators that provide early warning for other regions (Risser, 1993). Although ecotones are unique in provision of climate change-related services, they are threatened. Conservation traditionally is aimed at "prime" core areas of regional biomes/habitats rather than ecotones.

2. Methodology

2.1. Desktop Research A desktop investigation of regional vegetation, including Conservation Important (CI) floral species, was performed by consulting the following information sources: .. Google Earth and Bing satellite imagery. Google Earth imagery was updated during the survey after the fieldwork for BS Expansion Project Phase 1. This imagery was available for the additional fieldwork in December 2017 for the additional surveys areas specifically towards BN. .. Mucina & Rutherford’s (2006) vegetation map of southern Africa.

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.. The South African National Biodiversity Institute’s (SANBI’s) online PRECIS (PREtoria Computerised Information System) database called POSA, which provides taxonomic information for plant species occurring in southern Africa (in the format of Germishuizen & Meyer, 2003). For this study plant species data were obtained for the grid square 2530AA. .. The Recently uploaded web based Botanical Database of Southern Africa (BODATSA), which contains records from the National Herbarium in Pretoria (PRE), the Compton Herbarium in Cape Town and the KwaZulu-Natal Herbarium in Durban (NH). .. CI plant species records in the study region, supplied by POSA (2012 data), SANBI’s online Threatened Species Programme (TSP) and a list per farm for the QDS 2530AA was also supplied by the Mpumalanga Parks and Tourism Agency (MPTA, pers. comm. 2017). .. The Mpumalanga Biodiversity Sector Plan, 2013 .. Assessments conducted within the study region including: o NSS (2014) Der Brochen Floristric Survey o EcoRex (2010). Aquarius Hoogland Biodiversity Study & Impact Assessment o SAS (2012). Ecological Opinion Considering the Viability of Openpit Mining on the Hoogland Project. o ARC (2010) Soil Survey for Proposed Everest Hoogland Mine, Mpumalanga o Siebert, S.J. 1998. Ultramafic substrates and floristic patterns in Sekhukhuneland, South Africa. M.Sc. Thesis, University of Pretoria o Siebert S. J., Van Wyk A.E. & Bredenkamp G. J. (2001) Endemism in the flora of ultramafic areas of Sekhukhuneland, South Africa. South African Journal of Science: 97 (2), no.11-12, pp. 529-532. o Siebert SJ, Matthee M, Van Wyk AE. (2003) Semi-arid savanna of the Potlake Nature Reserve and surrounding areas in Sekhukhuneland, South Africa. Koedoe 46: 1 29-52 o Scientific Aquatic Services (2012) Faunal, Floral, Wetland and Aquatic Assessment as Part of the EMPR Process for the Proposed Project Fairway Associated with the Aquarius Everest Works, Roossenekal, Mpumalanga. Prepared For Everest Platinum Pty Ltd January 2012 Section B –Floral Assessment o Ecofin (2016) Biodiversity: Flora and Fauna Diversity (Vertebrate and Invertebrate) With Special Reference to Protected and Rare Species. Booysendal Mine Specialist Biodiversity Report Northam Platinum Limited, South Africa.

2.2. Fieldwork NSS performed floral field surveys in and around BS4 during 9-13 January 2017 (mid-summer), for the Section 24G activities during 23-26 January 2017 (mid-summer), for an area south of BS1/2 during 22-25 May 2017 (autumn), and for additional proposed activities mainly between BN and BS1/2 during 12-15 December 2017 (mid-summer). The NSS Study Area shown in Section A Error! Reference source not found. represents the area that NSS surveyed for all BS Expansion Project Phase 1 and Phase 2 activities.

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Fieldwork involved: .. Sampling vegetation plots to determine the spatial extent, structure, condition and dominant species composition of different floral communities in the Booysendal study area (Figure 2-1). Sampling plot size was standardised at 100m2. Whilst a plot was sampled, a list of plant taxa was compiled and each taxon was assigned a cover-abundance estimate using the Braun-Blanquet approach (Mueller-Dombois & Ellenberg, 1974). The cover- abundance categories that were used for this purpose are listed in Table 2-1. .. Walking random transects to detect localised and CI (i.e. Red Listed, endemic, Protected and medicinal) plant species. Transects were also conducted along the linear route alternatives. .. Recording any observed alien and invasive plant species on site for incorporation into a management plan.

For the BS Expansion Project Phase 1 (Section 24G Application), a large proportion of the project footprint had been cleared with construction underway. Sections of the Main Access Road and ARC infrastructural footprints that still contained vegetation were surveyed during the 23-26 January 2017 trip for any species of conservation significance.

Table 2-1 Braun-Blanquet cover classes (Mueller-Dombois & Ellenberg, 1974) Class Range of cover (%) Mean 5 75-100 87.5 4 50-75 62.5 3 25-50 37.5 2 5-25 15.0 1 1-5 2.5  <1 0.1 r <<1 0.01

2.3. Data Analysis .. The Juice (version 7.0.41) software program for management, analysis and classification of ecological data was used to conduct a TWINSPAN Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) (Tichy & Holt, 2006). The R-program was included as an add-on programme to Juice to conduct the DCA ordination. .. A TWINSPAN1 analysis (Hill, 1979) of the Braun-Blanquet data, which represented the cover-abundance of species in each sample plot, was used to classify vegetation assemblages. The data were left untransformed to allow for only common or dominant species to participate in the analysis. .. An ordination using a detrended correspondence analysis of the same Braun Blanquet data was used to determine the proximity of relationships between sample entities, and

1 TWINSPAN is used to investigate associations between samples with the purpose of objectively distinguishing groups or assemblages. Samples that cluster together are believed to have similar compositions.

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confirm the vegetation assemblages (plant communities) identified in the TWINSPAN analysis.

2.4. Limitations .. NSS conducted the once-off study in midsummer (January 2017) for the BS Expansion Project Phase 1 (S24G and BS4 project areas), while additional studies for separate areas occurred within the dormant season and early summer of 2017. Therefore, not all potentially occurring floral species was likely to be detected. Some plant species with short flowering times and/or which are rare, small, or otherwise difficult to detect may not have been detected even though they were potentially present on site. A good basic understanding of local biodiversity was nonetheless obtained, and results of this study were supplemented with the previous assessments for the area. .. Mapping the study area was based on aerial imagery and groundtruthing. NSS has extensive knowledge in mapping vegetation via aerial imagery, however, inaccuracies can occur due to: o The scale at which the mapping was performed; o The date of the aerial imagery (NSS utilised the 2014 and 2017 imagery available in Google Earth); and o The interpretation of habitat/communities by the capturer. .. As an alternative to other vegetation cover methods (such as the Domin method), the Braun-Blanquet cover-abundance scale was used to analyze vegetation (natural areas). It is reported that the Braun-Blanquet method requires only one third to one fifth the field time required to other similar methods (Wikum & Shanholtzer, 1978). Furthermore, cover- abundance ratings are better suited than density values to elucidate graphically species- environment relationships. For extensive surveys this method provides sufficiently accurate baseline data to allow environmental impact assessment as required by regulatory agencies. However, there are a couple of problems that have been detected with such sampling methods (Hurford & Schneider, 2007). These are as follows: o It can be seen as subjective and dependent upon the experience and knowledge of the vegetation type by the surveyor. The cover estimate may vary from observer to observer. o There also may be a problem when the cover estimate is very close to two different classes (on the border so to speak) and then it is for the observer to decide which class it should be allocated to. o The time of the year can also influence the dominance / cover estimates specifically with herbaceous species and grassland type habitats.

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Figure 2-1 Vegetation sampling plots

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3. Results

3.1. Regional Vegetation According to Mucina & Rutherford (2006) there are two main vegetation types surrounding Booysendal. These include The Sekhukhune Montane Grassland (Gm19); and the Sekhukhune Mountain Bushveld (SVcb28) (Table 3-1). The most abundant and prominent plant species in these vegetation types are discussed in Section A. The Booysendal South MR activities fall in and around BS4. These areas along with BS4 are located directly within the Sekhukhune Montane Grassland, and the already commenced activities (under Phase 1 Section 24G Application) and proposed activities under the Booysendal MR lie mainly within the Sekhukhune Mountain Bushveld (SVcb28). Although the Booysendal South MR activities are positioned in the Sekhukhune Montane Grassland, this part of the study area is rather seen as situated in an Ecotone between these two units and the Lydenburg Montane Grassland. On a national scale, the study area lies within the Sekhukhuneland Centre of Plant Endemism (SCPE) and slightly enters the Lydenburg Centre to the east. Within the SCPE, the endemics are primarily edaphic (soil) specialists that have adapted to the unique geology and associated ‘heavy metal toxic’ mafic and ultramafic soils of the area, as well as the irregular topography and diverse micro- climates.

Table 3-1 Vegetation types within the region of Booysendal South VEGETATION VEGETATION TOPOGRAPHY ENDEMICS CONSERVATION THREATS TYPE STRUCTURE STATUS Dense grassland Steep hillsides and High proportion to Vulnerable and Mining on rocky slopes deep river valleys, the SCPE and 4 Endemic to Sekhukhune and boulder fields, with occasional endemics to Mpumalanga Montane with scattered level plains and Vegetation type Grassland dense thickets on plateaus sheltered rocky (altitudinal range 1 outcrops 300 – 1 960 masl)

Steep hillsides Open to closed High proportion to Least Threatened Increasing and mountain microphyllous and the SCPE and 3 pressure from Sekhukhune slopes, as well as broadleaved endemics to mining Mountain gentle footslopes savannah, often Vegetation type developments Bushveld with a well- developed herb layer

Dense grassland High-altitude High proportion to Vulnerable and Commercial characterised by plateaus, the LCPE and 25 Endemic to afforesta- high species undulating plains, endemics to Mpumalanga tion Lydenburg richness of forbs mountain peaks Vegetation type Montane and slopes, and Grassland deep valleys (altitudinal range up to 2 330 masl)

Due largely to the uniqueness and endemic richness of this region it has been described by NEMBA’s National List of Threatened Ecosystems as the Endangered Sekhukhune Mountainlands (MP 9) System rated within Criterion F. These are Priority areas for meeting explicit biodiversity targets as defined within systematic biodiversity plans for the province.

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Further to this, the area is recognised as a Priority Zone (North Eastern Escarpment) under SANBI for conservation initiatives.

3.2. Regional Floral Diversity From the PRECIS data supplied by SANBI (2530AA), 450 plant species of 87 families have been recorded for the QDS where the site is located (PRECIS data2 accessed February and December 2017). The dominant families are listed as Asteraceae; Poaceae and Fabaceae (Table 3-2). This is further supported by the fact that 32% of the species expected at this site are herbs, with a large percentage belonging to the Asteraceae and Fabaceae families (Table 3-2). Although there is a large number of Poaceae listed, these constitute approximately 12.44% of the vegetation structure. Shrubs and small trees as well as geophytes play a large role in the structure of the different communities. These findings from POSA data correspond with the vegetation structure found onsite as represented in Table 3-2, where herbs represented over 27%, graminoids, 17% and geophytic species 12%.

Table 3-2 Top ten dominant plant families and overall proportion of each plant growth form recorded within the QDS wherein Booysendal is situated POSA DATA ON SITE FINDINGS % OF NO. OF NO. OF FAMILY FAMILY GROWTH FORM TOTAL SPECIES SPECIES SPECIES ASTERACEAE 69 POACEAE 59 Herb 27.78 POACEAE 56 ASTERACEAE 44 Graminoid 17.5 FABACEAE 28 FABACEAE 20 Geophyte 12.22 SCROPHULARIACEAE 19 CYPERACEAE 15 Shrub 8.33 CYPERACEAE 17 ANACARDIACEAE 12 Shrub, Tree 8.33 ORCHIDACEAE 17 APOCYNACEAE 10 Dwarf Shrub 5.56 APOCYNACEAE 15 ASPHODELACEAE 10 Succulent 5 IRIDACEAE 14 MALVACEAE 8 Tree 4.17 LAMIACEAE 13 HYACINTHACEAE 7 Cyperoid 3.61 CRASSULACEAE 12 IRIDACEAE 7 Lithophyte 2.5

3.3. Local Habitats and Floral Communities During the field surveys the following broad habitats (Figure 3-1; Figure 3-2 and Figure 3-3) were identified in the NSS Study Area:

.. Bushveld and Thicket .. Riparian and Wetland .. Grasslands .. Rocky Outcrops and Boulders .. Transformed Areas.

2 POSA/PRECIS Database has not been fully updated since 2012

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From these surveys, at least 78 vegetation sampling points were comprehensive enough to incorporate in the floral community analysis. Fifteen floral communities emerged from the ordination. Due to poor accessibility and safety, the Cliff Face and Deep Kloof unit was not sufficiently sampled but, according to the layouts provided, would not be directly impacted. For the survey south and north of BS1/2 most of these habitats were present, however, an additional habitat along the Groot Dwars River was incorporated.

The identified habitats and floral communities in the Study Area include: .. Bushveld and Thicket o Lydenburgia - Vitex - Kirkia Rocky Thicket o Cliff face & Kloof Habitat o Acacia - Euclea- Hippobromus - Scolopia Thicket o Protea - Themeda Slope Open Woodland .. Riparian and Wetland o Faurea - Combretum - Halleria Riparian vegetation o Dams / Man made waterbodies o Fuirena - Agrostis Seep Zones o Tulbaghia – Eleocharis Sheetrock Wetland o Phragmites - Schoenoplectus Vlei system o Fuirena - Leersia - Phragmites Vlei system o Acacia-Hyperthelia Lower Floodplain Grassland .. Rocky Grasslands o Loudetia - Themeda Western Slope Grasslands o Acacia caffra - Ozoroa - Tristachya Eastern Slope Grasslands o Heteropogon - Eragrostis Semi-natural grassland .. Rocky Outcrops, Sheet Rock and Boulders o Searsia- Diospyros - Rhoicissus Rocky outcrops o Aloe - Myrothamnus - Xerophyta Sheet Rock Formations o Brachiaria - Tristachya Exposed Rock .. Transformed Areas. o Agriculture - kiwi farming o Agriculture - past farming o Cleared Areas o Current infrastructure o Lippia - Eragrostis Transformed (past clearing, some recovery) o Main Alien Bushclumps (Eucalyptus / Acacia mearnsii) o Transformed vleis (through farming etc)

The identified communities described are listed in Table 3-3, mapped in Figure 3-3, and described, respectively, in Table 3-4 to Table 3-15.

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Tulbaghia – Eleocharis Sheetrock Wetland Searsia- Diospyros - Rhoicissus Rocky outcrops

Lippia - Eragrostis Transformed (past clearing, some Wetlands – Phragmites Dominated Dams recovery)

Fuirena - Leersia - Phragmites Vlei Brachiaria - Tristachya Exposed Rock Fuirena - Agrostis Seep Zones system Figure 3-1 Photographic representation of broad habitats in BS4

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Aloe - Myrothamnus Shrubland on norite sheetrock Protea - Themeda Slope Open Woodland

Faurea - Combretum - Halleria Riparian vegetation Loudetia - Themeda Western Slope Grasslands

Acacia - Euclea- Hippobromus - Scolopia Thicket Lydenburgia - Vitex - Kirkia Rocky Thicket Figure 3-2 Photographic representation of broad habitats in the valley and slopes of the Groot Dwars River (Section 24G Footprint, survey areas north and south of BS1/2)

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Table 3-3 Floral communities identified within the Study Area (Phase 1 and 2 of the Booysendal South Expansion Project) % HABITAT AREA SURVEY AOC AREA Woodland and Thicket Lydenburgia - Vitex - Kirkia Rocky Thicket 50.38 3.48 High Cliff face & Kloof Habitat 5.13 0.35 High Acacia - Euclea- Hippobromus - Scolopia Thicket 54.08 3.73 Moderate-High Protea - Themeda Slope Open Woodland 7.09 0.49 Moderate-High Riparian and Wetland Faurea - Combretum - Halleria Riparian vegetation 36.30 2.50 High Dams / Man Made Systems 21.16 1.46 Moderate Fuirena - Agrostis Seep Zones 12.08 0.83 High Tulbaghia – Eleocharis Sheetrock Wetland 10.53 0.73 High Phragmites - Schoenoplectus Vlei system 23.00 1.59 High Fuirena - Leersia - Phragmites Vlei system 42.88 2.96 High Acacia-Hyperthelia Lower Floodplain Grassland 15.60 1.08 High Rocky Grasslands Loudetia - Themeda Western Slope Grasslands 66.34 4.58 Moderate-High Acacia caffra - Ozoroa - Tristachya Eastern Slope 192.00 13.25 Moderate-High Grasslands Heteropogon - Eragrostis Semi-natural grassland 77.99 5.38 Moderate Rocky Outcrops, Sheet Rock and Boulders Searsia- Diospyros - Rhoicissus Rocky outcrops 9.28 0.64 Moderate-High Aloe - Myrothamnus - Xerophyta Sheet Rock 13.16 0.91 High Formations Brachiaria - Tristachya Exposed Rock 78.55 5.39 High Transformed Areas. Agriculture - kiwi farming 145.21 10.02 Low Agriculture - past farming 140.38 9.68 Low Cleared Areas 23.72 2.02 Low Cleared Areas for roads 37.00 2.55 Low Current infrastructure 153.62 10.60 Low Main Alien Bushclumps (Eucalyptus / Acacia mearnsii) 77.04 5.31 Low Lippia - Eragrostis Transformed (past clearing, some 101.6 7.01 Moderate-Low recovery) Transformed vleis 15.16 1.05 Moderate-Low

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Figure 3-3 Map of the floral communities identified in the Booysendal Study Area

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As mentioned above, the following tables (Table 3-4 to Table 3-15.) describe the different vegetation communities grouped within the: .. Rocky Outcrops, Sheet Rock and Boulder habitat .. Woodland/Bushveld and Thicket habitat .. Rocky Grassland habitat .. Riparian and Wetland habitat

1.1.1 Rocky Outcrops, Sheet Rock and Boulders

This group consists of three vegetation communities. The Brachiaria - Tristachya Exposed Rock community is mainly affected by the BS MR activities (by the backfill plant and associated proposed infrastructure). A number of proposed activities under the Booysendal MR bisect the Searsia- Diospyros - Rhoicissus Rocky outcrops and the Aloe - Myrothamnus - Xerophyta Sheet Rock Formations such as the proposed water pipeline route.

Table 3-4 Aloe -Myrothamnus Shrub Sheetrock Community Aloe -Myrothamnus Shrub Sheetrock Community

Photographic representation

Within De Berg Conservancy (Davel Private Nature Reserve -DPNR) Buffer; Highest Biodiversity National Importance (MBGs) Importance: Mpumalanga -Critical Biodiversity Area; Sekhukhune Mountainlands Threatened Ecosystem* Mpumalanga Mesic Grasslands Focal Area ; North Eastern Escarpment Priority Area Vegetation Sekhukhune Montane Grassland; Sekhukhune Mountain Bushveld Unit Est. Shrub species: 40-50cm Est. ground Herbaceous >90% Rock Cover Grasses: 70-80cm cover: Height: Extent of Unit 0.91% or the area surveyed Regulating Services: Erosion control, Pollination. Cultural Services: Inspiration, Aesthetic values, Sense of place, Cultural heritage values, Ecosystem Potential ecotourism (The Dwars Valley), Plants with medicinal uses such as Merwilla plumbea Services: Supporting Services: Primary production, Production of atmospheric oxygen, Soil formation and retention, Nutrient cycling, and Provisioning of habitat. Species Species composition is diverse with a large component representing succulents. Irreplaceable Diversity Condition: No transformation is evident within this habitat

Natural Scientific Services CC B-11 Booysendal South Flora & Fauna Aloe -Myrothamnus Shrub Sheetrock Community Weedy species are scarce and community is considered stable Strong association with the Sheet Rock Seeps forming a unique assemblage of species .. VU Zantedeschia pentlandii .. NT Merwilla plumbea .. NT Aloe barbara- jeppeae CI Species: .. SCPE Endemic and Near Endemic Floral .. DEC and DDT Floral Species species .. MTPA PS CI Faunal .. Sekhukhune Flat Lizard (NT), .. Hadogenes polytrichobothrius scorpion, Species: .. FitzSimon’s Flat Lizard (NT), .. Southern African Python (PS).

Species Examples:

Crassula alba Kleinia longiflora . . Acalypha villicaulis Hochst. .. Kohautia amatymbica Eckl. & Zeyh. . . Aloe barbara-jeppeae T.A.McCoy & .. Ledebouria cf asperifolia Lavranos .. Ledebouria ovalifolia (Schrad.) Jessop .. Aloe cryptopoda Baker .. Lippia javanica (Burm.f.) Spreng. .. Aristida junciformis Trin. & Rupr. .. Lopholaena coriifolia subsp. junciformis .. Loudetia simplex (Nees) C.E.Hubb. .. Brachiaria serrata (Thunb.) Stapf .. Manulea cf rhodantha .. Brunsvigia radulosa Herb. .. Merwilla plumbea (Lindl.) Speta .. Colchicum (Androcymbium) striatum .. Kleinia longiflora (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) J.C.Manning & . Vinn. . Mohria vestita Baker . .. Coleochloa setifera . Monocymbium ceresiiforme (Nees) Stapf . .. Crabbea acaulis N.E.Br. . Monsonia angustifolia E.Mey. ex A.Rich. . Common .. Crassula sarcocaulis Eckl. & Zeyh. . Myrothamnus flabellifolius Welw. species: subsp. sarcocaulis .. Ocimum obovatum E.Mey. ex Benth. subsp. .. Craterostigma wilmsii Engl. ex Diels obovatum var. obovatum . .. Cyperus rupestris Kunth var. . Oldenlandia herbacea (L.) Roxb. var. herbacea rupestris .. Osteospermum acanthospermum .. Cyphostemma sp.nov.aff.humile .. Pellaea calomelanos (Sw.) Link var. .. Diospyros lycioides Desf. subsp. calomelanos guerkei (Kuntze) De Winter .. Pentanisia angustifolia (Hochst.) Hochst. .. Dipcadi gracillimum Baker .. Polygala hottentota .. Eragrostis nindensis Ficalho & Hiern .. Pygmaeothamnus zeyheri (Sond.) Robyns var. .. Eragrostis racemosa (Thunb.) Steud. zeyheri . .. Eragrostis superba Peyr. . Raphionacme galpinii Schltr. . .. Euclea crispa (Thunb.) Gurke subsp. . Rhoicissus tridentata (L.f.) Wild & R.B.Drumm. Crispa (Sekhukhune) subsp. tridentata . .. Felicia fillifolia . Rotheca (Clerodendrum) hirsuta (Hochst.) Natural Scientific Services CC B-12 Booysendal South Flora & Fauna Aloe -Myrothamnus Shrub Sheetrock Community .. Gazania krebsiana Less. subsp. R.Fern. krebsiana .. Scabiosa columbaria L. .. Gerbera piloselloides (L.) Cass. .. Searsia discolor (E.Mey. ex Sond.) Moffett .. Gladiolus spp .. Selaginella dregei (C.Presl) Hieron. .. Gnidia cf kraussiana .. Senecio cf anomalochrous .. Halleria lucida L. .. Senecio coronatus (Thunb.) Harv. .. Harpochloa falx (L.f.) Kuntze .. Senecio oxyriifolius DC. subsp. oxyriifolius .. Hebenstretia comosa Hochst. .. Senecio venosus Harv. .. Helichrysum aureum var. .. Sopubia cana Harv. var. cana monocephalum .. Streptocarpus dunnii Hook.f. . . Helichrysum cf galpini .. Striga asiatica (L.) Kuntze . . Helichrysum rugulosum Less. .. Themeda triandra Forssk. . . Hilliardiella (Vernonia) aristata .. Triaspis glaucophylla Engl. (natalensis) (DC.) H.Rob. .. Tulbaghia leucantha Baker .. Huernia zebrina N.E.Br. subsp. .. Vernonia fastigiata Oliv. & Hiern insigniflora (C.A.Maass) Bruyns .. Coleochloa setifera .. Hypoxis angustifolia Lam. var. .. Vitex obovata E.Mey. subsp. wilmsii (Gurke) angustifolia C.L.Bredenkamp & D.J.Botha .. Hypoxis rigidula Baker var. rigidula .. Xerophyta retinervis Baker .. Ipomoea bathycolpos subsp. .. Xerophyta viscosa Baker sinuatodentata .. Zantedeschia pentlandii (R.Whyte ex W.Watson) .. Ipomoea crassipes Hook. var. Wittm. crassipes .. Kalanchoe thyrsiflora Harv. Current Conservation Status (Fauna/Flora) High * Ecotone between to Endangered Threatened Gazetted Ecosystems; ^Alien Species; VU: Vulnerable; NT: Near Threatened; DEC: Declining; PS: Protected Species; DDT: Data Deficient Taxonomically; SMG: Sekhukhune Montane Grassland; SMB: Sekhukhune Mountain Bushveld; LMG: Lydenburg Montane Grasslands; SCPE: Sekhukhuneland Centre of Plant Endemism; LCPE: Lydenburg Centre of Plant Endemism; MBG: Mining and Biodiversity Guidelines.

Table 3-5 Searsia- Diospyros - Rhoicissus Rocky outcrops Community Searsia- Diospyros - Rhoicissus Rocky outcropsCommunity

Photographic representation

Within De Berg Conservancy (DPNR) Buffer; Highest Biodiversity Importance (MBGs) National Zones: Sekhukhune Mountainlands Threatened Ecosystem*; North Eastern Escarpment Priority Area Est. Height Estimated 50-90 cm +/- 20-30% (remainder rock cover) Herbaceous: ground cover:

Natural Scientific Services CC B-13 Booysendal South Flora & Fauna Searsia- Diospyros - Rhoicissus Rocky outcropsCommunity Vegetation Unit: Sekhukhune Montane Grassland Extent of Unit: 0.64% or the area surveyed Regulating Services: Air quality maintenance, Climate regulation, Water retention and dissipation into surrounding seeps, Erosion control, Pollination. Ecosystem Cultural Services: Inspiration, Aesthetic values, Sense of place, Cultural heritage values, Services: Potential ecotourism (The Dwars Valley), Plants with medicinal uses Supporting Services: Primary production, Production of atmospheric oxygen, Soil formation and retention, Nutrient cycling, and Provisioning of habitat. Status: Sensitive to change, High floral diversity, Irreplaceable Relatively intact community; Surrounding agricultural activities and grazing pressures on these Condition: systems. There are limited Alien species present. .. VU Zantedeschia pentlandii .. SCPE Endemic and Near Endemic .. NT Jamesbrittenia macrantha CI Species: Floral species .. Declining MTPA Eucomis .. MTPA PS autumnalis .. Mountain Reedbuck (EN) CI Faunal .. Lydenberg Opal .. Long Tom Widow Species: .. Steelpoort Spotted-eyed Brown .. Tite’s Copper

Species Examples:

Zantedeschia pentlandii Searsia discolor .. Acalypha spp .. Hilliardiella oligocephala (DC.) H.Rob. .. Aloe greatheadii Schonland .. Hyparrhenia hirta (L.) Stapf .. Aloe marlothii A.Berger subsp. .. Hypoxis rigidula Baker var. rigidula marlothii .. Ipomoea crassipes Hook. var. crassipes . . Asparagus spp .. Melinis repens (Willd.) Zizka subsp. repens . . Aster cf. bakerianus .. Melolobium spp . . Berkheya insignis (Harv.) Thell. (Form) .. Pelargonium luridum (Andrews) Sweet . . Berkheya setifera DC. .. Pentanisia angustifolia (Hochst.) Hochst. Common . . Brachiaria serrata (Thunb.) Stapf .. Periglossum cf angustifolium Decne. species: . . Buddleja auriculata Benth. .. Polygala africana . . Chaetacanthus spp .. Polygala cf leendertziae . . Crabbea acaulis N.E.Br. .. Pteridium aquilinum . . Crocosmia paniculata (Klatt) Goldblatt .. Raphionacme galpinii Schltr. . . Cussonia spicata .. Rhoicissus tridentata (L.f.) Wild & .. Cussonia transvaalensis R.B.Drumm. subsp. tridentata .. Cyanotis speciosa (L.f.) Hassk. .. Rubus cf rigidus Sm. .. Cyperus rupestris Kunth var. rupestris .. Scabiosa columbaria L.

Natural Scientific Services CC B-14 Booysendal South Flora & Fauna Searsia- Diospyros - Rhoicissus Rocky outcropsCommunity .. Diospyros lycioides Desf. subsp. .. Searsia discolor (E.Mey. ex Sond.) Moffett lycioides .. Senecio microglossus . . Eragrostis racemosa (Thunb.) Steud. .. Senecio oxyriifolius DC. subsp. oxyriifolius .. Eragrostis superba Peyr. (Senecio bush) .. Felicia muricata (Thunb.) Nees subsp. .. Senecio venosus Harv. muricata .. Striga bilabiata (Thunb.) Kuntze subsp. .. Gnidia caffra (Meisn.) Gilg bilabiata .. Gymnosporia buxifolia (L.) Szyszyl. .. Strychnos cf spinosa .. Helichrysum rugulosum Less. .. Tephrosia spp .. Heteropogon contortus (L.) Roem. & .. Tetraselago natalensis (Rolfe) Junell Schult. .. Thesium utile A.W.Hill . . Hilliardiella (Vernonia) aristata .. Triaspis glaucophylla Engl. (natalensis) (DC.) H.Rob. .. Tristachya rehmannii Hack. .. Vernonia tigna Current Conservation Status Moderate-High * Ecotone between to Endangered Threatened Gazetted Ecosystems; Alien Species; VU: Vulnerable; NT: Near Threatened; PS: Protected Species; SCPE: Sekhukhuneland Centre of Plant Endemism; LCPE: Lydenburg Centre of Plant Endemism; MBG: Mining and Biodiversity Guidelines.

Table 3-6 Brachiaria - Tristachya Exposed Rock Community Brachiaria - Tristachya Exposed Rock Community

Photographic representation

National Within De Berg Conservancy (DPNR) Buffer; Highest Biodiversity Importance (MBGs) ; Zones: Sekhukhune Mountainlands Threatened Ecosystem*; North Eastern Escarpment Priority Area Est. Height Est. ground 25-40cm +/- 20-30% (remainder rock cover) Herbaceous: cover: Vegetation Transition between Sekhukhune Montane Grassland and Sekhukhune Mountain Bushveld Unit: Extent of Unit 5.39% or the area surveyed; Regulating Services: Water retention and dissipation into surrounding seeps, Erosion control, Pollination. Ecosystem Cultural Services: Inspiration, Aesthetic values, Sense of place, Cultural heritage values, Services: Potential ecotourism (The Dwars Valley), Plants with medicinal uses such as Merwilla plumbea Supporting Services: Primary production, Production of atmospheric oxygen, Soil formation and retention, Nutrient cycling, and Provisioning of habitat. Species Proportionately a High Species diversity and an Irreplacable community Diversity Apart from the road construction for the South ARC, no transformation is evident within this habitat Condition: Weedy species are scarce and community is considered stable. Natural Scientific Services CC B-15 Booysendal South Flora & Fauna Brachiaria - Tristachya Exposed Rock Community Surrounding grazing pressures on these systems. There are limited Alien species present. .. VU Zantedeschia pentlandii .. SCPE Endemic / Near Endemics CI Species: .. NT Merwilla plumbea .. MTPA PS .. Mountain Reedbuck (EN) CI Faunal .. Lydenberg Opal .. Long Tom Widow Species: .. Steelpoort Spotted-eyed Brown .. Tite’s Copper

Species Examples:

Halleria fucida Moraea trifida .. Agapanthus inapertus P.Beauv. . subsp. inapertus . Ledebouria spp . .. Aloe arborescens Mill. . Lopholaena coriifolia . .. Aristea cf torulosa . Loudetia simplex (Nees) C.E.Hubb. . .. Berkheya insignis (Harv.) Thell. . Merwilla plumbea (Lindl.) Speta (Form) .. Monsonia angustifolia E.Mey. ex A.Rich. .. Brachiaria serrata (Thunb.) Stapf .. Myrothamnus flabellifolius Welw. .. Cheilanthes cf contracta .. Oldenlandia herbacea (L.) Roxb. var. herbacea .. Cheilanthes viridis (Forssk.) Sw. var. .. Pellaea calomelanos (Sw.) Link var. viridis calomelanos .. Crassula spp .. Plectranthus spp .. Craterostigma wilmsii Engl. ex Diels .. Raphionacme galpinii Schltr. Common .. Cyperus rupestris Kunth var. .. Searsia discolor (E.Mey. ex Sond.) Moffett species: rupestris .. Searsia keetii (Schonland) Moffett .. Dianthus mooiensis F.N.Williams .. Selaginella dregei (C.Presl) Hieron. subsp. mooiensis .. Senecio oxyriifolius DC. subsp. oxyriifolius .. Diheteropogon amplectens (Nees) (Senecio bush) Clayton var. amplectens .. Streptocarpus dunnii Hook.f. . . Geigeria burkei Harv. .. Striga asiatica (L.) Kuntze . . Halleria lucida L. .. Striga bilabiata (Thunb.) Kuntze subsp. bilabiata . . Huernia zebrina subsp. insigniflora .. Stylochaeton natalensis Schott (Sekhukhuneland form) .. Tristachya leucothrix Trin. ex Nees .. Hypoxis acuminata Baker .. Tulbaghia acutiloba Harv. .. Hypoxis rigidula Baker var. rigidula .. Xerophyta retinervis Baker .. Kalanchoe paniculata Harv. Current Conservation Status High * Ecotone between to Endangered Threatened Gazetted Ecosystems; Alien Species; VU: Vulnerable; NT: Near Threatened; R: Rare; DEC: Declining; PS: Protected Species; SCPE: Sekhukhuneland Centre of Plant Endemism; LCPE: Lydenburg Centre of Plant Endemism; MBG: Mining and Biodiversity Guidelines.

Natural Scientific Services CC B-16 Booysendal South Flora & Fauna 1.1.2 Woodland and Thicket The Acacia - Euclea- Hippobromus - Scolopia Thicket (Table 3-8) was found at the base of the Cliff and Kloof habitat in the valley and formed part of the Phase 1- 24G Application area. The steep Cliff and Kloof habitat was not sampled (only bordering on the study area -0.47%, and due to safety reasons). The Lydenburgia - Vitex - Kirkia Rocky Thicket (Table 3-7) was found in scattered clumps all along the proposed road route from approximately the existing valley box cut towards and across the Groot Dwars System. The Protea - Themeda Slope Open Woodland (Table 3-9) was located more towards the Booysendal South MR activities (around BS4) study area on the portion that has not yet been cleared for the road construction.

Table 3-7 Lydenburgia - Vitex - Kirkia Rocky Thicket Community Lydenburgia - Vitex - Kirkia Rocky Thicket Community

Photographic representation

Natural Scientific Services CC B-17 Booysendal South Flora & Fauna Lydenburgia - Vitex - Kirkia Rocky Thicket Community Endemic Floral species .. Leopard (VU), Potentials CI Faunal .. Brown Hyena (NT), .. Crowned Eagle (VU) Species: .. Pycna sylvia cicada, .. Wolkberg Dwarf Chameleon (VU).

Species Examples:

Sphedamnocarpus pruriens Aspidoglossum cf ovalifolium .. Acacia caffra (Thunb.) Willd. .. Aloe marlothii A.Berger subsp. .. Kalanchoe paniculata Harv. marlothii .. Kirkia wilmsii .. Aloe sp .. Kleinia longiflora .. Catha edulis (Vahl) Forssk. ex Endl. .. Lantana rugosa Thunb. .. Cheilanthes cf hirta .. Lydenburgia cassinoides N.Robson .. Combretum molle R.Br. ex G.Don .. Melhania cf randii .. Commelina africana L. var. africana .. Mundulea sericea (Willd.) A.Chev. subsp. .. Crabbea acaulis N.E.Br. sericea .. Cryptolepis spp .. Myrothamnus flabellifolius Welw. .. Cussonia paniculata .. Pellaea calomelanos (Sw.) Link var. .. Cussonia spicata calomelanos . .. Polygala hottentotta C.Presl Common . Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle . .. Rhoicissus tridentata (L.f.) Wild & R.B.Drumm. species: . Cyphostemma cf woodii subsp. tridentata .. Diheteropogon amplectens (Nees) . Clayton var. amplectens . Rotheca (Clerodendrum) hirsuta (Hochst.) R.Fern. (triphyllum) .. Eragrostis racemosa (Thunb.) Steud. .. Searsia pyroides (Burch.) Moffett var. pyroides .. Eragrostis superba Peyr. .. Searsia zeyheri (Sond.) Moffett .. Euphorbia schinzii Pax .. Striga bilabiata (Thunb.) Kuntze subsp. bilabiata .. Gladiolus spp .. Themeda triandra Forssk. .. Helichrysum nudifolium (L.) Less. var. . nudifolium . Triaspis glaucophylla Engl. . .. Heteropogon contortus (L.) Roem. & . Tristachya rehmannii Hack. Schult. .. Viscum cf oreophilum .. Hilliardiella (Vernonia) aristata .. Zanthoxylum capense (Thunb.) Harv. (natalensis) (DC.) H.Rob. .. Ziziphus mucronata Willd. subsp. mucronata .. Hypoxis rigidula Baker var. rigidula Current Conservation Status High * Ecotone between to Endangered Threatened Gazetted Ecosystems; Alien Species; VU: Vulnerable; NT: Near Threatened; R: Rare; DEC: Declining; PS: Protected Species; SCPE: Sekhukhuneland Centre of Plant Endemism; LCPE: Lydenburg Centre of Plant Endemism; MBG: Mining and Biodiversity Guidelines.

Natural Scientific Services CC B-18 Booysendal South Flora & Fauna

Table 3-8 Acacia - Euclea- Hippobromus - Scolopia Thicket Community Acacia - Euclea- Hippobromus - Scolopia Thicket Community

Photographic representation

Within De Berg Conservancy (DPNR) Buffer; Highest Biodiversity Importance (MBGs) National Mpumalanga -Critical Biodiversity Area; Sekhukhune Mountainlands Threatened Ecosystem* Zones: Mpumalanga Mesic Grasslands Focal Area; North Eastern Escarpment Priority Area Est. Height Herbaceous: 80cm-1m Est. ground 30-40% as under canopy Herbaceous: Trees: Tall canopy >2.5m cover: Vegetation Sekhukhune Mountain Bushveld Unit: Extent of Unit 3.73% or the area surveyed; Regulating Services: Air quality maintenance, Climate regulation, Water regulation, Erosion control, Pollination. Ecosystem Cultural Services: Inspiration, Aesthetic values, Sense of place, Cultural heritage values, Services: Potential ecotourism, Medicinal uses Supporting Services: Primary production, Production of atmospheric oxygen, Soil formation and retention, Nutrient cycling, and Provisioning of habitat. Species Moderate Species diversity and still sensitive to change – Long term invested rehabilitation for Diversity damaged areas. Apart from the road construction for the South ARC, limited transformation is evident within this Condition: habitat. Some weedy species present and community is considered stable. .. SCPE Endemic and Near Endemic Floral .. Jamesbrittenia macrantha (NT) CI Species: species .. Curtisia dentate (NT) .. MTPA PS species .. Leopard (VU), Potentials CI Faunal .. Brown Hyena (NT), .. Crowned Eagle (VU) Species: .. Pycna sylvia cicada, .. Wolkberg Dwarf Chameleon (VU). .. Acacia caffra (Thunb.) Willd. .. Hippobromus pauciflorus .. Acokanthera oppositifolia .. Mundulea sericea (Willd.) A.Chev. subsp. .. Brachiaria serrata (Thunb.) Stapf sericea . .. Brachylaena ilicifolia (Lam.) E.Phillips . Myrsine africana Common & Schweick. .. Pavetta cf cooperi species: .. Buddleja auriculata .. Rhamnus prinoides L'Hor. .. Celtis africana Burm.f. .. Rhoicissus tridentata (L.f.) Wild & R.B.Drumm. .. Chionanthus foveolatus subsp. subsp. tridentata foveolatus .. Schotia brachypetala Sond. .. Commelina cf africana .. Scolopia oreophila Natural Scientific Services CC B-19 Booysendal South Flora & Fauna Acacia - Euclea- Hippobromus - Scolopia Thicket Community .. Cussonia spicata .. Scolopia mundii .. Cymbopogon nardus .. Searsia tumulicola var. tumulicola .. Cymbopogon pospischilii .. Searsia wilmsii .. Diospyros lycioides Desf. subsp. .. Senecio oxyriifolius DC. subsp. oxyriifolius guerkei (Kuntze) De Winter .. Senecio venosus Harv. . . Dipcadi viride Baker .. Setaria sphacelata (Schumach.) Stapf & .. Dombeya rotundifolia (Hochst.) C.E.Hubb. ex M.B.Moss var. torta (Stapf) Planch. var. rotundifolia Clayton .. Euclea crispa (Thunb.) Gurke subsp. .. Themeda triandra Forssk. crispa (Sekhukhune) .. Tinnea galpinii Briq. . . Euclea natalensis A.DC. subsp. .. Triaspis glaucophylla Engl. natalensis .. Tristachya leucothrix Trin. ex Nees .. Galium spp .. Vernonia tigna .. Gymnosporia buxifolia (L.) Szyszyl. .. Vitex obovata E.Mey. subsp. wilmsii (Gurke) . . Halleria lucida L. C.L.Bredenkamp & D.J.Botha . . Helichrysum spp .. Zanthoxylum capense . . Hyparrhenia filipendula .. Ziziphus mucronata Willd. subsp. mucronata .. Hyparrhenia hirta (L.) Stapf

Species Examples:

Brachylaena ilicifolia Pavetta cf cooperi Current Conservation Status Moderate-High * Ecotone between to Endangered Threatened Gazetted Ecosystems; Alien Species; VU: Vulnerable; NT: Near Threatened; R: Rare; DEC: Declining; PS: Protected Species; SCPE: Sekhukhuneland Centre of Plant Endemism; LCPE: Lydenburg Centre of Plant Endemism; MBG: Mining and Biodiversity Guidelines.

Natural Scientific Services CC B-20 Booysendal South Flora & Fauna Table 3-9 Protea – Themeda Open Woodland Community Protea – Themeda Open Woodland Community

Photographic representation

Sekhukhune Mountainlands Threatened Ecosystem*; Mpumalanga Mesic Grasslands Focal Area; National Highest Biodiversity Importance (MBGs); Within De Berg Conservancy (DPNR) Buffer; North Zones: Eastern Escarpment Priority Area Est. Height Herbaceous: 45-60cm Est. ground 40-50% as under canopy Herbaceous: Tree canopy +/-2-3mm cover: Vegetation Sekhukhune Montane Grassland Unit: Extent of Unit 0.49% or the area surveyed; Regulating Services: Air quality maintenance, Climate regulation, Water regulation, Erosion control, Pollination. Ecosystem Cultural Services: Inspiration, Aesthetic values, Sense of place, Cultural heritage values, Services: Potential ecotourism, Medicinal uses Supporting Services: Primary production, Production of atmospheric oxygen, Soil formation and retention, Nutrient cycling, and Provisioning of habitat. Species Moderate to High Species diversity and sensitive to change – Long term invested rehabilitation for Diversity damaged areas. Past prospecting roads have caused severe erosion within areas and these will need to be Condition: rehabilitated as part of the project. Community is still considered stable. .. Jamesbrittenia macrantha (NT) .. SCPE Endemic and Near Endemic Floral CI Species: .. NT Merwilla plumbea species .. Protea caffra subsp caffra (Form) .. MTPA PS .. Mountain Reedbuck (EN) .. Lydenberg Opal CI Faunal .. Long Tom Widow .. Steelpoort Spotted-eyed Brown Species: .. Tite’s Copper .. Pycna sylvia cicada

Species Examples:

Alepidea setifera Hypoxis costata

Natural Scientific Services CC B-21 Booysendal South Flora & Fauna Protea – Themeda Open Woodland Community .. Hypoxis costata .. Abildgaardia ovata .. Hypoxis rigidula Baker var. rigidula .. Acacia caffra (Thunb.) Willd. .. Indigofera spp .. Alepidea setifera N.E.Br. .. Ipomoea bathycolpos subsp. sinuatodentata .. Asparagus laricinus Burch. .. Ledebouria ovatifolia (Baker) Jessop .. Barleria cf. ovata E.Mey. ex Nees .. Lippia rehmannii H.Pearson .. Berkheya insignis (Harv.) Thell. . (Form) . Lopholaena coriifolia . .. Berkheya setifera DC. . Melhania cf randii . .. Chloris virgata Sw. . Melinis repens (Willd.) Zizka . .. Combretum molle R.Br. ex G.Don . Paspalum dilatatum Poir. . .. Crassula alba Forssk. var. alba . Pearsonia cajanifolia (Harv.) Polhill . .. Cussonia paniculata . Peucedanum capense . .. Cussonia spicata . Pinus sp . .. Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle . Polygala africana . .. Digitaria eriantha Steud. . Polygala hottentotta C.Presl . .. Diheteropogon amplectens (Nees) . Protea caffra Meisn. subsp. caffra (Form) Common Clayton .. Raphionacme galpinii Schltr. species: .. Elephantorrhiza burkei Benth. .. Rhoicissus tridentata (L.f.) Wild & R.B.Drumm. .. Eragrostis curvula (Schrad.) Nees subsp. tridentata .. .. Euclea crispa (Thunb.) Gurke subsp. Ruellia patula Jacq. crispa .. Scabiosa columbaria L. .. Gladiolus spp .. Searsia batophylla (Codd) Moffett .. Greyia sutherlandii Hook. & Harv. .. Searsia discolor (E.Mey. ex Sond.) Moffett .. Gymnosporia buxifolia (L.) Szyszyl. .. Senecio venosus Harv. .. Halleria lucida L. .. Sisyranthus spp .. Helichrysum herbaceum (Andrews) .. Solanum panduriforme Druge ex Dunal Sweet .. Striga bilabiata (Thunb.) Kuntze subsp. bilabiata .. Helichrysum spp .. Themeda triandra Forssk. .. Heteropogon contortus (L.) Roem. & .. Tristachya biseriata Stapf Schult. .. Tristachya leucothrix Trin. ex Nees . . Hibiscus trionum L.* .. Vangueria infausta Burch. subsp. infausta . . Hilliardiella (Vernonia) aristata .. Verbena brasiliensis Vell.*1 (natalensis) (DC.) H.Rob. .. Vitex obovata E.Mey. subsp. wilmsii .. Hyparrhenia hirta (L.) Stapf .. Ziziphus mucronata Willd. subsp. mucronata Current Conservation Status Moderate-High * Ecotone between to Endangered Threatened Gazetted Ecosystems; Alien Species; VU: Vulnerable; NT: Near Threatened; R: Rare; DEC: Declining; PS: Protected Species; SCPE: Sekhukhuneland Centre of Plant Endemism; LCPE: Lydenburg Centre of Plant Endemism; MBG: Mining and Biodiversity Guidelines.

Natural Scientific Services CC B-22 Booysendal South Flora & Fauna

1.1.3 Rocky Grasslands The rocky grasslands are mainly distinguished by slope and aspect, and include the Loudetia - Themeda Western Slope Grasslands and the Acacia caffra - Ozoroa - Tristachya Eastern Slope Grasslands (Table 3-10). These two communities are mainly located within the Phase 1 - 24G Project area. The more disturbed Heteropogon - Eragrostis Semi-natural grassland (Table 3-11) is located around the Booysendal South MR activities and BS4, and has undergone some transformation in the past.

Table 3-10 Slope Grassland Communities Slope Grassland Communities

Photographic representation

Sekhukhune Mountainlands Threatened Ecosystem*; Mpumalanga Mesic Grasslands Focal Area; National Highest Biodiversity Importance (MBGs); Within De Berg Conservancy (DPNR) Buffer; North Zones: Eastern Escarpment Priority Area, Mpumalanga -Critical Biodiversity Area. Est. Height Est. ground Herbaceous: 45-60cm 40-50% with exposed rock Herbaceous: cover: Vegetation Sekhukhune Montane Grassland ; Sekhukhune Mountain Bushveld Unit: Loudetia - Themeda Western Slope Grasslands Communities: Acacia caffra - Ozoroa - Tristachya Eastern Slope Grasslands Extent of Unit 18 % or the area surveyed; Regulating Services: Water regulation and dissipation into surrounding seeps and riparian areas, Erosion control, Pollination. Ecosystem Cultural Services: Inspiration, Aesthetic values, Sense of place, Cultural heritage values, Services: Potential ecotourism, Medicinal uses Supporting Services: Primary production, Soil formation and retention, Nutrient cycling, and Provisioning of habitat. Species Moderate to High Species diversity and sensitive to change – Due to slope and soil and rock Diversity structure – difficult to rehabilitate. Require long term invested rehabilitation for damaged areas. This Community has become fragmented down the valley. Past prospecting roads have caused Condition: severe erosion within areas and these will need to be rehabilitated as part of the project. Community is still considered stable. .. SCPE Endemic and Near Endemic Floral .. Jamesbrittenia macrantha (NT) CI Species: species .. Protea caffra subsp caffra (Form) .. MTPA PS CI Faunal .. Mountain Reedbuck (EN) .. Lydenberg Opal Species: .. Long Tom Widow .. Steelpoort Spotted-eyed Brown

Natural Scientific Services CC B-23 Booysendal South Flora & Fauna Slope Grassland Communities .. Tite’s Copper .. Pycna sylvia cicada

Species Examples:

Antherotoma cf. phaeotricha Crossandra greenstockii S.Moore .. Acacia caffra (Thunb.) Willd. .. Hilliardiella oligocephala (DC.) H.Rob. .. Aloe cryptopoda Baker .. Jamesbrittenia macrantha (Codd) Hilliard .. Aloe marlothii A.Berger subsp. .. Kleinia longiflora marlothii .. Melinis repens (Willd.) Zizka subsp. repens .. Brachiaria serrata (Thunb.) Stapf .. Ozoroa paniculosa (Sond.) R.& A.Fern. var. .. Buddleja auriculata Benth. paniculosa .. Commelina africana L. var. africana .. Pellaea calomelanos (Sw.) Link var. .. Cussonia spicata calomelanos . .. Diheteropogon amplectens (Nees) . Rhoicissus tridentata (L.f.) Wild & R.B.Drumm. Common Clayton var. amplectens subsp. tridentata species: . .. Elephantorrhiza elephantina Benth. . Rhynchosia spectabilis . .. Eragrostis brizantha Nees . Searsia keetii (Schonland) Moffett . .. Eragrostis racemosa (Thunb.) Steud. . Senecio spp . .. Euclea crispa (Thunb.) Gurke subsp. . Senecio venosus Harv. crispa .. Sphenostylis angustifolia Sond. .. Faurea saligna Harv. .. Themeda triandra Forssk. .. Gymnosporia buxifolia (L.) Szyszyl. .. Triaspis glaucophylla Engl. .. Heteropogon contortus (L.) Roem. & .. Tristachya leucothrix Trin. ex Nees Schult. .. Vitex obovata E.Mey. subsp. wilmsii Current Conservation Status Moderate-High * Ecotone between to Endangered Threatened Gazetted Ecosystems; Alien Species; VU: Vulnerable; NT: Near Threatened; R: Rare; DEC: Declining; PS: Protected Species; SCPE: Sekhukhuneland Centre of Plant Endemism; LCPE: Lydenburg Centre of Plant Endemism; MBG: Mining and Biodiversity Guidelines.

Natural Scientific Services CC B-24 Booysendal South Flora & Fauna

Table 3-11 Heteropogon - Eragrostis Semi-natural grassland Community Heteropogon - Eragrostis Semi-natural grassland Communities

Photographic representatio n

National Sekhukhune Mountainlands Threatened Ecosystem*; Highest Biodiversity Importance (MBGs); Zones: Within De Berg Conservancy (DPNR) Buffer; North Eastern Escarpment Priority Area Est. Height Est. ground Herbaceous: 70-80cm 40-50% with exposed soils Herbaceous: cover: Vegetation Sekhukhune Montane Grassland Unit: Extent of Unit 5.38% or the area surveyed; Regulating Services: Water regulation and dissipation into surrounding seeps, Some erosion control, Pollination. Ecosystem Cultural Services: Cultural and Medicinal uses Services: Supporting Services: Primary production, Soil formation and retention, Nutrient cycling, and Provisioning of habitat. Moderate to High Species diversity (dependant on disturbances in the area). The grasslands to the Species north east of BS4 are more diverse than those adjacent to the west of the current infrastructure in Diversity BS4. Long term invested in rehabilitation for damaged areas. The condition of this habitat varies within the bounds of the current mining operation and to the Condition: north east of the operations due to external influences such as subsistence farming and cattle grazing as well as the encroachment of alien invasive species. .. Eucomis autumnalis (MTPA Dec) .. Satyrium cristatum var. longilabiatum .. Eulophia ovalis Lindl. var. ovalis .. Eulophia hians Spreng. var. hians CI Species: .. Eulophia ovalis var. bainsii .. Brachycorythis ovata Lindl. subsp. ovata .. Orthochilus foliosa (Lindl.) Bolus .. Satyrium parviflorum Sw. CI Faunal .. Mountain Reedbuck (EN) .. Serval (NT) Species:

Natural Scientific Services CC B-25 Booysendal South Flora & Fauna Heteropogon - Eragrostis Semi-natural grassland Communities

Species Examples:

Orthochilus leontoglossus Pentanisia angustifolia .. Heteropogon contortus (L.) Roem. & Schult. .. Aspidoglossum ovalifolium (Schltr.) .. Hypoxis spp Kupicha .. Hypoxis rigidula Baker var. rigidula .. Berkheya setifera DC. .. Indigofera (white vein in leaf) .. Chaetacanthus spp .. Kyllinga alba Nees .. Cotula hispida (DC.) Harv .. Ledebouria ovatifolia (Baker) Jessop .. Crabbea acaulis N.E.Br. .. Pearsonia cajanifolia (Harv.) Polhill subsp. .. Crocosmia paniculata (Klatt) Goldblatt cajanifolia .. Cyperus obtusiflorus Vahl .. Pelargonium luridum (Andrews) Sweet .. Eragrostis gummiflua Nees .. Pentanisia angustifolia (Hochst.) Hochst. .. Eragrostis racemosa (Thunb.) Steud. .. Periglossum cf angustifolium Decne. Common .. Eragrostis superba Peyr. .. Polygala africana species: .. Eriosema spp .. Polygala hottentotta C.Presl .. Eulophia hians Spreng. var. hians .. Scabiosa columbaria L. .. Felicia muricata (Thunb.) Nees subsp. .. Senecio speciosus muricata .. Setaria sphacelata (Schumach.) Stapf & .. Geigeria burkei Harv. subsp. burkei var. C.E.Hubb burkei .. Solanum panduriforme Druge ex Dunal .. Harpochloa lyrata .. Striga bilabiata (Thunb.) Kuntze subsp. .. Helichrysum nudifolium (L.) Less. var. bilabiata nudifolium .. Themeda triandra Forssk. .. Helichrysum rugulosum Less. .. Verbena aristigera S.Moore .. Hermannia transvaalensis Schinz .. Verbena brasiliensis Vell.* Current Conservation Status Moderate * Ecotone between to Endangered Threatened Gazetted Ecosystems; Alien Species; VU: Vulnerable; NT: Near Threatened; R: Rare; DEC: Declining; PS: Protected Species; SCPE: Sekhukhuneland Centre of Plant Endemism; LCPE: Lydenburg Centre of Plant Endemism; MBG: Mining and Biodiversity Guidelines.

Natural Scientific Services CC B-26 Booysendal South Flora & Fauna

1.1.4 Riparian and Vlei Systems This group contains a number of different vegetation communities including the mountain slope drainage nettwork consisting of Faurea - Combretum - Halleria Riparian vegetation, the sheet rock wetlands and seep zones (Fuirena - Agrostis Seep Zones and Tulbaghia – Eleocharis Sheetrock Wetland) as well as the communities associated with the Groot Dwars River system (Phragmites - Schoenoplectus Vlei system; Fuirena - Leersia - Phragmites Vlei system and the Acacia-Hyperthelia Lower Floodplain Grassland.

Table 3-12 Tulbaghia – Eleocharis Sheet Rock Seeps Community Tulbaghia – Eleocharis Sheet Rock Community

Photographic representation

Natural Scientific Services CC B-27 Booysendal South Flora & Fauna Tulbaghia – Eleocharis Sheet Rock Community junciformis .. Macledium (Dicoma) zeyheri .. Arundinella nepalensis Trin. (Sond.) S.Ortoz subsp. zeyheri .. Ascolepis capensis (Kunth) Ridl. .. Monopsis decipiens (Sond.) .. Brunsvigia radulosa Herb. Thulin .. Coleochloa setifera .. Oldenlandia herbacea (L.) Roxb. .. Crassula natans var. herbacea . .. Cyperus cf. compressus L. . Pelargonium luridum (Andrews) .. Cyperus spp Sweet .. .. Cyphia spp Pycreus cooperi .. .. Eragrostis racemosa (Thunb.) Steud. Scabiosa columbaria L. .. .. Euryops transvaalensis Klatt subsp. Sporobolus africanus (Poir.) setilobus (N.E.Br.) B.Nord. Robyns & Tournay .. .. Fimbristylis cf. ferruginea Stiburus alopecuroides (Hack.) Stapf .. Fuirena pubescens (Poir.) Kunth var. . pubescens . Tagetes minuta L. .. .. Juncus lomatophyllus Spreng Triaspis glaucophylla Engl. .. Tulbaghia leucantha Baker

Species Examples:

Schizaea tenella kaulf Craterostigma wilmsii Current Conservation Status High

Natural Scientific Services CC B-28 Booysendal South Flora & Fauna

Table 3-13 Fuirena - Agrostis Seep Community Fuirena - Agrostis Seep Community

Photographic representation

Natural Scientific Services CC B-29 Booysendal South Flora & Fauna Fuirena - Agrostis Seep Community .. Drimia depressa .. Nidorella anomala Steetz .. Eleocharis dregeana .. Pelargonium luridum (Andrews) .. Eragrostis superba Peyr. Sweet . .. Eriocaulon cf. dregei . Pycreus cooperi . .. Fimbristylis cf. ferruginea . Senecio erubescens .. Stipagrostis uniplumis (Licht.) De Winter var. uniplumis

Species Examples:

Ranunculus multifidus Mimulus gracilis Current Conservation Status High

Table 3-14 Phragmites Vlei Community Phragmites Vlei Community

Photographic representation

FEPA River Catchment; Endangered Wetland Vegetation Group - Mesic Highveld Grassland Group 7 (MHGG7); Nationally Protected (NWA); Sekhukhune Mountainlands Threatened Ecosystem*; National Mpumalanga Mesic Grasslands Focal Area; Highest Biodiversity Importance (MBGs); Within De Zones: Berg Conservancy (DPNR) Buffer; North Eastern Escarpment Priority Area, Mpumalanga -Critical Biodiversity Area. Est. Height Est. ground Phragmites / Typha 1-2m +/- 80% Herbaceous: cover: Vegetation Sekhukhune Montane Grassland; Sekhukhune Mountain Bushveld Unit: Phragmites - Schoenoplectus Vlei system Communities Fuirena - Leersia - Phragmites Vlei system Extent of Unit Unit is 5% of the study area Regulating Services: Water regulation, purification and dissipation, Flood control, Erosion control, Ecosystem Nitrate and Phosphate trapping, Pollination and dispersal Services: Cultural Services: Cultural, product and medicinal uses, research opportunities Natural Scientific Services CC B-30 Booysendal South Flora & Fauna Phragmites Vlei Community Supporting Services: Primary production, Soil formation and retention, Nutrient cycling, and Provisioning of habitat. Species Moderate species diversity, not as diverse as the surrounding rocky grasslands Diversity For the Fuirena - Leersia - Phragmites Vlei system: .. Some transformations occurring due to previous farming and infrastructure – e.g. damming upstream. .. Cattle grazing & trampling evident. Current For the Phragmites - Schoenoplectus Vlei system: Condition: .. Currently Main Access Road crosses this system and the proposed water pipeline will run adjacent to the system. The bridge crossing is currently impeding flow and contributing to sediment loads in the Groot Dwars River. This habitat is fairly monospecific at this point in time. .. Eucomis autumnalis subsp. clavata CI Species: .. MTPA PS Gladiolus cf. papilio .. MTPA PS orchid species .. Serval (NT) .. Marsh Sylph butterfly (Rare) CI Faunal .. African Marsh Harrier (EN) .. Southern African Python (PS) Species: .. Golden Mole (spp to be determined) .. African / Cape Clawless Otter (NT) .. Agrostis lachnantha Nees var. lachnantha .. Miscanthus junceus (Stapf) Pilg. .. Arundinella nepalensis Trin. .. Monopsis decipiens (Sond.) Thulin .. Aristida congesta Roem. & Schult. subsp. .. Oenothera tetraptera Cav. barbicollis (Trin. & Rupr.) De Winter .. Pycnostachys reticulata (E.Mey.) .. Berula (Sium) repanda (repandum) (Hiern) Benth. Spalik & S.R.Downie .. Schoenoplectus corymbosus .. Chironia palustris Burch. subsp. palustris .. Leersia hexandra Sw. .. Coleochloa setifera .. Lobelia flaccida (C.Presl) A.DC. .. Cycnium tubulosum (L.f.) Engl. subsp. subsp. flaccida tubulosum .. Mimulus gracilis R.Br. .. Cyperus cf. compressus L. .. Mohria vestita Baker .. Cyperus congestus Vahl .. Monopsis decipiens (Sond.) Thulin Common .. Digitaria tricholaenoides .. Nemesia fruticans (Thunb.) Benth. species: .. Eleocharis dregeana .. Nidorella anomala Steetz .. Eragrostis superba Peyr. .. Oenothera rosea L'Hor. ex Aiton .. Eucomis autumnalis (Mill.) Chitt. subsp. .. Paspalum dilatatum Poir. autumnalis .. Paspalum urvillei Steud. .. Dierama cf pictum .. Persicaria spp .. Dissotis canescens (E.Mey. ex .. Phragmites australis (Cav.) Steud. R.A.Graham) Hook.f. .. Polygala hottentotta C.Presl . . Fuirena pubescens (Poir.) Kunth var. .. Ranunculus multifidus Forssk. pubescen .. Rumex crispus L. .. Fimbristylis spp .. Schoenoplectus corymbosus . . Gladiolus spp (Roth ex Roem. & Schult.) .. Helichrysum aureonitens Sch.Bip. J.Raynal .. Helichrysum nudifolium (L.) Less. var. .. Scirpus ficinioides

Natural Scientific Services CC B-31 Booysendal South Flora & Fauna Phragmites Vlei Community nudifolium .. Stipagrostis spp .. Helichrysum rugulosum Less. .. Themeda triandra Forssk. .. Hyparrhenia hirta (L.) Stapf .. Typha capensis (Rohrb.) N.E.Br. .. Hyparrhenia sp. (grey leaf) .. Verbena brasiliensis Vell.^ .. Imperata cylindrica (L.) Raeusch. .. Wahlenbergia undulata (L.f.) A.DC .. Kyllinga erecta Schumach. var. erecta

Species Examples:

Cycnium racemosum Lobelia flaccida Current Conservation Status (faunal & flora) High ^ Alien Species; MTPA: Mpumalanga Parks & Tourism, MBG: Mining and Biodiversity Guidelines. * Ecotone between to Endangered Threatened Gazetted Ecosystems, PS Protected Species; SCPE: Sekhukhuneland Centre of Plant Endemism

Table 3-15 Faurea - Combretum - Halleria Riparian Community Faurea - Combretum - Halleria Riparian Community

Photographic representation

Natural Scientific Services CC B-32 Booysendal South Flora & Fauna Faurea - Combretum - Halleria Riparian Community Cultural Services: Cultural, product and medicinal uses, research opportunities Supporting Services: Primary production, Soil formation and retention, Nutrient cycling, and Provisioning of habitat. Species Moderate-High species diversity Diversity Construction of the Main Access Road in the Valley has resulted in downslope sedimentation in Condition: these riparian channels. Large boulders have also been displaced. Limited alien species present. .. Eucomis autumnalis subsp. clavata CI Species: .. MTPA PS Gladiolus cf. papilio .. MTPA PS orchid species CI Faunal .. Serval (NT) .. Golden Mole (spp to be determined) Species: .. Acacia caffra (Thunb.) Willd. .. Heteropogon contortus (L.) Roem. .. Acacia mearnsii De Wild. & Schult. .. Adiantum cf capillus-veneris .. Hypoestes cf triflora (Forssk.) .. Asparagus laricinus Burch. Roem. & Schult. .. Barleria cf. ovata E.Mey. ex Nees .. Kiggelaria africana L. .. Berkheya setifera DC. .. Lantana rugosa Thunb. .. Brachylaena ilicifolia (Lam.) E.Phillips & .. Leucosidea sericea Eckl. & Zeyh. Schweick. .. Lydenburgia cassinoides N.Robson .. Buddleja auriculata Benth. .. Malva parviflora L. var. parviflora .. Catha edulis (Vahl) Forssk. ex Endl. .. Myrsine africana L. .. Celtis africana Burm.f. .. Panicum maximum Jacq. .. Cheilanthes viridis (Forssk.) Sw. var. .. Pavetta cf cooperi viridis .. Peltophorum africanum Sond. . . Combretum molle R.Br. ex G.Don .. Ptaeroxylon obliquum (Thunb.) .. Combretum zeyheri Sond. Radlk. .. Commelina africana L. var. africana .. Rhamnus prinoides L'Hor. Common .. Crabbea acaulis N.E.Br. .. Sarcostemma viminale (L.) R.Br. species: .. Crotalaria spp subsp. viminale .. Cussonia spicata .. Scadoxus puniceus (L.) Friis & .. Cyphostemma cf woodii Nordal . .. Digitaria eriantha Steud. . Searsia keetii (Schonland) Moffett .. Diospyros lycioides Desf. subsp. .. Searsia lancea (L.f.) F.A.Barkley lycioides .. Searsia pyroides (Burch.) Moffett .. Diospyros whyteana (Hiern) F.White var. pyroides .. Eragrostis brizantha Nees .. Selaginella sp . .. Euclea crispa (Thunb.) Gurke subsp. . Setaria lindenbergiana (Nees) crispa Stapf . .. Ficus sur Forssk. . Sphedamnocarpus pruriens .. Galium spp .. Stylochaeton natalensis Schott . .. Geigeria burkei Harv. subsp. burkei var. . Themeda triandra Forssk. burkei .. Triaspis glaucophylla Engl. .. Gerbera jamesonii Bolus ex Adlam .. Zanthoxylum capense (Thunb.) .. Grewia flavescens Juss. Harv.

Natural Scientific Services CC B-33 Booysendal South Flora & Fauna Faurea - Combretum - Halleria Riparian Community .. Grewia occidentalis L. var. occidentalis .. Ziziphus mucronata Willd. subsp. .. Gymnosporia buxifolia (L.) Szyszyl. mucronata .. Halleria lucida L. .. Hesperantha coccinea (Backh. & Harv.) Goldblatt & J.C.Manning

Species Examples:

Ledebouria (Resnova) megaphylla Dietes iridioides Current Conservation Status (faunal & flora) High

Table 3-16 Acacia-Hyperthelia Lower Floodplain Grassland Acacia-Hyperthelia Lower Floodplain Grassland

Photographic representation

FEPA River Catchment; Endangered Wetland Vegetation Group - Mesic Highveld Grassland Group 7 (MHGG7); Nationally Protected (NWA); Sekhukhune Mountainlands Threatened National Ecosystem*; Mpumalanga Mesic Grasslands Focal Area; Highest Biodiversity Importance (MBGs); Zones: Within De Berg Conservancy (DPNR) Buffer; North Eastern Escarpment Priority Area, Mpumalanga -Critical Biodiversity Area. Est. Height Est. ground 1-1.3 m +/- 80% Herbaceous: cover: Vegetation Sekhukhune Montane Grassland; Sekhukhune Mountain Bushveld Unit: Extent of Unit Unit is 1.08% of the study area Regulating Services: Water regulation and dissipation, Flood control, Erosion control, Pollination and dispersal Ecosystem Cultural Services: Cultural, product and medicinal uses, research opportunities Services: Supporting Services: Primary production, Soil formation and retention, Nutrient cycling, and Provisioning of habitat. Species Moderate to low species diversity, not as diverse as the surrounding rocky grasslands Diversity Natural Scientific Services CC B-34 Booysendal South Flora & Fauna Acacia-Hyperthelia Lower Floodplain Grassland .. Some transformations occurring due to previous anthropogenic activities in the valley Current .. Cattle grazing & trampling evident. Condition: .. Powerlines cross this community as well as the proposed water pipeline route CI Species: .. MTPA PS Gladiolus spp .. CI Faunal .. Serval (NT) .. Southern African Python (PS) Species: .. African Marsh Harrier (EN) .. African / Cape Clawless Otter (NT) .. Arundinella nepalensis Trin. .. Hyparrhenia hirta (L.) Stapf .. Acacia caffra (seedlings) .. Hyparrhenia tamba .. Chironia palustris Burch. subsp. palustris Common .. Heteropogon contortus .. Cymbopogon nardus species: .. Imperata cylindrica (L.) Raeusch .. Gladiolus spp .. Miscanthus junceus (Stapf) Pilg. .. Helichrysum aureonitens Sch.Bip. .. Themeda triandra Forssk. .. Helichrysum rugulosum Less. Current Conservation Status (faunal & flora) High ^ Alien Species; MTPA: Mpumalanga Parks & Tourism, MBG: Mining and Biodiversity Guidelines. * Ecotone between to Endangered Threatened Gazetted Ecosystems, PS Protected Species; SCPE: Sekhukhuneland Centre of Plant Endemism

Natural Scientific Services CC B-35 Booysendal South Flora & Fauna

3.4. Conservation Important Species It is well documented that heterogeneous landscapes, diverse geology and a range of environmental conditions provide a diverse number of habitats for plant species (Pickett, et.al. 1997; KNNCS, 1999; O’Farrell, 2006). These areas are normally associated with high levels of species endemism and richness. For example, at least 74% of the 23 threatened highveld plant taxa occur on the crests and slopes of ridges and hills (Pfab & Victor, 2002) and 41% of Gauteng’s plant endemics are confined solely to ridges.

However, homogenous landscapes that have been transformed through historical farming practices or clearing such as some of the units found in BS4 contain minimal diversity and endemism. Within BS4 there has been transformation from present mining and past farming. Past operational activities resulted in a small radius of cleared and degraded vegetation around the Valley Boxcut. Crop fields are in recovery and there is limited livestock present. The Booysendal Section 24G application study area and the area sampled north and south of BS1/2 is considered a largely natural, heterogeneous landscape consisting of diverse changes in topography, rock and moisture content.

Threatened plant species assessments made by Craig Hilton-Taylor (1996) for SANBI’s Threatened Species Programme (TSP) are currently being revised using the IUCN’s Red Listing Categories and Criteria modified from Davis et al. (1986). According to the TSP interim Red Data list of South African plant taxa (POSA, 2012), and the Mpumalanga Parks and Tourism Agency (MTPA) there are 361 Red Data plant species (TSP listings) including 22 Critically Endangered, 33 Endangered and 104 Vulnerable species (Table 3-17).

Data from SANBI and MTPA indicated that 39 Conservation Important (CI) plant species have been recorded in QDS 2530AA wherein Booysendal is situated. This does not include SCPE or LCPE Endemic and Near Endemic species. Examples of some species are shown in Figure 3-4. Provided in Table 3-17 is each species’ conservation status, habitat preferences, and possibility of occurrence in the NSS Study Area (Section A; Figure 1.1). Of the higher listed CI species by SANBI and MTPA, 10 plant species were detected by NSS, which are listed in Table 3-18. Observed specimens are shown in Figure 3-5 and Figure 3-6, and mapped in Figure 3-10. Of the 10 CI plant species, one is TSP-list, 2 are recognised as Declining, and one as Data Deficient. Additional regionally-occurring CI species, highlighted in Table 3-18, may also occur.

As the study area is situated within an endemic rich region, it is extremely important to highlight all CI species including endemics and Protected species. In total, 83 species were recorded within the surrounding area of Booysendal South Expansion Project of which 37 were directly within the study area. Of the 83 species 27 were endemics and 59 species protected under National and Provincial legislation (Table 3-19).

Natural Scientific Services CC B-36 Booysendal South Flora & Fauna

Table 3-17 CI Plant Numbers per TSP, MTPA in South Africa and Mpumalanga Mpumalanga Mpumalanga QDS Threat Status RSA (TSP) (MTPA) 2530AA EX (Extinct) 28 2 1 0 EW (Extinct in the Wild) 7 0 - 0 CR PE (Critically Endangered, Possibly Extinct) 57 1 - 0 CR (Critically Endangered) 332 20 22 0 EN (Endangered) 716 33 33 2 VU (Vulnerable) 1,217 95 104 9 NT (Near Threatened) 402 41 41 6 CR (Critically Rare - known to occur only at a single site) 153 5 3 0 R (Rare - limited population, but not exposed to any direct or potential threat) 1,212 54 96 3 D (Declining - not threatened but processes are causing a continuing decline in the population) 47 25 26 2 DDD (Data Deficient - Insufficient Information) 348 37 35 1 DDT (Data Deficient - Taxonomically Problematic) 904 TOTAL 5,423 313 361 26

Helichrysum aureum var. argenteum VU Brownleea graminicola MTPA VU (Ref: Threatened Plant Programme) (Ref: AfriOrchids - ispot.co.za) Figure 3-4 Species to look out for in the study area

Natural Scientific Services CC B-37 Booysendal South Flora & Fauna Table 3-18 Conservation Important plant species listed for grid square 2530AA Threat status/ Threat status/ Family Species SOURCE POSA MTPA Flowering Times On Site Habitat Occurs in moist habitats and in dry rocky Aloe cooperi Baker subsp. January - areas, mainly in Natal, Swaziland and ASPHODELACEAE cooperi POSA LC Declining February Yes Mpumalanga

Aloe barbara-jeppeae Rocky sandstone outcrops in high- ASPHODELACEAE T.A.McCoy & Lavranos TSP NT NT Winter Yes altitude grassland February and ASPHODELACEAE Aloe reitzii Reynolds var. reitzii POSA / MTPA NT NT March Possible Grassland areas of Mpumalanga High altitude regions, usually above 1 500 m, growing along fast - flowing Amauropelta (Thelypteris) mountain streams in montane grassland THELYPTERIDACEAE oppositiformis (C.Chr.) Holttum POSA / MTPA LC Rare N/A Possible in full sun. Asclepias schlechteri (K.Schum.) Observed in Ngongoni Veld, sandy soils in tall APOCYNACEAE N.E.Br. POSA / MTPA EN EN surrounding area Possible grasslands Observed in Highly APOCYNACEAE Asclepias sp. nov 1(Lotter 1593) MTPA CR Hoogland Possible Unknown Observed in Dolerite outcrops or red loam soil, in PASSIFLORACEAE Adenia wilmsii MTPA EN EN Hoogland Possible open woodland, 1300-1500 m.

Summer APIACEAE Alepidea amatymbica MTPA NE VU Possible Summer Rainfall Grasslands Summer Shallow pockets of dolomite, tolerating APOCYNACEAE Brachystelma minor E.A.Bruce POSA / MTPA VU VU Unlikely both open and shady conditions Brachystelma stellatum Summer APOCYNACEAE E.A.Bruce & R.A.Dyer POSA Rare Possible Montane grassland Highly ORCHIDACEAE Brownleea graminicola McMurtry MTPA VU Mid-Late Summer Possible Rocky Grasslands Brachycorythis conica subsp ORCHIDACEAE transvaalensis MTPA ECR CR January-February Possible Rocky Grasslands Observed in Highly ASTERACEAE Callilepis leptophylla No source Declining Hoogland Possible Grasslands Possible On rocks in woodland, and mist-belt Crassula setulosa Harv. var. Midsummer (found forest. Also in shelter of rocks in CRASSULACEAE deminuta (Diels) Toelken POSA / MTPA VU VU through Autumn adjacent) montane grassland Cryptocarya transvaalensis Burtt December - Canopy tree of montane and LAURACEAE Davy POSA / MTPA Declining Declining February Possible submontane evergreen forest FABACEAE Crotalaria monophylla POSA/MTPA VU VU Summer Possible Rocky quartzitic ridges in montane Natural Scientific Services CC B-38 Booysendal South Flora & Fauna Threat status/ Threat status/ Family Species SOURCE POSA MTPA Flowering Times On Site Habitat grassland. CORNACEAE Curtisia dentata No source NT NT Summer Yes Within the Kloofs Cymbopappus piliferus (Thell.) Rocky quartzitic ridges in montane ASTERACEAE B.Nord. POSA VU VU December Possible grassland. Summer

Delosperma deilanthoides Observed in Shallow quartzitic soils in rocky MESEMBRYANTHEMACEAE S.A.Hammer POSA / MTPA VU VU Hoogland Possible outcrops, 2000-2250 m. Disa (rungweensis) January - Montane grassland, usually in rocky ORCHIDACEAE zimbabweensis H.P.Linder POSA / MTPA LC Rare February Possible areas December – January In seepages and wet hollows among Observed in dolerite boulders and bedrock, in short ORCHIDACEAE Disa alticola H.P.Linder POSA / MTPA VU VU Hoogland Possible and heavily grazed grassland, 2000 m. Late Spring and Swampy areas, vleis in grassland, 1500- ORCHIDACEAE Disa zuluensis Rolfe POSA / MTPA EN EN Early Summer Possible 2000 m September - In open woodland and scrub, often in HYACINTHACEAE Drimia altissima (L.f.) Ker Gawl. POSA / MTPA Declining Declining December Possible large colonies. Ledebouria (Resnova) November- Within forested thicket, along drainage HYACINTHACEAE megaphylla No source VU (MP) December Yes lines (within the shade) Favours soils rich in lime, grows in various soils and is found in forests, bushveld, scrub, thornveld and Elaeodendron transvaalense woodland, along streams and often on CELASTRACEAE (Burtt Davy) R.H.Archer POSA / MTPA NT VU December - April Possible termite mounds. Eucomis autumnalis (Mill.) Chitt. December - Damp, open grassland and sheltered HYACINTHACEAE subsp. autumnalis POSA / MTPA NE Declining February Yes places from the coast to 2450 m. Summer growing, Well-drained, sandy soil amongst Winter dormant quartzitic stones and between crevices of quartzitic rocky ledges and in short Observed in Highly grass tufts, mainly on south- and east- HYACINTHACEAE Eucomis montana No source Declining Declining Hoogland Possible facing slopes Summer growing, Well-drained, sandy soil amongst Winter dormant quartzitic stones and between crevices of quartzitic rocky ledges and in short Observed in grass tufts, mainly on south- and east- HYACINTHACEAE Eucomis vandermerwei I.Verd. POSA / MTPA VU VU Hoogland Possible facing slopes Grassy mountain slopes, in deeper soils in wet sites or around the edges of damp IRIDACEAE Gladiolus calcaratus G.J.Lewis POSA / MTPA LC VU Summer Possible depressions. 2100-2400m

Natural Scientific Services CC B-39 Booysendal South Flora & Fauna Threat status/ Threat status/ Family Species SOURCE POSA MTPA Flowering Times On Site Habitat Summer

Observed in Sparse montane grassland on poor, OROBANCHACEAE Graderia linearifolia Codd POSA / MTPA VU VU Hoogland Possible gravely, quartzitic soil, 2255 m. February – March

Habenaria barbertoni Kraenzl. & Observed in Highly Rocky hillsides, in bushveld in ORCHIDACEAE Schltr. POSA / MTPA NT NT Hoogland Possible association with acacias, 1000-1500 m. Helichrysum aureum (Houtt.) ASTERACEAE Merr. var. argenteum Hilliard POSA / MTPA VU VU Summer Possible Montane grassland, 1800-2000 m. Hypoxis hemerocallidea Fisch., Highly HYPOXIDACEAE C.A.Mey. & Av-Lall. POSA / MTPA Declining Declining Summer Possible Open grassland & woodland. Observed in Highly AQUIFOLIACEAE Ilex mitis No source Declining Hoogland Possible Kloofs and thicket Jamesbrittenia macrantha Grassy slopes with other scattered SCROPHULARIACEAE (Codd) Hilliard POSA / MTPA NT NT March - April Yes shrubs, restricted to norite. Khadia alticola Chess. & MESEMBRYANTHEMACEAE H.E.K.Hartmann POSA / MTPA Rare Rare Summer Possible Grows in rocky places Khadia beswickii (L.Bolus) Open areas on shallow surfaces over MESEMBRYANTHEMACEAE N.E.Br. POSA / MTPA VU VU July - April Possible rocks in grassland. Grows in dense grass among dolerite rocks and on fertile soil beside streams Mid October - end in Mpumalanga at altitudes of 1 500-2 ASPHODELACEAE Kniphofia rigidifolia E.A.Bruce POSA / MTPA LC Rare of November Possible 100 m Ledebouria atropurpurea (N.E.Br.) J.C.Manning & Mediterranean Forest, woodlands and HYACINTHACEAE Goldblatt MTPA - VU Summer Possible Scrub Ledebouria lepida (N.E.Br.) HYACINTHACEAE S.Venter POSA Rare Rare Summer Unlikely Waterberg Mountain Bushveld Lydenburgia cassinoides November - CELASTRACEAE N.Robson POSA / MTPA NT NT January Yes Exposed norite bedrock and dolomite Early Summer Montane mistbelt and Ngongoni (September- grassland, rocky areas on steep, well HYACINTHACEAE Merwilla plumbea No source NT NT December) Yes drained slopes. 300-2500 m. Grasslands on the plateau above the November to eastern Escarpment of Mpumalanga in APOCYNACEAE Miraglossum davyi MTPA VU VU January Possible the Highveld Forms large stands in shallow soil on September - sunny rocky hills or along cracks and MYROTHAMNACEAE Myrothamnus flabellifolius Welw. POSA DDT DDT November Yes crevices in rocks.

Natural Scientific Services CC B-40 Booysendal South Flora & Fauna Threat status/ Threat status/ Family Species SOURCE POSA MTPA Flowering Times On Site Habitat Found in marshy places, along mountain streams and in moist kloofs -Low grassland between rocks, in humus-rich, FABACEAE Pearsonia hirsuta Germish. POSA / MTPA VU VU Summer Possible sandy soil Rocky, exposed grassland on acid soils, PROTEACEAE Protea parvula Beard POSA NT NT December - March Possible 1300-2150m Rocky hillsides in bushveld, on Searsia sekhukhuniensis pyroxenitic substrates of the eastern rim ANACARDIACEAE (Moffett) Moffett POSA / MTPA Rare Rare March and April Possible of Bushveld Igneous Complex. Summer

Streptocarpus latens Hilliard & Observed in Highly GESNERIACEAE B.L.Burtt POSA / MTPA Rare Rare Hoogland Possible Mossy, moist rock crevices, 2225 m. Afromontane grassland on lithosols above cliffs, in very exposed positions, December- sparingly shaded by rock ledges and GESNERIACEAE Streptocarpus hilburtianus MTPA VU VU January Possible associated scrub, 2000 m and above. IRIDACEAE Watsonia occulta L.Bolus POSA / MTPA LC Rare Summer Yes Montane Rocky Grasslands Zantedeschia elliottiana November - ARACEAE (W.Watson) Engl. POSA DDT DDT January Unlikely Habitat not defined- possibly a hybrid Zantedeschia pentlandii November and ARACEAE (R.Whyte ex W.Watson) Wittm. POSA / MTPA VU VU December Yes Rocky hillsides Highlighted in green – found on site by both NSS and Ecorex; Blue – By Ecorex, Pink –By NSS; ** Supplied in addition by MTPA; LC = Least Concern; VU = Vulnerable; NT = Near Threatened; EN = Endangered; DDT: Data Deficient

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Table 3-19 Protected Species of flora found in the NSS Study area (highlighted in green) and in the broader surrounds Species Family Red Data Endemic Protected Asclepias schlechteri (WM754) Apocynaceae EN Myrothamnus flabellifolius Welw. Myrothamnaceae DDT Ledebouria (Resnova) megaphylla Hyacinthaceae VU (Mp) SCPE Zantedeschia pentlandii Araceae VU SCPE (N) MNCA LCPE /SCPE Eucomis vandermerwei Hyacinthaceae VU (N) MNCA Watsonia occulta Iridaceae Rare LCPE MNCA Curtisia dentata Cornaceae NT NFA Habenaria barbertoni Orchidaceae NT MNCA Merwilla plumbea (Lindl.) Speta Hyacinthaceae NT MNCA Jamesbrittenia macrantha (Codd) Hilliard Scrophulariaceae NT Callilepis leptophylla Asteraceae Declining Aloe cooperi Asphodelaceae Declining MNCA Eucomis autumnalis subsp. clavata Hyacinthaceae Declining (MP) MNCA Eucomis montana Hyacinthaceae Declining MNCA Ilex mitis Aquifoliaceae Declining Aloe pretoriensis Asphodelaceae SCPE (N) MNCA Huernia zebrina subsp. insigniflora (Sekhukhuneland form) Apocynaceae SCPE (N) MNCA Cyphia transvaalensis Lobeliaceae SCPE (N) Gnidia caffra (Meisn.) Gilg (Form) Thymelaeaceae SCPE Kleinia longiflora DC. (Form) Asteraceae SCPE Aloe barbara-jeppeae Asphodelaceae NT SCPE (N) MNCA Vitex obovata E.Mey. subsp. wilmsii (Gurke) C.L.Bredenkamp & D.J.Botha Lamiaceae SCPE (N) Berkheya insignis (Sekhukhune form) Asteraceae SCPE Brachycorythis ovata Lindl. subsp. ovata Orchidaceae MNCA Cyphostemma sp.nov.aff.humile Vitaceae SCPE Gymnosporia species A Celastraceae SCPE Ipomoea bathycolpos subsp. sinuatodentata Convolvulaceae SCPE Melhania cf randii (form) Malvaceae SCPE Agapanthus inapertus Agapanthaceae Mp MNCA Streptocarpus dunnii Hook.f. Gesneriaceae Mp Hermannia brachymalla Malvaceae LCPE Searsia tumulicola var. meeuseana forma pumila Anacardiaceae LCPE Searsia wilmsii (Diels) Moffett Anacardiaceae LCPE Catha edulis Celastraceae NFA Pittosporum viridiflorum Pittosporaceae NFA Aloe arborescens Asphodelaceae MNCA Aloe greatheadii var. davyana ("longibracteata" form) Asphodelaceae MNCA Aloe modesta (possibly-unconfirmed) Asphodelaceae VU MNCA Aloe minima (possibly-unconfirmed) Asphodelaceae MNCA Brachystelma coddii Apocynaceae MNCA Brunsvigia radulosa Herb. Amaranthaceae MNCA Natural Scientific Services CC B-42 Booysendal South Flora & Fauna

Species Family Red Data Endemic Protected Corycium nigrescens Orchidaceae MNCA Dioscorea cotinifolia Dioscoreaceae MNCA Disa aconitoides Orchidaceae MNCA Disa cf. saxicola Orchidaceae MNCA Disa patula var. transvaalensis Orchidaceae MNCA Erica drakensbergensis Guthrie & Bolus Ericaceae MNCA Eulophia ovalis var bainesii Orchidaceae MNCA Eulophia ovalis var ovalis Orchidaceae MNCA Eulophia hians var nutans Orchidaceae MNCA Eulophia sp. (no flower) Orchidaceae MNCA Gladiolus papilio Iridaceae MNCA Gladiolus crassifolius Iridaceae MNCA Gladiolus densiflorus Iridaceae MNCA Gladiolus cf ecklonis Iridaceae MNCA Gladiolus woodii Iridaceae MNCA Habenaria caffra Orchidaceae MNCA Habenaria clavata Orchidaceae MNCA Habenaria pseudociliosa Orchidaceae MNCA Haemanthus humilis Amaranthaceae MNCA Kniphofia fluviatilis Asphodelaceae MNCA Kniphofia linearifolia Asphodelaceae MNCA Neobolusia tysonii Orchidaceae MNCA Olea capensis subsp. enervis Oleaceae MNCA Olea europaea subsp. africana Oleaceae MNCA Orthochilus foliosa (Lindl.) Bolus Orchidaceae MNCA Protea gaguedi Proteaceae MNCA Protea roupelliae Meisn. subsp. roupelliae Proteaceae MNCA Protea welwitschii Proteaceae MNCA Satyrium ocellatum subsp. hallackii Orchidaceae MNCA Satyrium cristatum var. longilabiatum Orchidaceae MNCA Satyrium parviflorum Orchidaceae MNCA Scadoxus multiflorus Amaranthaceae MNCA Scadoxus puniceus (L.) Friis & Nordal Amaranthaceae MNCA Schizocarphus nervosus Hyacinthaceae MNCA Triaspis glaucophylla Engl. Malpighiacaeae SCPE (N) Protea caffra Meisn. subsp. caffra Proteaceae SCPE MNCA Euclea crispa (Thunb.) Gurke subsp. Crispa (Sekhukhune) Ebenaceae SCPE Aloe spp Asphodelaceae SCPE (N) Aloe cryptopoda Baker Asphodelaceae SCPE (N) Aloe cf parvibracteata Schonland Asphodelaceae MNCA Brunsvigia radulosa Herb. Amaranthaceae MNCA Total 82 17 27 59

* MNCA: Mpumalanga Nature Conservation Act (No.10 of 1998); NFA: National Forest Act; SCPE: Sekhukhuneland Centre of Plant Endemism; LCPE: Lydenburg Centre of Plant Endemism

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Eucomis autumnalis Triaspis glaucophylla Agapanthus inapertus

Satyrium parviflorum Satyrium parviflorum Aloe modesta / minima?

Streptocarpus dunnii Aloe cooperi Eulophia hians var nutans

Melhania cf. randii (form) Huernia zebrina subsp. insigniflora Figure 3-5 Examples of observed CI plant species in Booysendal Natural Scientific Services CC B-44 Booysendal South Flora & Fauna

Jamesbrittenia macrantha Ledebouria (Resnova) megaphylla

Zantedeschia pentlandii Lydenburgia cassinoides

Merwilla plumbea Habitat Merwilla plumbea Figure 3-6 Additional Examples of Red Listed CI plant species in Booysendal

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Ferns All indigenous species of true ferns excluding Pteridium aquilinum (bracken) and are considered to have conservation significance and are therefore highlighted in this section. The main fern species found on site were belonging to the genus Pellea, Cheilianthus, Mohria and Ricca. Examples of these are represented in Figure 3-7.

Schizaea tenella kaulf Schizaea tenella kaulf

Adiantum cf capillus-veneris Mohria / Cheilanthes sp

Cheilanthes viridis cf. var glauca Cheilanthes viridis cf. var glauca Figure 3-7 Photographic evidence of additional CI fern plant species on Site

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Fungi Fungi (Mushrooms) along with bacteria, are the major decomposers in most terrestrial ecosystems, and therefore play a critical role in biogeochemical cycles and an essential role in nutrient cycling, especially as saprotrophsand symbionts. Mycorrhizal symbiosis between plants and fungi is one of the most well-known plant–fungus associations (approximately 90% of all plants) and is of significant importance for plant growth and persistence in many ecosystems. In addition to this, Mycorrhiza-forming fungi are considered as bio-indicators of air pollution (Fellner, 2003). Species such as Russula are designated as bio-indicator in climax forests.

There were numerous fungi species recorded within the field investigations. Examples of these are presented in Figure 3-8 and Figure 3-9.

In terms of cultural and medicinal use: .. Trametes versicolor is known to have an Anti-cancer action and has been shown to lower cholesterol in animal studies. .. Panaeolus papilionaceus, also known as Agaricus calosus, is a very common and widely distributed small brown mushroom that feeds on dung. While it is edible, it lacks flavour and mass. .. Termitomyces reticulatus is a species of agaric fungus found in South Africa. It is associated with the termite species Odontotermes badius and O. transvaalensis. The symbiosis between fungus-growing termites and their fungi has a big impact on most African and Asiatic ecosystems (De Beer, 2007). It has been estimated that fungus-growing termites are responsible for 90% of the decomposition of wood in some savanna areas in Kenya (De Beer, 2007). Termitomyces are among the few organisms that can degrade the plant material lignin, thereby playing an important role in the ecosystem’s carbon cycle.

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Dacryopinax spatularia (Edible) Trametes versicolor Fan-shaped Jelly Fungus Turkey Tail (Inedible)

Parasola sp. (Edible) Termitomyces reticulatus

Deconica coprophila (Inedible) Crinipellis scabela (Inedible) Dung-loving Psilocybe Hairy Parachute Figure 3-8 Photographic evidence of CI Fungi plant species on Site

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Reticularia (Enteridium) cf lycoperdon Panaeolus papilionaceus False Puffball (Inedible) Petticoat Mottlegill (Edible)

Clitocybe sp. (Possibly edible) Clitocybe sp. (Possibly edible)

Coriolopsis sp (Inedible) Scleroderma sp. (Inedible)

Figure 3-9 Photographic evidence of additional CI Fungi plant species in the NSS Study Area

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Figure 3-10 Locations of observed CI plant species in the NSS Study area – Booysendal South Expansion Project

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3.5. Alien Invasive Species Alien, especially invasive plant species are a major threat to the ecological functioning of natural systems and to the productive use of land. Their potential impacts include: .. A loss of biodiversity and ecosystem resilience as alien species out-compete indigenous flora, and in doing, so reduce complex ecosystems to mono-cultures therefore destroying habitats for both plant and animals. .. Through increased evaporative transpiration rates, ‘alien thickets’ reduce the amount of groundwater thus reducing the volume of water entering our river systems. .. Alien invasive species dry out wetlands and riparian areas thereby increasing the potential for erosion in these areas. .. Loss of potentially productive land and loss of grazing potential and livestock production. .. Poisoning of humans and livestock. .. An increase in the cost of fire protection and damage in wildfires, due to alien invasive stands being denser than natural vegetation and the wood more resinous, creating hotter fires. .. An increased level of erosion following fires in heavily invaded areas, as well as the siltation of dams.

Two main pieces of national legislation are applicable to alien, invasive plants, namely the: .. Conservation of Agriculture Resources Act (CARA; Act 43 of 1983); and .. National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEM:BA; Act 10 of 2004): o NEM:BA Regulations August 2014 - Government Gazette Vol. 590, No. 37885.

In terms of the amendments to the regulations under CARA, landowners are legally responsible for the control of alien species on their properties. Declared weeds and invasive species had been divided into three categories in accordance with the Act. These categories are as follows: Category 1: Declared weeds that are prohibited on any land or water surface in South Africa. These species must be controlled, or eradicated where possible. Category 2: Declared invader species that are only allowed in demarcated areas under controlled conditions and prohibited within 30m of the 1:50 year flood line of any watercourse or wetland. Category 3: Declared invader species that may remain, but must be prevented from spreading. No further planting of these species are allowed.

The protection of our natural systems from invasive species is further strengthened within Sections 70-77 of NEM:BA. Chapter 5 of this Act specifically deals with species and organisms posing potential threats to biodiversity.

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To summarise, the purpose of Chapter 5 is to: .. Prevent the unauthorised introduction and spread of alien species and invasive species to ecosystems and habitats where they do not naturally occur. .. Manage and control alien species and invasive species to prevent or minimise harm to the environment and to biodiversity in particular. .. Eradicate alien species and invasive species from ecosystems and habitats where they may harm such ecosystems or habitats.

Furthermore Section 73 (2) states that a person who is the owner of land on which a listed invasive species occurs must: .. Notify any relevant competent authority, in writing, of the listed invasive species occurring on that land. .. Take steps to control and eradicate the listed invasive species and to prevent it from spreading. .. Take all the required steps to prevent or minimise negative impacts to biodiversity.

The regulations for this Act were issued for public comment on 3 April 2009 (Government Gazette Vol. 526, No. 32090) and promulgated in August 2014 (Government Gazette Vol. 590, No. 37885). The regulations list the categories for alien and listed invasive species. These are: .. Exempted species. .. Category 1a Listed Invasive Species -Species requiring compulsory control. .. Category 1b Listed Invasive Species - Invasive species controlled by an invasive species management programme. .. Category 2 Listed Invasive Species- Invasive species controlled by area (2). .. Category 3 Listed Invasive Species - Invasive species controlled by activity (3). A species may be listed in different categories for different parts of the country.

Due to the natural nature of the study area, limited alien species are present within the valley (Section 24G Application –Phase 1 and the Booysendal MR activities). However, a number of species are associated with the disturbances up on the plateau around BS4 included wooded aliens such as Acacia mearnsii, Pinus and Eucalyptus. Areas where infestations could spread include the new road, the decline areas and the tailings facility. Further to this, areas within the Bushclumps contained weedy species such as Tagetes minuta, Bidens pilosa Conyza bonariensis, Pseudognaphalium luteo-album, and Schkuhria pinnata. Weedy species within the wetland areas included Paspalum dilatatum, Paspalum urvillei, Plantago major, Oenothera rosea and Verbena bonariensis.

Examples of observed specimens are shown in Figure 3-11 and Figure 3-12. Category 1 species that require removal included: .. Campuloclinium macrocephalum .. Xanthium spinosum L.

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.. Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. .. Datura stramonium L. and D ferox .. Verbena brasiliensis and V bonariensis Vell.

Disturbed areas –Alien bushclumps Acacia mearnsii Figure 3-11 Examples of observed alien invasives in BS4

Campuloclinium macrocephalum Datura ferox Pom Pom Weed Large Thorn Apple Figure 3-12 Examples of observed alien invasives within the study area

4. Concluding Remarks

From field investigations the vegetation structure corresponds to the data obtained through POSA, with the dominant families listed as Asteraceae; Poaceae and Fabaceae. From the data analysis, 5 broad habitat groups were identified of which 16 vegetation communities were defined. These included:

.. Bushveld and Thicket o Lydenburgia - Vitex - Kirkia Rocky Thicket

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o Cliff face & Kloof Habitat o Acacia - Euclea- Hippobromus - Scolopia Thicket o Protea - Themeda Slope Open Woodland .. Riparian and Wetland o Faurea - Combretum - Halleria Riparian vegetation o Dams / Man made waterbodies o Fuirena - Agrostis Seep Zones o Tulbaghia – Eleocharis Sheetrock Wetland o Phragmites - Schoenoplectus Vlei system o Fuirena - Leersia - Phragmites Vlei system o Acacia-Hyperthelia Lower Floodplain Grassland .. Rocky Grasslands o Loudetia - Themeda Western Slope Grasslands o Acacia caffra - Ozoroa - Tristachya Eastern Slope Grasslands o Heteropogon - Eragrostis Semi-natural grassland .. Rocky Outcrops, Sheet Rock and Boulders o Searsia- Diospyros - Rhoicissus Rocky outcrops o Aloe - Myrothamnus - Xerophyta Sheet Rock Formations o Brachiaria - Tristachya Exposed Rock .. Transformed Areas. o Agriculture - kiwi farming o Agriculture - past farming o Cleared Areas and rock fall areas o Cleared Areas for road networks o Current infrastructure o Lippia - Eragrostis Transformed (past clearing, some recovery) o Main Alien Bushclumps (Eucalyptus / Acacia mearnsii) o Transformed vleis (through farming etc)

In terms of CI species, ten of the higher listed CI species listed by SANBI and MTPA CI were detected by NSS in BS, with a greater amount (83 species) collect in the surrounding areas by NSS and EcoRex in the past (2010-2015). Of these species 27 were endemics and 59 species Protected under National and Provincial legislation.

In summary Section D provides a discussion of the relative sensitivity or conservation importance of the identified floral communities in the NSS Study Area (Booysendal South Expansion Project Phase 1 and 2) based on their recorded floral diversity, current condition and impacts, and numbers of observed and potentially occurring CI floral species.

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