Volume 9 • April 2013

CREW –National Overview Domitilla Raimondo REW, the Custodians of his year CREW celebrates its Over the past ten years CREW has C Rare and Endangered T10 year anniversary. grown at a sustainable rate, ex- Wildflowers, is a programme panding from the focus on the Fyn- What started off as a three year that involves volunteers from bos to include summer rainfall ar- pilot project in the Fynbos with ex- the public in the monitoring ternal grant funds from the United eas. In 2006 the Mpumalanga Plant and conservation of South States, has expanded into a nation- Specialist Group joined CREW and Africa’s threatened plants. ally implemented programme with in 2007 the KwaZulu-Natal Node CREW aims to capacitate a financial and institutional commit- was established. CREW work start- network of volunteers from ment from SANBI and the Botani- ed for the first time in Limpopo in a range of socio-economic cal Society (BotSoc). Few projects 2012, with an exciting partnership backgrounds to monitor of this nature have a lifespan longer between the University of Limpopo and conserve South Africa’s than five years, so getting to 10 and the Limpopo Botanical Society threatened plant species. is very impressive. The success group (see article on page 34). This The programme links vol- of CREW is due to the dedication year, 2013, we take the bold step unteers with their local of our network of volunteers who of moving the programme deeper conservation agencies and donate their time and resources to into the Eastern Cape, working particularly with local land monitoring and conserving rare and both in the Pondoland region in stewardship initiatives to en- threatened plants. To honour this partnership with Sustaining the sure the conservation of key commitment, SANBI and BotSoc Wild Coast trust, as well as in the sites for threatened plant will be producing a coffee table Grahamstown and former Ciskei species. publication this year, highlighting region with Rhodes University. A the plight of 100 of South Africa’s CREW node will be established in most threatened plants. A major Grahamstown based at the Selmar focus of the book, titled Plants in Schonland Herbarium and Vatiswa Peril, will be to demonstrate the Zikishe, who has been working with work being done by CREW volun- CREW in the Cape Floristic Re- teers, highlighting CREW activities gion (CFR), will head up the work to monitor the status of threatened in the Eastern Cape. Our first two species accurately as well as con- years will focus both on setting up tribute towards their conservation. a group of volunteers based in Gra- The number 100 was chosen as hamstown to monitor plant species this year is the centenary anniver- of conservation concern as well as sary of the Botanical Society. piloting employment of young mem-

1 bers from rural communities in the status of South Africa’s biodiver- tor and conserve plants of conser- former Ciskei area to work as para- sity. We would like to thank all our vation concern in your regions. We ecologists. volunteers for their hard work that challenge you to help us break all resulted in this recognition. We look previous records and to demon- The term para-ecologist is some- forward to celebrating our ten-year strate that this programme has the what unknown in South Africa. anniversary with you. This year we necessary momentum to continue Para-ecologists are individuals encourage extra hard work to moni- well into the future. recruited from rural communities to help conduct ecological and conservation research in the area in which they live. With dedicated training and constant linkages with News from the CREW visiting scientists, para-ecologists become local experts in biodiver- KwaZulu-Natal Node sity and work to bridge the com- Suvarna Parbhoo munication gap between local and scientific communities, contributing The fifth annual summer-rainfall to both scientific research and local ix months have passed development. CREW’s para-ecolo- Ssince I took over the reins workshop, held at Umthamvuna gist project will run from April 2013 of CREW KwaZulu-Natal man- Nature Reserve, was by far the ager from Isabel, and a busy six to November 2015, with three focal best attended workshop. Sixty-five months it has been. areas namely, the former Ciskei re- participants attended, including gion of the Eastern Cape, the Pon- My highlights have been the four- CREW volunteers from KwaZulu- doland region, and rural towns sur- day bumper CREW summer-rainfall Natal, Limpopo and Mpumalanga rounding Cape Town (Mamre and workshop and meeting new volun- provinces, students from UKZN- Worcester). Funding for employing teers via the Bioblitz project. My Westville campus, inland and para-ecologists has come from lowlights have been the untimely coastal branches of the KwaZulu- the Groen Sebenza project (Jobs death of Rob Scott-Shaw and Natal Botanical Society and the Fund) that SANBI is implementing missing opportunities to join the KwaZulu-Natal provincial con- across the Conservation Sector in CREW groups on field trips due servation agency. It was the first partnership with 32 environmental/ to this season’s strange weather. CREW workshop to be held over biodiversity organisations, and the Sadly, 2013 began with the news four days. The workshop kicked off Kirstenbosch Branch of the Bo- that Roger Uys, Ezemvelo KZN with Braam van Wyk’s tree iden- tanical Society. Groen Sebenza is Wildlife’s ecologist, is relocating to tification course and concluded aimed at developing priority skills New Zealand. Apart from being an with Marie Jordaan’s Gymnosporia in the biodiversity sector to create ardent CREW fan, Roger has been identification course. During the sustainable job opportunities for extremely helpful with plant permits weekend, Braam informed us of the 800 unemployed graduates and and access to the provincial re- principles of plant geography by matriculants. CREW will be doing serves. We wish Roger all the best. explaining the distribution patterns its bit to build skills by employing ten para-ecologists.

Reflecting on 2012, there is much to be proud of. Our volunteers surveyed many species of con- servation concern with so many exciting finds (see articles written by each CREW group for examples of these). SANBI’s virtual museum, iSpot, has taken off, with CREW volunteers making a massive contribution (see article on page 8). The data collected by CREW volunteers has been invaluable for updating the Red List. During 2012, the conservation status of 797 plants was updated. At the end of 2012, the CREW team received SANBI’s CEO Special Award recognising the value of our contribution towards achieving Rob Scott-Shaw showing volunteers how to do plots at Red Desert Nature Reserve 2 SANBI’s mandate to monitor the (Photograph: D. Higginson-Keith). Participants at the 2012 CREW summer-rainfall workshop. of plants and why some plants are rare. Mondi’s environmental man- ger, Jacqui Shuttleworth, provided insight into the company’s environ- mental programme. Tony Dold in- troduced his newly launched book, Voices from the Forest. On Sunday we were joined by an amaMpondo delegation to celebrate the launch of Sinegugu Zukulu’s book, Me- dicinal and Charm Plants of Pon- doland. The 2013 CREW summer- rainfall workshop will be held in Es- howe on 6–9 September with three well-known botanists (Neil Crouch, Benny Bytebier and Pieter Bester) already secured for plant identifica- tion courses.

My first official assignment as Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife ecologist, Roger Uys, eThekwini municipality ecologist, Er- CREW KwaZulu-Natal Node rol Douwes and some participants of the Entumeni Bioblitz. Manager was to prioritise the 460 KwaZulu-Natal threatened plant species into target species for almost 40 priority species. The herbarium at Umthamvuna Nature each of the eight CREW groups. group’s enthusiasm has grown Reserve but also contributes to This new target species list made tremendously over the past year, other herbaria. for intense discussions at each with an injection of new CREWites. of the planning meetings and The CREW herbarium techniques The CREW KwaZulu-Natal Node gave the groups a new focus. course at the Bews Herbarium, has entrenched its university pro- The Nicholson Botanical Group facilitated by Christina Potgieter- ject at the University of Zululand, set out on a mission to Dumisa in Curry, further enhanced CREW University of KwaZulu-Natal (Pie- search of Data Deficient species. volunteers’ confidence in plant termaritzburg campus) and Durban The group recorded more than collecting. Both the Boston and University of Technology. This pro- 100 species in just two hours with Underberg groups have submitted ject was initiated in 2009. Universi- the find for the day being Searsia specimens to the KwaZulu-Natal ty of Zululand students were again rudatsii (Endangered), previously Herbarium for the first time. The unsuccessful in their search for the known only from Vernon Crookes Mkhambathini Group continues very rare saprophytic ground orchid Nature Reserve. The Underberg to donate specimens to the Bews Didymoplexis verrucosa (Vulner- Group excitedly set out to find Herbarium and the Nicholson able) that is only known from one the historical localities of their Botanical group has its very own locality. University of KwaZulu-Na- 3 tal students collected baseline plant programme appreciates her invalu- biodiversity symposium and WES- demographic data for a population able help in this regard, as CREW SA KwaZulu-Natal coastal office. It of the medicinal Merwilla plumbea volunteers will be able to access will also be reaching out to the vari- (Near Threatened) for the third year this information electronically [see ous other provincial conservancies and conducted a mini Bioblitz at the http://herbaria.plants.ox.ac.uk/bol/ in the upcoming ‘quiet’ season. In site. We trust that we have inspired nu]. The backlog of CREW data addition, we had two radio inter- students to pursue careers in plant from KwaZulu-Natal was efficiently views with prominent regional radio conservation. captured by Nkosinathi Mnwabe, a stations, although these were pri- first year University of Cape Town marily for the Bioblitz project. It is student from Impendle in the Kwa- The KwaZulu-Natal Node em- wonderful for CREW to have wide Zulu-Natal Midlands, who joined ployed its first National Research support throughout the summer- CREW over December and Janu- Fund/Department of Science and rainfall region. Technology (NRF/DST) funded in- ary to do a stint of vacation work. tern, Nomvume Petela. Nomvume During the past year, the CREW The CREW KwaZulu-Natal node is was primarily responsible for con- programme in this province has grateful to the EDRR Programme: tributing to the Bews online her- received exposure at the Botani- KZN Node, for the use of their vehi- barium by capturing data for speci- cal Society KwaZulu-Natal coastal cle and shared office space. I look mens of threatened genera on the branch, eThekwini Municipality’s forward to 2013 with exciting pro- BRAHMS database. The CREW biodiversity forum, KwaZulu-Natal jects and new CREW groups.

News from the CREW Cape Floristic Region Node Ismail Ebrahim

n the Cape Floristic Region Ithe year started off with the annual CREW workshop held in Hermanus at the Habonim youth camp. The programme was packed with interesting talks and for me the highlight of the workshop, as al- ways, was hearing the stories from the CREW volunteer groups about their achievements for the year.

On 12 June 2012 the iSpot website was officially launched at the Bio- diversity Information Management Forum. iSpot enables people to share their observations of nature Vathiswa with University of Stellenbosch students. and in the process, learn about biodiversity. As part of the launch, but there were nevertheless some we conducted a Bioblitz at the Ke- surprised by the abundance of the good ones. One of the most excit- nilworth Racecourse Conservation species post-fire. ing was the trip to the Caledon Area. More than 100 people joined Swartberg Mountain, where we Our engagement with universities us for the event and the highlight found new populations of Moraea involving a Red List lecture and of the day was recording Hessea insolens and M. longiaristata. Both field trip to a site with threatened cinnamomea, last seen at the site these moraeas are listed as Criti- species was very successful. In 70 years ago. This was the starting cally Endangered. As many of you 2012 we conducted our Red List point for our Bioblitz project (see already know, M. insolens is my ab- training at the Cape Peninsula Uni- article on the Bioblitz project page solute favourite plant so, needless 8). versity of Technology, University of to say, I was very excited about this the Western Cape and Stellenbos- Our C team field trips took a back discovery. The population of M. lon- ch University. We also structured 4 seat to the Bioblitz project this year giaristata is also new and we were our practical session differently and this improved the level of student participation. We included a practi- cal identification exercise and train- ing on how to complete the CREW forms. This gave us an opportunity to engage with the students more meaningfully and share our knowl- edge and experience better.

We rounded off the year with a great two-day trip to the Sandveld to collect Campanulaceae species. We were joined by Chris Cupido, Campanulaceae expert from the Critically Endangered Moraea insolens. Critically Endangered Moraea longia- Compton Herbarium. The main pur- ristata. pose of the trip was to find some species listed as Data Deficient ble. These specimens will be used We look forward to an exciting in the Sandveld and Cederberg to unravel some of the species 2013. Both Kirstenbosch National regions. The Wahlenbergia and complexes in the family. This fo- Botanical Garden and the Botani- Prismatocarpus genera require cused approach seemed to be very taxonomic revision and our mission successful and we will try to do a cal Society celebrate their cente- was also to collect as much fresh few more family specific collecting nary, so there are many activities material for the herbarium as possi- trips this year. planned for this year.

Measuring species conservation success: The Red List Index Lize von Staden

hanks to the large amounts in that it synthesises a large num- African flora to be closely moni- Tof data on our species of ber of positive, negative or neutral tored for calculating our own Na- conservation concern collected trends into a single statistic that, tional Sampled Red List Index. This by you, our volunteers, many when tracked over time, can give group of 900 species includes spe- species’ Red List statuses are us meaningful insight into whether cies from all Red List categories as changing. overall, we are doing better or well as from all parts of the country, worse in our conservation efforts. and this is where we are going to In many cases, however, these need your help. For this group of changes are as a result of an im- The time frame for calculating the special species, we need not only proved knowledge of our species, Red List Index is typically every five surveys to locate their populations, rather than an improvement or to ten years, and in adopting the we also need to periodically revisit deterioration in their conserva- Red List Index in South Africa we those populations in order to de- tion status. The question therefore have decided to align the index with termine accurately how well they remains, can the Red List tell us our national report on the state of whether we are successful in our the country’s biodiversity, called the are surviving—work that many of conservation efforts to save spe- National Biodiversity Assessment, our CREW groups are already do- which is produced every seven cies from extinction, or not? ing. You will be hearing soon from years. However, as you may well Suvarna and Ismail which Sampled International conservation scien- be wondering, how is it possible to Red List Index species have been tists have developed a system that monitor the status of our entire flora assigned to your group for monitor- involves periodical reassessments as well as reassess all 20 000+ ing, and we will be developing the species every seven years? The of groups of species and incorpo- methodology for the best way to good news is that for large groups rates changes in Red List Status as monitor population trends for those of species, the Red List Index also well as the reasons behind those species over the next year. We works on a randomly selected sub- hope that you are as excited as we, changes into a statistic, or indica- set of species, in which case it is tor, called the Red List Index. This called a Sampled Red List Index. the Red List team, are in joining us index works much like the more fa- in this new chapter of conservation miliar economic indicators such as We have therefore randomly se- monitoring of the South African GDP or the Consumer Price Index lected 900 species from the South flora! If you have any further ques- 5 tions about the Red List Index, please feel free to contact me at my e-mail address, L.vonStaden@ sanbi.org.za.

This hypothetical graph illustrates how the Red List Index shows trends in conservation success over time. The markers on the lines represent the value of the Red List Index calculated for a particular year. If the trend in the line con- necting the markers is positive over time, it means that more species are genuinely improving in their Red List status—moving from categories of higher risk of extinc- tion to categories of lower risk of extinction due to conservation in- terventions—indicating successful conservation efforts. On the other hand, if the trend is negative, it means that more species continue to decline—losing more habitat and populations over time, and thereby moving to categories of higher risk of extinction—indicating a failure to prevent species from going extinct.

Psoralea studies benefit through CREW involvement Abubakar Bello

s a newly admitted interna- field and unwrapped the secrets of Ational student at the Univer- understanding the distinguishing sity of Cape Town, the important key characteristics of the various contributions of CREW to my groups. Furthermore, CREW Cape future career in systematic biol- Floristic Region manager, Ismail ogy cannot be overemphasised. Ebrahim, always alerts me to up- coming trips and Bioblitzes, and I am currently doing research for also takes care of my transporta- my PhD on the taxonomy and evo- tion. The information I received lutionary studies of the genus Pso- from CREW on the geographic ralea L. (Psoraleeae, Fabaceae) in distribution of some members of southern Africa. My supervisors, the genus Psoralea contributed im- Prof. C.H. Stirton and Dr Muthama mensely to the paper I presented at Musya, introduced me to CREW, the recent 6th International Legume which is just like a fellowship for Conference at the University of Jo- my studies. To date, I have had hannesburg (6–11 January 2013). the opportunity to visit almost all Sarah (CREW staff) introduced me areas of the Cape Floristic Region to iSpot, a user-friendly website on about seven field trips, including that helps to identify anything in Bioblitzes, organised by CREW. nature. Through CREW, I was able These have contributed enormous- to collect herbarium and voucher Abubakar Bello in the field. ly to my introduction to the wide specimens for my study species as variety of Cape plants, especially well as some rare and endangered members of the pea family (Le- indigenous legumes. The idea of plants is timely and of paramount guminosae), which I am focusing CREW to use students like me and importance. I have no reservation on. Vatiswa Zikishe (CREW staff) other volunteers to monitor and in saying that, in my experience, 6 introduced me to legumes in the conserve South Africa’s threatened CREW is a big success. Celebrating our contribution to developing future plant specialists Vatiswa Zikishe

lant identification is one of Pthe most important skills in conservation, as we need to know and understand what we are conserving in order to apply proper management interven- tions. One of CREW’s objectives is to increase awareness of threatened plants and also to partner with universities in achieving our com- munal goal of conservation. Work- ing in the CREW Programme has exposed me to people with various levels of plant identification knowl- edge and I have observed that students coming from universities often have limited ability to apply the techniques needed for this skill. Having identified this gap, in 2008 we started working with uni- versities from the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. We started off by giving lectures on Red List assessment methodol- ogy, its objectives and how to apply the IUCN criteria. After reflecting on the lessons we learnt while do- ing this training, in 2010 we then included herbarium techniques as part of the course to encour- age participation from students. Abubakar checking the plant description. We showed them the link between doing Red List assessments and the importance of herbarium speci- to the CREW Programme by his us proud! Our successes may be mens to determine species status supervisor, Prof. Charles Stirton, small but by raising awareness, as well as to enhance their plant who has also played a major role we have created a stepping stone identification skills. Of the hundreds in assisting CREW to realise this of students we’ve engaged with, on the way forward to educate goal. Abubakar’s interest in plants we managed to get a few plant en- and engage the public about plant is not limited to the genus chosen thusiasts and for some, we made a conservation. huge contribution to their studies, for his study but he has also shown To other students out there who as we cover vast areas of the Cape an interest in learning more about would like to participate in our activ- Floristic Region when we do field- other plants in the Cape Floristic ities, be it at university or job entry work. Students can join the trips Region. He is a very keen and that cover their area or species of promising student. CREW has level, send us an email so that we interest. provided the platform for volunteers can add you to our mailing list for across the country to pursue their notification of upcoming trips and During last year’s spring season, passion for plants and for some, to other exciting CREW activities. You we had the privilege of working further a career in plant monitoring. can also be a volunteer and enjoy with Abubakar Bello from Nigeria, To everyone who has helped an amazing learning experience in who is doing his PhD studies CREW to achieve these results, we the field! E-mail me at V.Zikishe@ through the University of Cape would like to emphasise that it is sanbi.org.za or my supervisor, Is- Town, focusing on the genus not about what you got from us, but mail Ebrahim, at I.Ebrahim@sanbi. Psoralea. Abubakar was introduced what you have put in that makes org.za. 7 CREW Bioblitz Project Domitilla Raimondo, Ismail Ebrahim and Suvarna Parbhoo

itizen Science projects in- Cvolve members of the public in monitoring biodiversity. In June 2012, SANBI launched the iSpot online portal, a Virtual Museum and Citizen Science interface. During the latter half of 2012, as a result of funding received from DST/NRF’s SAASTA (South African Association for Science and Tech- nology Advancement) Programme, the CREW Programme initiated the Bioblitz Project. The aim of the project was to create awareness of biodiversity through conducting a series of Bioblitzes. During each Bioblitz, experts and members of the public worked together to sur- Community group from Rondevlei at one of the Cape Floristic Region’s Bioblitzes. vey natural areas, seeking, identify- ing and recording as many species as possible in a single day. Photo- graphs of a range of animals from small creatures, like spiders and butterflies, to beautiful birds and rare plant species were taken and loaded onto the iSpot portal. For members of many rural communi- ties, it was their first opportunity to visit nature reserves and for some, the first time using digital cameras and the internet. The iSpot portal is proving to be a highly effective biodiversity monitoring tool. Twenty Bioblitzes were conducted across South Africa, with a particular focus on rural areas that are biodiversity hotspots e.g. Pondoland in the Eastern Cape and the Bokkeveld escarpment of the Northern Cape.

As of January 2013, almost 100 of the 2 200 users on the site are CREW volunteers. Our volunteers have made 9 100 observations, 18 480 agreements with others’ observations, 11 351 identifica- tions and 5 231 comments to iSpot Geoff Nichols and Ashley Nicholas with his students at the Umthamvuna Nature users’ observations—with this Reserve Bioblitz. number increasing every month. Records on iSpot are being used to conduct conservation assessments of public. In addition, a host of new total of 598 observations loaded of species and these records are emerging invasive species has onto the iSpot website. Some of the also fed into provincial conserva- been recorded. tion plans. Species previously exciting discoveries included a new thought to be extinct by scientists, In the Cape Floristic Region, nine monkey beetle at the Elandsberg 8 have been recorded by members Bioblitzes were conducted with a Nature Reserve and a new popu- conservancies, both provincial branches of the Botanical Society, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Pietermaritzburg campus) and WESSA. The endangered Hilton daisy (Gerbera aurantiaca) made for a spectacular scene at the Hilton college grassland while the Near Threatened Brachystelma modestum was a good find at the Table Mountain environmental area. Several observations of frogs, birds and oribi were made at the Bill Barnes Nature Reserve. We also made several marine observations at the Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve. Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve, home to a rare species of giant earthworm, yielded a range extension of The final Bioblitz at Table Mountain Nature Reserve where we were joined by a Searsia rudatsii [Endangered]. member of SAASTA (Photographer: D. Scholtz). The Bioblitz Project was great fun and it gave us an opportunity lation and range extension of the In KwaZulu-Natal, 10 Bioblitzes to engage new volunteers in the highly threatened and cryptic Tri- were conducted with a total of project and visit some amazing anoptiles solitaria at the Roman- 589 observations loaded onto sites. It was wonderful to experience the interaction between srivier Stewardship Reserve. This the iSpot website. Participants various experts and citizen species is only known from a hand- included representatives from scientists sharing their knowledge ful of sites on the Cape Flats and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, eThekwini of, and passion for biodiversity with this is an exceptionally good find. municipality, various KwaZulu-Natal each other.

Medicinal and Charm Plants of Pondoland Domitilla Raimondo

n 16 September 2012, the region. Pondoland is recognised OBotanical Society and South by conservationists worldwide as African National Biodiversity a biodiversity hotspot. The region Institute launched the first ever is however under imminent threat publication documenting the from the proposed expansion of a use of plants by the amaMpondo large multi-lane national highway people. and from opencast mining. The Titled Medicinal and Charm amaMpondo people who live in this Plants of Pondoland, the region have a rich culture, which publication was launched at the includes extensive traditional and Umthamvuna Nature Reserve, with medicinal use of local species, conservationists, CREW volunteers particularly the plants. Many of the and Pondoland herbalists amongst plant species that occur only in the more than 100 people in this region are central to healing attendance. practices and rituals that are unique to the amaMpondo. Pondoland is an undeveloped wilderness area on the east coast As with many ancient healing of South Africa, stretching between traditions, the amaMpondo have a Port Edward and Port St Johns. broad, holistic approach to health It has over 2 500 plant species, care. Traditional amaMpondo Sinegugu Zukulu, author of The Medici- 220 of which are endemic to the nal and Charm plants of Pondoland. medicines and charms, called 9 amayeza, include many plants used to treat a wide range of illnesses as well as for cultural and religious purposes, such as ritual purification, protection against witchcraft and religious ceremonies. Whereas Western health care is based on curing physical symptoms, many amaMpondo people attribute disease and misfortune to metaphysical powers, which can be controlled with the correct use of amayeza. For the amaMpondo, misfortune and ill health are caused by a breach of customs and traditions or by supernatural powers. Herbal remedies and charms are used in rituals to appease the ancestors, to protect against evil forces and to remove ritual impurity.

Medicinal and Charm Plants of Pondoland describes sixty amayeza plants and their uses, based on information told to the author, Sinegugu Zukulu, during interviews conducted with four herbalists, Ixhwele Mashona ‘Su- lamntwana’ Wetu Dlamini, Inyanga Sinegugu Zukulu with the herbalists. Samson ‘Jakalas’ Gampe, Um- numzana Sizwe ‘Mistoli’ Shezi and Umnumzana Mpondombini ‘Six- teen’ Danca.

The information on indigenous plant use in Pondoland presented in this book will be of relevance to anyone interested in plants in the region, but it is primarily aimed at school pupils. Despite the interna- tional fame of the Pondoland biodi- versity hotspot, the majority of the AmaMpondo people who live in this region are not aware of their unique natural heritage. In addition, the knowledge of the particular plants used in rituals and for healing is typically held by the older genera- tion. The youth of the region are not learning from the elderly people how biodiversity traditionally has played a key role in their lives. This knowledge is of prime importance to ensure the long-term apprecia- tion and therefore conservation of these species. Herbalist indicating medicinal properties of plants. The Medicinal and Charm plants of Pondoland has been produced and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the printing of 5 000 books. Books published by SANBI with financial AVIS. The Botanical Society of are available from the Botanical 10 support from the Norwegian South Africa generously sponsored Society bookstores. CEPF/Botsoc Stewardship Project

Implementation of Biodiversity Stewardship by the Botanical Society of South Africa in eight botanically significant sites in the Maputaland-Pondoland hotspot in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Isabel Johnson

e are now into the second Wyear of the Critical Ecosys- tems Partnership Fund Project and CREW volunteers continue to be of great assistance. We have taken on two additional sites—Highover in the Umkomaas Valley, and Edgeware near Boston in the Midlands. Both of these sites, as well as Wingfield and Hlomohlo- mo, were approved as qualifying for Nature Reserve status by the BSP Working Group in early February this year.

Here are a few highlights. In mid- November the CREW A-team vis- ited Highover, which supports one of the most important blue swallow sites in KZN. This is a fantastic property, stretching from the Um- komaas River up Valley Bushveld

On top of the world at Highover (Photographer: I. Johnson).

clothed slopes and spectacular The Umgano Field Ranger training cliffs to an area of mistbelt grass- continues and some of the rangers land on the top. In spite of a small are becoming proficient at plant problem with the BotSoc Mazda, identification. I knew we had made we continued undaunted in Alison progress when on a recent walk Lettenga’s bakkie. Some interest- through the grassland I asked what ing finds were a very narrow-leafed family a purple daisy belonged form of the endemic Searsia ru- to and was informed that it was datisii (Vulnerable), a low growing Aster perfoliatus. They visited the ‘underground tree’ that superficially Bews Herbarium in July and saw looks like a legume, but some fruit specimens that they had collected and the characteristic ‘Rhus’ smell mounted on herbarium sheets. We soon put us right! We also found have spent some time on an identi- fication key, and they are now key- Thunbergia venosa (Rare) and on ing out Umgano forest trees with a subsequent visit a new record some proficiency, in spite of lan- for Dioscorea brownii (Vulner- guage difficulties (trying to explain able). Boston CREW have been a ‘quilted’ leaf was challenging). very helpful with the Edgeware Time and expertise given by Sally and Bostonview sites. Dave Clulow Johnson and Christina Curry have was roped into helping with Veld been hugely appreciated. Moses Hlongwana with his speci- Condition Assessments and Forb men of Disperis fannini at the Bews Diversity plots, the latter ending in With the field season drawing to Herbarium (Photographer: I. John- our getting very wet and dodging an end a great deal of paperwork son). lightning strikes! awaits! 11 A tribute to Rob Scott-Shaw Isabel Johnson

he unexpected and tragic Tloss of Rob Scott-Shaw has been a devastating blow to botany and vegetation analysis in KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa. Rob was incredibly supportive of CREW and we will all miss him enormously. He was involved with CREW for many years, even before CREW started in KwaZulu-Natal, and he attended the Cape Floristic Region volunteer workshop held at De Hoop in 2006. Always ready to give us advice on where to go and what to look for, he was a key figure in getting CREW KwaZulu- Natal going. He organised and joined us on field trips to Ithala, Inhlazatshe and many other places. Most recently, he met up with us at Dumisa, spending a worthwhile morning in the grassland at Glenrosa where he found several special species. He was fearless in pursuit of interesting plants Rob Scott-Shaw with CREW volunteers at Umthamvuna Nature Reserve. and there are many stories of his disappearing over cliff edges with no thought of safety. He also His pioneering book Rare and He was the curator and technician drove his Condor (always full of threatened plants in KwaZulu-Natal of the Killick Herbarium at Queen plant specimens in varying states (still a ‘botanical bible’ to many of Elizabeth Park. us). of freshness) to places that most He was a member of the CREW drivers of robust 4×4 vehicles His huge input into the Red List of Advisory Forum, which met annu- would avoid. South African plants. ally in Cape Town. Rob attended almost all of the His vital contributions to the Rob was very unassuming CREW summer-rainfall volunteer vegetation mapping of KwaZulu- and seldom criticised anyone. workshops—from Mtunzini in 2008 Natal and South Africa as This, coupled with his immense to Umthamvuna in 2012—and gave summarised in the VegMap knowledge, made him the valued many inspiring talks. In particular, publication by Mucina & Rutherford mentor that he was to so many one vividly remembers his telling us (2006). people. He also had a wonderfully how to monitor our own ‘God’s bit wicked sense of humour and was a of nature’-grassland, which prompt- His very comprehensive database great party animal. ed many CREW members to enjoy of KwaZulu-Natal grassland forb the rewards of monitoring their own diversity and the effects of grazing We will miss Rob enormously as bit of turf. and fire (Rob possibly visited more we spent a lot of time in the field Rob was a vitally important figure grasslands and forests throughout with him and we had an ongoing in KwaZulu-Natal botany. He will KwaZulu-Natal than anybody debate about Senecio erubescens always be remembered for his else ever has, and collected huge varieties. I will never see one of many contributions, which include, amounts of data on vegetation those infuriating plants or do a forb amongst other: composition and condition for both diversity plot without remembering grasslands and forests). Rob. His M.Sc. work on the difficult Acalypha peduncularis species His ground truth mapping of the Our sympathies to Maureen, Kate 12 complex. KwaZulu-Natal forests. and Bruce. Early Detection and Rapid Response: Management of Invasive Alien Species and SANBI

Alex Marsh and Reshnee Lalla

outh Africa has a long his- species, it is estimated that that the Story of invasive alien species negative economic impact of these management: plants is R6.5 billion every year.

2013 will mark 100 years of bio- Many of the invasive species being control implementation in South addressed by Working for Water Africa. have been proliferating across South Africa for decades and it is The South Africa Plant Invader Atlas (SAPIA) is 30 years old and thus no longer worthwhile to direct represents 30 years of invasive efforts at their eradication. It is the alien plant monitoring in South role of SANBI’s Invasive Species Africa. SAPIA lists over 700 plants Programme to focus on invasive as naturalised or invasive, of which alien species (IAS), which may be 238 species are listed under the feasible eradication targets. draft regulations. In 2008 the programme started as The Working for Water Pro- a partnership between SANBI and gramme—which has been in exist- the Natural Resource Management ence for 16 years—is recognised Directorate within the Environmen- as the biggest plant management tal Programmes Branch of the De- programme in the world. Its empha- partment of Environmental Affairs. sis on poverty alleviation has en- The programme focuses its efforts Invasive Species Programme KwaZulu- couraged the programme’s growth on IAS detection, risk assessment Natal Coordinator, Reshnee Lalla. and drawn international acclaim. and eradication planning. This is Of the listed species, the Working a concerted and co-ordinated ef- fort by research institutions, con- for Water Programme subjects 64 cies. In the process, information is servation organisations and civil taxa to regular control. These taxa, gathered on these species in order society across the country to limit which are largely woody species, to ensure the best future manage- widespread invasion of species that have been prioritised because of ment nationally. their effect on catchment areas and currently have limited distribution in riparian zones. South Africa. The Invasive Species For more information about the Programme administers funds to Early Detection and Rapid Re- However, despite the billions of conduct eradication and manage- sponse Programme, please e-mail rands spent on managing invasive ment of selected invasive alien spe- us at [email protected].

Teams clearing invasive alien plants. 13 Nieuwoudtville CREW Donna Kotze and Estholene Moses (Indigo development & change)

s Nieuwoudtville Biodiversi- Aty Facilitators, our aim is to share knowledge about the envi- ronment with the community. Our Eco Club connects people from diverse backgrounds, such as scholars, farm workers and residents of the community, and it has become a place were children feel safe and happy. We see every day as a challenge and we are very positive about the road ahead.

The Nieuwoudtville summer school took place during the first week of the December holidays. The five-day programme of fun and en- vironmental activities was hosted Team bioblitz. by various facilitators and we even had the CREW team here for one and international scientists for shar- University of KwaZulu-Natal). The day! The week was focussed on ing their knowledge so generously! talk by Christopher Willis (SANBI) learning and developing new skills, The most exciting part for the learn- on dragonflies and damselflies re- involving learners from primary and ers was uploading their pictures ally captured our imagination. One high schools. The highlight of the on iSpot and making a powerpoint of our partners who presents an week was an endurance day hike in presentation of their key findings to Eco Talk each year is Dr Michael the Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve. the local audience. Kuhlman (National History Muse- This was a real challenge for the um, London), who gave a stimulat- learners but the smallest learner In collaboration with the Nieu- ing presentation on plant pollinator was the champion walker of the woudtville Biodiversity Support interaction in the Cape. Dr Anton day! Now we are all looking forward Group, we (Indigo development Pauw also presented a fascinating to the winter school in June 2013. & change) hosted a range of Eco talk on pollination. Talks presented by scientists from Five Bioblitzes were hosted in the different countries. Talks covered We would like to thank all present- Nieuwoudtville area—two in the a wide range of topics, such as the ers for sharing their insights with Hantam National Botanical Garden interaction of Rediviva bees with the local and broader scientific and three in the Avontuur conser- their Diascia host plants (by Hilke community. If you are interested vation area. Different veld types Hollens, Munster University) and in giving a presentation in the Eco were monitored and documented pollination by small mammals in Talk series, please contact Donna in various areas of the Fynbos and South Africa (by Dr Petra Wester, Kotze at [email protected]. Renosterveld, including a dedicat- ed field trip to the special wetlands of Avontuur, accompanied by hun- dreds of hungry horseflies. Grade Linking Biodiversity Conservation 10 learners participated in three of these events and not only enjoyed to Climate Change being out in nature, but also had Bettina Koelle (Indigo development & change) the opportunity to develop technical skills, such as learning to work with a digital camera, GPS and tablet. he CREW team in Nieuwoudt- environmental monitoring. These Apart from exploring our special Tville is involved in facilitat- workshops are usually offered for biodiversity, this exercise facilitated ing quarterly workshops with adults only but a few months ago, interaction and the exchange of small-scale farmers to support we were approached by a group knowledge between participants, effective adaptation to climate of children to explore the option of variability and change. ranging from local farmers to sci- having a parallel workshop for chil- entists from further afield. A special This involves some action re- dren, based on the argument that 14 thanks goes to all South African search processes focussed on they are the ones who will have to deal with the results of climate change one day.

In a learning exercise, facilitated by Dr Ute Schmiedel (University of Hamburg), the children explored the different types of plant leaves and how they store water as an adaptation to drought. They tested the water contents by pressing the leaves and experimented with drying leaves in the sun. The learners then shared their findings with the adults, who were delighted to hear about the results the young scientists had to share.

Engaging young persons in citizen science is important—and there are many opportunities to do so.

If you would like to know more about the Climate Change Preparedness workshops, you can contact Bettina at Bettina@indigo- dc.org. Dr Ute Schmiedel facilitating an exercise.

Jacobsbaai/Weskus CREW Koos Claasens

ie afgelope blomseisoen was Ddie mooiste die afgelope 20 jaar. Dit was regtig besonders mooi om te sien hoe die struike, die een spesie na die ander, in die blom kom en elkeen meer blomme het en ‘n langer blomperiode as vorige jare. Wanneer dit by bolplante kom lyk dit nie of dieselfde altyd geld nie. Moraea hainebachiana het ‘n redelike konstante blomtyd (14–30 Augustus) en minder blomme as dit ‘n droë jaar is en vanjaar het dit twee keer langer geblom (7 Augus- tus–10 September). Aan die ander kant het ek gedink dat ons dalk meer van Bulbinella calcicola sou Polygala umbellata. kry as gevolg van die goeie reën, The only know population of the Criti- maar net ongeveer 10% van die cally Endangered Moraea loubseri. plante het geblom. Brunsvigia bos- pie, Olifantskop, naby Langebaan maniae blom konstant vir jare al, ontdek en dit word as die mees maar daar is heelwat meer blomme bedreigde knolplant in Suid-Afrika besoek en ongeveer 200 plante in na ‘n baie droë jaar. beskou. Op ‘n stadium is daar ge- blom gekry. Sedert 1982 het hier- dink dat die plant in die natuur uit- die plante egter verdwyn en is daar Moraea loubseri is in 1973 deur gewis is, maar Johan Loubser het by twee geleenthede, in 1995 en Johan Loubser op ‘n granietkop- die oorspronklike terrein in 1982 2002, minder as vyf plante gevind. 15 In 2011 het Rupert Koopman weer tussen Saldanha en Langebaan te plants which extended well into twee plante gevind. In 2012 het ons besoek om onder andere die October. The specimen table at the die terrein baie gereeld besoek, Polhillia spesie (Data Deficient), Wildflower Show was the best in a aangesien dit amper onmoontlik is wat lank gelede daar versamel is, long time as we found numerous om die plant sonder blom te kry en op te spoor. Sover was ons pogings new specimens not seen at that ‘n blom hou net drie dae. Ons nog onsuksesvol, maar die belo- time before, due to the wonderful moeite is beloon en 14 plante is ning om in interessante veld rond rains. Our walks at Tienie Versfeld gekry wat ten minste ses saadkap- te loop maak op daarvoor. Met ‘n Reserve are always successful sules gemaak het. Die beloning is besoek aan Cape Columbine het because the soil is damp, even in een van die weinige foto’s van M. summer, and there is incredible ons Polygala umbellata gekry wat loubseri in die natuur. bulb diversity. die eerste aangetekende populasie Daar is gepoog om meer eien- daarvan in Saldanha kalksteen We had the privilege of joining domme wat nog natuurlike veld het strandveld is. Jacques van der Merwe at Bur- ghers Post to see the Hessea cin- namomea (Endangered) as well as Babiana villosula (Near threatened) in flower in June. It was a highlight Report from the CREW group at for all of us to see what he and his team had achieved towards con- serving large parts of the farm and Darling and Yzerfontein controlling the alien trees.

Heleen Preston Our walks within and around Yzerfontein proved very popular. ur groups have changed fo- caerulea (Critically Endangered), Members’ enthusiasm increased Ocus over the last two years, Gladiolus griseus (Critically Endan- as the season progressed and they incorporating the areas around gered) and many more are doing could identify plants from the field the Langebaan Lagoon into our well. Our Babiana pygmaea colony guides. This has also led to more monitoring space. We have fo- on Oude Post Farm seems to like members joining the Wildflower cused on having more walks for being trampled by cattle during the Society. A favourite outing is along members of the three communi- long dry summer, or maybe there the calcrete ridges on the common- ties, which proved very popular. has been enough rain at the right age within the town to see the Ag- time, as the population increases athosma thymifolia against the cliff. We continue to monitor the special in size and number each year. We walked along the Bokbaaivygie species around Darling and None of the special species in the trail in early September and were Yzerfontein. The Babiana pyg- Tienie Versfeld Reserve seems overwhelmed by the spectacular maea (Critically Endangered), to mind being grazed from time to display of Dorotheanthus clavatus Geissorhiza darlingensis (Critically time. This year there was again a (Endangered) and Spiloxene cana- Endangered), Lachenalia purpurea- spectacular display of flowering liculata (Endangered) growing in profusion among the restios in the damp soil. This coastal Strandveld trail on private land is only open to the public during September

The critically endangered Moraea 16 Learning in the field at Langebaan. loubserii. and is well worth a visit. We were within the Postberg Reserve on the serii (Critically Endangered) plants unsuccessful in finding Gladiolus opposite side of the lagoon. Stru- where there was only one plant the quadrangulus (Endangered) which maria chaplinii (Endangered) and year before. Two weeks later, my we found there three years ago but Gladiolus caeruleus (Near Threat- husband and I found even more we found them on Baarhuis Farm ened) also seem to like the cooler plants. This site will be monitored a few kilometres north within the cliffs. I had the priviledge of joining in future. Safety, however, is a con- same veld type. We found about the Jacobsbaai Group for some of cern as there is no access control 50 Gladiolus griseus growing not their outings and saw new plants around the quarry and illegal dump- 10 metres from the lagoon edge, like Lachenalia viridiflora (Criti- ing and quad-bikes are a problem. wedged between granite and cal- cally Endangered) on the rocks crete in deep sand! At the same at St Helena Bay. Koos Claasens We look forward to another exciting site we also found Ixia purpureoro- and I visited the site at Olifantskop year and thank the CREW team at sea (Endangered), known only from and found several Moraea loub- Kirstenbosch for their support.

Friends of Tygerberg Hills (FOTH) Hedi Stummer

ur main focus in 2012 was Oon the Dassenberg cor- ridor. Working closely with the Cape Town Biodiversity Stew- ardship officers, Ulrike Irlich and Andre Rossouw, we visited Dassenberg Farm, Kanonkop, McGregor’s Farm (another popu- lation of Cephalophyllum parvi- florum, Critically Endangered), Touchwood, Nirvana, Franco’s Farm, Tydstroom, the Koeberg plot, Brakkefontein and Papekuil Outspan. We noted that although the sites were quite close to each other, the plant species lists were quite different.

The highlight of the year was FOTH CREWites. discovering Planea schlechteri (Critically Endangered) at Briers Erepsia patula (Vulnerable), Louw Nature Reserve in early Athanasia capitata (Endangered), February. Norwegian scientist, Aspalathus recurva (Vulnerable), Prof. Per Ola Karis, who described Moraea villosa (Vulnerable) and the plant from pressed specimens, Watsonia strictiflora (Critically came to visit in November to see Endangered). the live plants in the veld. We counted over 50 plants in March Three visits were made to RDM and we plan to monitor these plants Renosterveld Conservancy in the in the future and check sites in the Elandsberg near Wellington. This vicinity. site of 2 500 ha was burnt in the veld fire that swept through Bains Hercules Pilaar had a runaway fire Kloof and beyond in January Our find of the season, the Critically early in the year and provided an 2012. We found many Red Endangered Planea schlechteri. ideal opportunity to monitor the Listed species, including Moraea post-fire vegetation. We added angulata (Critically Endangered), about 100 species to the existing secunda (Critically Endangered). Pelargonium chelidonium plant list, special species being Game is currently grazing on the (Endangered), Serruria candicans Aristea lugens (Endangered), property and this may affect the (Endangered) and fields of Babiana vegetation. 17 Prof. Ola Karis looking at the Planea schlechteri population.

Our inability to access a Cape Flats permission from Eskom to moni- sand Fynbos site (namely 6BOD tor the vegetation. Last year the or Fort iKapa as it is know today) site was brush cut and then had has been of some concern. The a controlled fire rather late in the City now has some control over season. We found another popula- the management of the vegetation tion of Aspalathus retroflexa subsp. and Andre Rossouw made it pos- bicolor (Critically Endangered) as Watsonia strictiflora found at Hercules sible for us to resume our monitor- well as very healthy populations of Pilaar. ing. Although the site looks more Diastella proteoides and Serruria disturbed than before and has aemula, both Criticaly Endangered. been neglected (we could not find Despite missing outings because Diastella proteoides [Critically En- of wet weather, we were fortunate as the CREW programme. This dangered] and only a few Serruria in finding a viable population of makes it all worthwhile! aemula [Critically Endangered]), Lachenalia liliflora (Endangered) (a we did find another population of form of L. pallida) at De Grendel. We greatly appreciate the financial Aspalathus retroflexa subsp. bicolor donation for petrol from the Friends (Critically Endangered). The good We are proud that we could con- of Tygerberg Hills and the support news is that the site is now being tribute to the fact that landowners from Penny Glanville at the Tyger- cleared of the Port Jacksons and are now more aware of the value of berg Nature Reserve, the members we can return to check the vegeta- their vegetation through our inter- of the FOTH CREW team, CREW tion on a regular basis. est and enthusiasm. We also find at SANBI, the scientists at the it very rewarding to have our infor- Compton Herbarium and the City Another concern is the Plattekloof mation used by the City of Cape of Cape Town, who invite us to all Heritage site. We have not received Town’s Biodiversity Branch as well these interesting places.

CREW Hottentots Holland Branch Cecilia Wolmarans

uring the winter months and Disperis capensis. The flow- In September we visited the Verge- Dof 2012, the group joined ers were out in abundance so we noegd Farm, situated right next to Zikhona Mdlalase on Vergelegen had to tread carefully. A study was the N2 on the way to Stellenbosch. Estate to help her with one of done in the veld to determine the From a distance the farm seemed her botanical projects. differences between Lobostemon overgrown with aliens but amongst In August we returned for a full hottentoticus (Endangered) and L. the grasses we found species like day of exploration and found two fruticosus, both occurring in this Triglochin bulbosa. Highlights were 18 small orchid species, Disa obliqua area. Muraltia macropetala (Vulnerable), Disa obliqua.

One of the highlights of the year was definitely our outing to the Kogelbay area, joined by the Ko- The team at Suikerbossie. gelberg CREW Group. The area was recently burned and with no Pterygodium catholicum hidden We also explored a piece of wet- existing plant lists, we were able to in the renosterbos, and Corycium land on the Elsenburg Farm near identify more than 100 species. We orobanchoides. On the same day Stellenbosch. The area is sur- found a variety of grasses as well we also visited Harmony Flats. rounded by farmlands, mainly vine- as species such as Pelargonium Some of our members had not yards, and is a refuge for avifauna. incarnatum, Dilatris pillansii, Leuca- been there before and it was won- This was an ideal opportunity to dendron xanthoconus, Mimetes cu- derful to see the delight on their get to know the grass species as cullatus and Protea nitida, to name faces as the veld revealed its treas- well as interesting plants such as a few. We definitely want to make ures. We also participated in the Orobanche ramosa and the colour- a return trip to this diverse area, as Bioblitz on Harmony Flats but the ful Watsonia meriana. there is much more to explore. weather did not cooperate that day! One of the highlights of our Octo- ber trip to Schapenberg was find- ing the small Wurmbea marginata. News from Unfortunately, the flowering time of Swellendam and Lachenalia liliflora (a form of L. pallida) was over but there was Barrydale CREW an abundance of Babiana angusti- folia (Near Threatened), some with Flora Cameron red markings and some without. n 2012, the shrinking popu- The highlight of the year was the We were asked to compile a plant lation of Polhillia brevicalyx formation of the Overberg Low- species list for the farm Suikerbos- I (Critically Endangered) was sie, situated between Sir Lowry’s lands Conservation Trust, the reali- Pass and Gordons Bay. Despite increased by the discovery of sation of the dream of a previous being geographically close to another 10 plants. CREW champion, Christi Kloppers. Schapenberg, there was consider- Odette Curtis has taken up the The launch was attended by land- able species variation, mainly be- case of Polhillia in the Lower owners, SANParks management, cause of differences in geology. At Breede River Renosterveld and CapeNature managers, the Mayor Suikerbossie we were able to ex- together with Charles Stirton, has of Swellendam (the municipal area amine Amellus asteroides, Harveya discovered a new species (P. cur- includes Cape Infanta, Malgas, purpurea and Spiloxene aquatica. tisae) to add to the original list of P. Stormsvlei, Suurbraak and Barry- We were also able to compare pallens, P. canescens (Vulnerable) dale), all sharing a common interest Berkheya barbata with Berkheya and P. connata (Critically Endan- in conserving the renosterveld. The herbacea. This piece of land is gered). A management plan has chairperson is the owner of Voor- privately owned and the owner’s been worked out and the conser- involvement in the land stewardship vation of the two populations has stekop (Uitvlught), one of the first programme is gratifying. been secured. farms we surveyed. 19 Surveys are done as frequently as time allows, especially on the farms that took stewardship offers such as Uitvlught, Skeiding and Groot- vadersbosch. New areas, such as the communal farmlands southeast of Suurbraak, have been added to the list. These communal farm- lands have already surprised us, as we recorded a large population of Erica filamentosa (Vulnerable) with Protea decurrens (Endangered) there, making this the third known population (the other two being Bontebok Park and Riet Vallei) and potentially changing their Red List status. The ownership of the farm Lismore has changed and the renosterveld, previously let out for grazing, will be conserved.

Together with Odette Curtis, we did an interesting survey to compare the typical vegetation of the quartz patches east of the Breede River with the patches around Plaatjies- kraal, west of the Breede River. Odette Curtis discussing the management plan of Polhillia brevicalyx. Both patches have Gibbaeum haa- glenii (Endangered) in common but the associated plants are different.

Surveys around Barrydale, first started in 2006, are done on a regular basis and we are creating species lists for the various sites. We were excited to find Bartholina etheliae plants in a completely new location and we continue to monitor populations found on the farm Helderstroom as well as the Wurmbea compacta populations recorded in 2011.

Jill Blignaut continues her amazing collection of plants at high altitude in the Langeberg. An expedition to Misty Point was unsuccessful in findingPachites appressa but there were 29 orchids in a burnt area, including the endemics Disa aurata and Disa subtenuicornis. Jill has collected about 60 species of Erica, including the endemics E. chlo- ropetala, E. heterophylla and E. Polhillia brevicalyx flowers. praenitens (a range extension from Riviersonderend). through a film of orange Watso- magnificent displays of healthy Orchid spotting is always challeng- nia schlecteri and white Satyrium populations of Disa aurata and D. ing during the hot summer months, acuminatum, one Pachites appres- racemosa amongst many other Or- but particularly worthwhile follow- sa was spotted. A second trip to chidaceae. ing the fires on the Langeberg in search the southern slopes deeper January 2012. In early December into the range yielded no hits for We are looking forward to another 20 we climbed 10 o’clock peak and Pachites appressa but there were exciting year in the Overberg. Swellendam CREW: Searching for Pachites appressa Hildegard Crous

Flora, what “do you think? Shall we quickly walk up? It doesn’t look any more challenging than Skeleton Gorge, and Examining that’s about Pachites appres- one and a half sa with Ditto, the hours’ walk. dalmation. It’s 10:30 now, we’ll be at the Another close look at Pachites ap- top by 12:00. That gives us plen- pressa. ty of time for looking around.” I am sure words like these are echoing in many a plant enthu- Can it be Pachites? A little louder, siast’s ears, resulting in feelings “It’s definitely Pachites, don’t you of some regret later. think?” Somewhat louder, “The way Pachites appressa. the leaves are positioned? These It was 10:30 on a hot, steamy aren’t Satyrium buds. I think I’ve morning in early November 2010. Pachites and on our return in pour- found it! I’ve found it!” I shouted. We were at the first waterfall on the ing rain after a thunder storm had Stepping on to the higher edge of Swellendam trail, the turn off to 12 developed, my firm resolution was the path, I had looked down and o’clock peak was just 50 metres not to attempt the walk again until it scoured the slope. There it was behind us. Bill Lilitved had told me had burnt. with its distinctly grey-green foliage, about the rare orchid found at the peachy, orange coloured buds, top of 12 o’clock peak. We were One year later the area did burn. and growing between Aristea, there anyway and we were so Early December 2012 found us on Watsonia and various grasses. Is close, so we thought why not grab our way up again. This time how- it really possible? We could phone the opportunity? “Pach... some- ever, we both knew what Pachites Bill now, no, better get home and thing it’s called,” I said to Flora. appressa looked like, what altitude double check the info in the e-mail. Of course I had forgotten the part and aspect to expect it at, and bet- We don’t want to make fools of our- about it only flowering one year ter yet, had chosen the easier route selves. after fire. This was 2010 and it had up along 10 o’clock peak. An early last burnt in 1999! morning start provided cool cloud William Burchell found Pachites cover with a multitude of plants appressa in 1815. Since then it has Needless to say, it was a very flowering all the way up. Satyrium been seen only seven times, the tough four hour walk, taking decep- acuminatum, Disa filicornis, D. bi- last time in 2000. Although not as tively longer than anticipated. The valvata, Watsonia pillansii and Aris- large as seen before, the plant in unforgiving trail must have been tea sp. provided a spectacle of col- full bud and with fresh growth was designed by somebody with super our. Our CREW eyes were peeled, such a prime specimen that we long legs. Steps are built uncom- we scoured the path edges, devi- decided to collect it. This presented fortably high and the steep gradient ated off to suitable damp areas and the opportunity for the plant to be offers very little respite. Part of the seeps, edged along rocky outcrops properly photographed with flowers way up, Flora realised that the old and found nothing. “Pachites, open at various stages. The speci- jeans she had on were so restric- where are you?”, Flora would call men was given to the Compton tive that she was sure she would out (only mad dogs and botanists Herbarium. Other specimens were never be able to reach the top. With do this kind of thing)! found later, but none in such excel- some not-so-sharp secateurs they lent condition. were promptly rendered to a pair Laces came undone, and soon it of shorts. Water was scarce too. was time for a water stop and to Many thanks to my ever-faithful Cliffortia with its typically hiker- pat and praise Ditto, the unofficial companions, CREW member Flora unfriendly foliage grew all along CREW member. Then suddenly, Cameron, and my dalmation, Ditto, the path; certainly not a walk in “Flora, I think I’ve found it,” I said both of whom never protest when the park. Of course we didn’t find quietly but firmly. the going gets tough. 21 The Outramps in 2012 Di Turner

he George Outramps had Tthe most successful year ever. Some of the achievements include the discovery of new species, monitoring 63 special plants and 250 sites, and ex- ceeding 5 000 postings on iSpot in our quest to catalogue the southern Cape flora. Amongst the memorable trips dur- ing the year, the spring excursion to the Rooiberg Pass to Bailey’s Peak with the Gamkaberg rangers was probably the most productive and exciting. We found new species for the genera Hippia (confirmed by Dr Anthony Magee), Leucadendron, Arctotis (confirmed by Dr Robert McKenzie) and a Senecio, which is probably S. esterhuyseniae, recent- ly described by Dr John Manning. Dr Tony Rebelo will join us next spring to look at the Leucadendron. We are grateful to Tom Barry of Arctotis sp. nov. from the Gamkaberg. CapeNature’s Gamkaberg Nature Reserve and the wonderful rangers our search for special plants with that work there. subsp. gouriquae (Critically Endan- gered). Red Listed status. The Outramps A trip to the central Swartberg In 2013 we plan to visit many new are full of enthusiasm for the proved very interesting. With the places and revisit some old ones in challenges of another new year. reserve manager’s assistance in transporting overnight equipment to Gouekrans, we spent three wonderful days exploring the area around the high altitude hut. On the second day, Bill could not resist the challenge of a huge kloof that dropped down to the north. A few errors of judgement had him return to Gouekrans at first light the fol- lowing morning.

Anysberg proved to be a real win- ner, once again. This time we were privileged to have Prof. Charlie Stirton and Dr Robert MacKenzie with us. We found a few species of Psoralea and Arctotis. The reserve manager and rangers were very helpful, excellent company and contributed to the success of the outing.

There were many exciting day trips, one of the best being to Reins on the Southern Cape Coast. The outstanding find on this field trip Outramps face many challenges in their quest for monitoring. Here they are re- 22 was one specimen of Erica baueri building roads to cross a river. The Fourcade Botanical Group celebrates 10 years with CREW Caryl Logie

he Fourcade Botanical Group One of the greatest pleasures of T(FBG) held its first meeting CREW work has been the contact in 1997, its main aims being to with specialists who have always raise awareness of and help con- been approachable and happy to serve our botanical treasures. advise and share their knowledge. The annual CREW Workshop in Regular events include botanical particular has not only strength- rambles, activities with children, ened these contacts, but through labelled flower displays, recording interaction with other CREW plants in areas set aside for devel- groups has provided new ideas and opment, and search and rescue exchanges of knowledge. The get- projects. The FBG joined CREW together with management in the with the establishment of the latter form of Tilla, Ismail and Vathiswa in 2003, and the FBG’s first task for has also been invaluable. CREW was to sample plant com- munities within the proposed St In 2012 heavy rains and washa- Francis conservancy. ways interrupted the FBG’s activi- ties, but when possible the group During ten years of CREW work was in the field keeping an eye out we have had the pleasure of visit- particularly for Disa lugens var. ing some of the most beautiful lo- nigrescens (Critically Endangered) Satyrium hallackii subsp. hallackii (En- cal areas while searching for rare as it faces an extremely high risk of dangered). and endangered plants, assisting extinction in the wild. Other plants university students doing research targeted were those classified as in the area, or compiling compre- Data Deficient either because there hensive plant lists for landowners. and especially of plants must be is inadequate information, such as inculcated in the next generation. Among the very highly threatened Nemesia fourcadei, or because For many just to walk and play in plants recorded are Satyrium hal- they are taxonomically problem- the veld is something not easily lackii in the St Francis/Oyster Bay atic, such as Sebaea fourcadei. achieved, and through the years dune system and Erica glandulosa The population of Erica glandulosa subsp. breviflora north of Humans- subsp. breviflora (Endangered) on such outings have been an impor- dorp. The plant used in CREW’s Honeyville was revisited and found tant aspect of our outreach to the logo, Brunsvigia littoralis, warranted to be in a very healthy state. An- local community. The pleasure and special attention in demographic other exciting find was Agathosma growing awareness of their natu- monitoring exercises. We hope spinosa (Rare) on Zuuranys. ral surroundings has been ample that the data collected concerning reward and will, we hope, help to this severely threatened plant will The FBG believes that to preserve preserve our special portion of the provide information on the effec- our biodiversity, a love of nature Cape Floral Kingdom. tiveness of the pollinators and the success of germination. Besides important finds, the data gathered for CREW and the in- put received have enhanced our rambles and youth activities, and enabled us to provide accurate and meaningful information. Likewise, we hope that the data we have gathered will be of value to environ- mental consultants and help to con- serve sensitive habitats and special plants. In this connection, the FBG has contributed to Environmental Impact Studies at a time when this sensitive botanical area is under consideration for a nuclear power plant, windfarms, quarrying and other major developments. Demographic monitoring—measuring Brunsvigia littoralis. 23 Napier CREW: Destruction and rehabilitation of the only known habitat of Tulbaghia cominsii Cameron McMaster

or many years I have trav- Felled on the N2 highway from King William’s Town to Graham- stown in the Eastern Cape. A rocky dolerite outcrop, about 17 km from King William’s Town on the left hand side of the national highway, often arrested my atten- tion as a likely habitat for interest- ing plants. It must have been more than 12 years ago while headed for Cape Town that my curiosity over- came me and I stopped to explore the site. I was astounded at the variety of plant life growing in this unique habitat. There were large populations of Nerine filifolia and Massonia echinata, both species being of particular interest to me at that time. However, a small Tul- baghia growing in the cracks of the dolerite boulders caught by atten- tion and not having seen it before, Destruction of Tulbaghia cominsii habitat as at January 2012 (Photographer: C. I made a collection and took it with McMaster). me on my way to Cape Town.

Since I was due to visit the Comp- it has only been found around the Due to its very localised distribu- ton Herbarium when in Cape Town, type locality. I am not aware that tion, Tulbaghia cominsii is listed I took the potted plant with me in any other populations have subse- as Vulnerable in the Red List of the hopes of getting an identifica- quently been found in the vicinity South African plants. On later visits tion. I left it outside the door and or elsewhere. In his description, I found other very interesting plants while inside, I was confronted by Dr Vosa describes the site as be- that shared this unique dolerite its author, Dr Canio Vosa. By some ing near Tamaha, 17 km from King outcrop—Brachystelma meyeri- miraculous coincidence he hap- William’s Town and mentions its anum and Haworthia cooperi var. pened to be visiting the herbarium association with Nerine filifolia. He dielsiana amongst others. As I am at the same time and had recog- goes on to say, “This attractive little a CREW volunteer, I submitted a nised the little plant outside the plant is related to T. violacea Harv. report to CREW in August 2010 door as Tulbaghia cominsii, which but differs in its very thin, glaucous and believed that with the recording he had described in 1979. He was leaves, white or very rarely pinkish of this important conservation site, aware of the rarity of this plant and flowers with a pink or purplish peri- the species would be protected for was anxious to know where I had anth tube and a different karyotype. posterity. How wrong I was! found it. It turned out that Mr D. The glaucous colour of the leaves Comins, curator of the King Wil- is very characteristic and is due to Only a few months later, my friend liam’s Town Museum, had collected the stomatal pores, which appears Tony Dold, Curator of the Selmar the type specimen at that very as tiny white streaks under low Schonland Herbarium in Gra-ham- same site and he had directed Dr magnification.” stown, sent me an e-mail with a Vosa to the population. The plant picture of the site that had already was subsequently named after him. Having established that this was been destroyed by the engineers a rare plant, probably confined to Rumdel Cape engaged in recon- In his description of Tulbaghia this particular habitat, I visited the structing the N2 in this area. He cominsii, Dr Vosa refers to the rar- site regularly and also established was especially incensed because a 24 ity of the plant stating that, thus far, a small population in my nursery. few months previously, prior to the (South African National Roads stone walls. They have undertaken Agency Limited) to supervise the to maintain the site for the remain- project contacted me. She ex- der of their tenure on site i.e. until plained that while she had not been about December 2013. In addition, aware of this particular plant, she she has discovered more areas had in fact walked the entire site/ beyond the road activities where route many months previously, T. cominsii is surviving but where listing anything that might be rare livestock walk over and graze the or endangered, and negotiating plant, which is clearly palatable, with all the adjacent land occupi- especially to goats. ers to involve them in the process. As a result of this survey she had This is one of the few conserva- transplanted about 1 000 Dierama tion success stories and has been plants and secured the remaining the result of my involvement with natural colony by not building a CREW. I shall continue to monitor bypass in the area and demarcat- the site and report on the success ing it so that no vehicles travel over of its rehabilitation. I would like to the site. She also arranged to have pay tribute to the prompt action 25 Cussonia trees transplanted, of the SANRAL Environmental all of which were large and well Control Officer involved (who has established and all have survived. asked to remain anonymous). She Tulbaghia cominsii (Photographer: C. I realised I was now involved with has suggested that if SANBI is seri- McMaster) a passionate conservationist and ous about caring for their constitu- that, despite the tragic destruction ency they should approach and of the T. cominsii habitat, SANRAL establish a dialogue with SANRAL commencement of the reconstruc- should in fact be given credit for to effect a working relationship and tion work, he had pointed out to the their conservation efforts. Within to alert SANRAL of possible areas Environmental Impact Assessment 12 hours of being contacted and and endangered species long be- (EIA) consultants the importance of despite pouring rain, she had ar- fore roads are upgraded. She is of this particular site and the neces- ranged a site inspection with the the opinion that the situation will sity of preserving it. This was to engineers who agreed to rehabili- get worse if this is not done as “the no avail and nor was the CREW tate the site, to clear it, expose the new breed of greens don’t care a record at SANBI consulted by the original surface and to secure the fig! It’s all about delivery”. I hope persons responsible for the EIA. site within the road reserve with SANBI will take note of this. I had naively believed that the recording of the habitat of an en- dangered species in this way was a guarantee that it would not be disturbed. However, the only known population of Tulbaghia cominsii Port Elizabeth CREW had apparently been destroyed. Merika Louw I visited the site again in August last year and examined the dam- e started 2012 off by become a popular hiking and age in detail, taking pictures of the Wlooking for our first re- mountain biking destination, on the destruction. It appeared that if no discovered species, the Criti- outskirts of the city. We suspect further bulldozing was undertaken, cally Endangered Aspalathus that we have found a small popula- a small area where both Tulbaghia recurvispina in the Sardinia Bay tion of Critically Endangered (Pos- cominsii and Massonia echinata Nature Reserve. sibly Extinct) Senecio hirtifolius, still survived could be rehabilitated. We found another large and healthy which we didn’t manage to catch The rehabilitation of this small sur- population in this area, in addition in flower, as well as the interesting viving population of T. cominsii was to the populations found in the Nel- Trichodiadema orientale (Data Defi- vital for its survival. Consequently, son Mandela Metropolitan Univer- cient). Other special species found on 16 October 2012, I e-mailed sity Nature Reserve and along the at Hopewell, include Cyrtanthus the Rumdel site engineer stress- Schoenmakerskop Coastal Fynbos obliquus (Declining), Haworthia fas- ing the rarity of the plant and the Trail. This is of some comfort to us, ciata (Near Threatened) and Boo- importance of rehabilitating the site as the only other known popula- phone disticha (Declining). and provided them with pictures of tions are found in disturbed sites the area concerned. The response along busy roads. In June we visited a farm in the was immediate and positive. Within Elands River Valley, bordering on hours the Environmental Control In April we revisited Hopewell Groendal Wilderness Area, to GPS Officer appointed by SANRAL Nature Reserve, which has now and count a known population of 25 one of our endemic trees, the Rare Sterculia alexandri. It was quite an enjoyable 4×4 excursion, as well as a steep climb to reach this popula- tion, which appears healthy and safe in its beautiful, forested loca- tion.

The unique low, quartzitic outcrops and surrounding grassy fynbos vegetation of our urban edge has been placed in serious jeopardy by development along the N2 towards Cape Town. CREW, together with the local WESSA branch and the Local Aloe sap harvester at Redhouse. Baakens Trust (now Baakens Val- ley Community Partnership), came together to oppose further de- only occurs in a few suburbs in Port The interesting Pachypodium succulen- struction of these rocky outcrops, Elizabeth. A quick check on two tum. which host a unique assemblage small scattered populations of C. pubescens, scattered along roads of species of conservation con- er, an enthusiastic group enjoyed a and within the Colleen Glen Grassy cern which include Cyrtanthus most informative workshop. In turn, Fynbos and Wetland vegetation obliquus, Haworthia fasciata, Boo- we have given talks to gardening ‘Witness Stands’ (two municipal phone disticha, Aloe micracantha clubs on CREW’s work and some protected open space areas), re- (Near Threatened), Corpuscularia of our local species of conservation vealed that these populations will lehmannii (Critically Endangered), concern, in order to create aware- soon be impacted by Rooikrans and the largest known population ness and possibly increase our of Critically Endangered Aga- and Port Jackson invasions from volunteer corps. thosma gonaquensis—associated the immediate surrounds. As part exclusively with rocky outcrops and of the national Botanical Society’s On a Botanical Society (Algoa rocky habitat in the Baakens River Centenary Celebrations, the Algoa Branch) outing to Aloe Reserve, we Valley. We also found three Endan- Branch has decided to adopt these found a population of Near Threat- gered Disa lugens var. lugens in sites for alien clearing as one of ened Tritonia dubia flowering abun- flower in this area. their Botanical Heritage Projects. dantly, probably due to the good rains, as well as a few specimens Another species threatened by CREW sponsored two of our volun- of the interesting Endangered Eu- development is Critically Endan- teers to attend Wendy Hitchcock’s phorbia globosa, also in flower. gered Cyclopia pubescens, a Fynbos Plant Identification Work- non-sprouting, fire-dependent, shop in Cape St Francis in July. In November, taxonomist and eth- wetland-associated species, which Despite the miserable rainy weath- nobotanist, Dr Tony Dold, of the Selmar Schonland Herbarium in Grahamstown, gave a well-attend- ed walk-and-talk at Redhouse. CREW volunteers, as well as BotSoc members, local municipal staff, and other interested mem- bers of the public, were treated to Tony’s extensive knowledge of the medicinal, culinary and cultural sig- nificance of Thicket plants in Xhosa culture. We saw the weird and won- derful Pachypodium bispinosum and P. succulentum in flower and came across traditional plant-use in action, with two local ladies har- vesting and tapping Aloe ferox leaf sap.

Through working with and for CREW, we’ve learned the impor- tance of instilling appreciation for our local flora amongst young peo- 26 Tony Dold at Redhouse. ple, educating the general public Brian Schrire with Aspalathus abbottii.

Pelargonium peltatum petals were used by explorer and artist Thomas Baines to produce blue paint. about the importance of indigenous CREW is contributing to on-the- plants and biodiversity, and sharing ground conservation of species of knowledge and insights with people conservation concern through the on all levels. The annual CREW provincial stewardship programmes workshops are always valuable and and through community involve- exciting, as we enjoy hearing about ment and education, knowing that the work done by all the groups, we are all working towards the and being inspired to work harder same goal—conservation of our here! It’s also good to see how botanical heritage.

Pondoland CREW: The Nicholson Botanical Group Tony Abbott

he Nicholson Botanical Southern KwaZulu-Natal is heavily TGroup is named after re- developed by agriculture, silvicul- nowned conservationist and ture and urban spread. We see it botanist, Hugh Nicholson as an important part of our function (1906–1998), who was a close to seek out undisturbed remnants Braam van Wyk and Canthium van- colleague of Rudolf Strey, then of the coastal vegetation and to wykii. curator of the Natal Herbarium. monitor their flora. One of the most important and Another important aspect of our exciting aspects of our work as Wyk, who first drew attention to the activities is gathering information CREW volunteers is the inclusion Pondoland Centre of Endemism as for or assisting visiting professional of our gathered data on plant oc- a unique region, has made huge scientists and in the process, we currence, distribution and vulner- inputs into the Nicholson Group. have learned a great deal. For ability in the national database, example, we have collected Pso- Rare and endangered plants we which is a valuable tool to guide ralea for Prof. Charles Stirton and have monitored recently include Di- environmentally sensitive develop- Indigofera for Dr Brian Schrire. oscorea brownii (Vulnerable) from ment. This has led to the description of Ngele, Turraea pulchella (Vulner- We also value the increase in our a number of new species, many of able) and Turraea streyi (Critically knowledge of local natural areas. restricted range. Prof. Braam van endangered Presumed Extinct). 27 We take great pleasure in our Her- database. There are approximately the special plants of the Umtham- barium situated at the Umthamvuna 13 000 specimens, largely from vuna Nature Reserve. We wish to Nature Reserve. Specimens are the southern KwaZulu-Natal area. acknowledge the great support we currently being photographed and Our present efforts are directed received from Ezemvelo KZN Wild- the information captured in a digital towards compiling a Quick Guide to life ecologist, Dr. Roger Uys.

Turraea streyi. Turraea pulchella.

News from Highway CREW Andrea Abbott

n 2012 we had something of a in Monteseel have undertaken to Istop-start season in the Upper monitor the site on a weekly basis. Highway area. From a purely visual perspective, Factors like constant rain and the Everton grassland was members’ busy lives led to several especially rewarding. The site field trips being cancelled or, when was burnt in early spring, the first the weather did play ball, poorly controlled burn in many years. attended. However, we managed In response, three Boophone trips to Halkirk Farm in Hillcrest, a appeared, not having been grassland in Monteseel high above seen on the site before. Regular the Valley of a Thousand Hills, and monitoring during October and to a grassland in Everton. These November revealed higher were rewarded both by the variety numbers than in previous years of of species found and the regular other species such as Hilliardiella sighting of two of our target spe- hirsuta, H. aristata, and Tritonia cies: Boophone disticha and Hy- disticha. In December, the poxis hemerocallidea. display of Disa chrysostachya, Satyrium longicauda and S. The Monteseel trip in November sphaerocarpum was breathtaking. yielded four target species: The site is owned by the Education Boopone disticha flowering in response Boophone disticha, Hypoxis Department but the Everton to a managed burn on Eskotene hemerocallidea, Senecio Conservancy rehabilitated it well Grassland in Everton (Photographer: A. exuberans and Brachystelma over a decade ago and has been 28 Abbott). pulchellum. CREW members living managing it ever since. Colour co-ordination! Acraea oncaea Rose Dix and Carmen Brunette prying into the secret lives of Clerodendrum hirsu- on Disa chrysostacha (Photographer: tum at Halkirk Farm in Hillcrest (Photographer: A. Abbott). A. Abbott).

News from CREW Mkhambathini Alison Young

e made 12 field trips in the W2011/2012 season, includ- ing many return trips to col- lect flowering material to make voucher specimens. There were two outings to the high mistbelt grasslands near Richmond to check on two populations of Ger- bera aurantiaca (Critically Endan- gered). The sites are in conservan- cies and are in good hands.

We also visited several lower alti- tude grasslands. After a report by a landowner of an odd sighting of Kniphofia albescens on a hunting farm in the hot Umkomaas Valley, we found a population of 200 plants on a steep south facing slope. A check on the Eriosema cf. populi- folium plants at Priscillavale con- Habitat in the Umkomaas Valley where Kniphofia albescens grows (Photographer: firmed that the orange (not white) A. Young). flowers were a very large form of Eriosema distinctum. We have new locality for the mainly coastal cern) growing in the leaf litter under since found some Eriosema populi- Indigofera grata (Red List status some Acacia nilotica trees. We also folium plants. We also found a new unknown). found a population of Androcymbi- southern locality for Hermannia um striata, surprisingly unrecorded sandersonii (Threatened). Brian In the bushveld east of Pieterma- in the district. The Asparagus iden- Schrire, who happened to be in the ritzburg we found a new record of tification talk at the CREW work- country at the time, confirmed a Disperis disciformis (Least Con- shop in Mpumalanga helped us to 29 identify five different Asparagus species in this same bush.

We did a course on Hypoxis identi- fication in November, which helped to show what characters to look for in identifying different species. This has enabled us to see obvious dif- ferences in Hypoxis species easier when visiting unfamiliar areas and with other CREW groups.

Anne Rennie botanising with Isabel Johnson.

her farm, Sunset. Her love for her finding these plants? They are the plants led to the publication of an ones we have lost. Would you be impressive checklist of the plants willing to be a collector?” on the mountain. Her interest in indigenous plants is not limited to I was introduced to Mr Strey in the identifying and collecting them but Herbarium and he taught me how extends to cultivating them as well. to press plants. He was a wonder- Her home has always been open ful teacher although very strict and house to visiting botanists and stu- he was adamant that I concentrate dents, and she frequently collected on collecting just on our farm. To Kniphofia albescens found further south plant material for researchers. add to the interest, we found we of its usual range (Photographer: A. were matching my collections with Young). Anne was the first member of those of Maurice Evans made on CREW in Underberg. For a while, Mahwaqa in the 1890s. The list there were very few interested par- grew and before he retired Mr Strey ties and Anne was the most active, said, “This is no longer a hobby...it going on any outing, whether it was is work.” At that point I was adopted one kilometre or ten. Many have by the Bews Herbarium and this Anne Rennie benefitted from her vast knowledge resulted in a joint paper entitled, A of the local plants. She is now re- checklist of Mahwaqa Mountain, retires tiring from CREW but retains an KwaZulu-Natal in Bothalia 32.1 active interest in plants. Anne re- (2002). from CREW flected on her introduction to plant collection as follows: Since then I have continued col- Julie Braby and Anne Rennie lecting but I am sorely out of step “In 1972 I was given a copy of with the computer age and digital Trauseld’s book Wild flowers of nne Rennie has had a life- photography. However, I can still the Natal Drakensberg for Christ- time interest in environmen- press specimens that really interest A mas. I was trying to find names for tal matters, plants in particular, me and enjoy having students to the flowers on the farm but there and she is known as a stalwart stay. Botany can still be an interest were some that I could not iden- in the Sani area for her active to octogenarians.” tify. These I pressed amateurly involvement in wildlife and con- and took to the Durban Botanical Anne is an inspiration to us all but servation organisations. Gardens where I met Dr Ross. He she is handing over the reins this She is a renowned amateur bota- looked at the folder, asked “Is this year. The Underberg Group is for- nist who has made a significant a child’s project?” and told me to tunate to have a botanist move to contribution to botany through her come back after a few days. When the area and we welcome Sharron plant collection, mainly from the I did, I was received very differ- and Aldo Berruti to the CREW 30 Mahwaqa (Bulwer) Mountain on ently with “Come in! Where are you family. CREW Underberg Julie Braby

n the spring of 2012 there was Igreat excitement in Underberg as we received our first target species list. On our first outing, we were rewarded with many great plants but our target species, Aspidonepsis cognata, eluded us. It was very frustrating as we have seen it on previous occasions and therefore knew where to look. Our second outing took us to Lotheni Nature Reserve and a 16 km walk. Our target species, Gladiolus loteniensis, was last seen in 1994 and was nowhere to be seen on this occasion. In December we went to Sehlabathebe National Park in Lesotho, to an altitude of 2 400 m. Here we found two target species—Aponogeton ranunculiflorus, which is only 25 mm in diameter but quite beautiful, and Protea subvestita, CREW Underbergers on Sani Pass looking at Protea subvestita. which is on the decline due to too frequent fires. On a trip to Garden Castle Nature Reserve, we were surprised to find at least six mature Disa tysonii plants. In January we returned to Lesotho where we found carpets of orchids. We counted almost 200 of one of our target species, Satyrium micorrhynchum. The last weekend in January is the annual WESSA Wildflower walk down the Sani Pass and once again we collected another target species, Macowania hamata. The flowers have been spectacular this season and I think we can thank the early spring rains and then the never-ending summer rains, which also bought some exceptionally warm days. Sehlabathebe National Park.

News from Boston CREW David Clulow

ne of the sites visited regu- nificant contribution to the Impen- rains and some hot spells had a Olarly by the Boston CREW dle Management Plan, which is an negative impact on the flowers. The Group is the Impendle Nature impressive achievement. trips to Boston View and Water- Reserve. The group also made trips to Edge- shed were focussed on the identi- Working with Ezemvelo KZN Wild- ware, on one occasion plotting fication of grasses, with the benefit life, David Clulow has made a sig- grasses and wildflowers. Heavy of having experts in attendance. 31 One of the highlights of the year was a visit to the rich grasslands of Sitamani. The group compiled a list of over 50 species, including Eulo- phia foliosa, Satureja compactum and Craterocapsa tarsodes. The display of wildflowers was the re- ward reaped from a judicious burn- ing program and careful protection from excessive grazing.

The CREW outing to Palmer 4/ Happy Valley in early January was well attended. Although not as good a display as previous years, a list of over 100 species was compiled. A tiny Polygala with blue flowers prompted a great deal of debate and there were several orchids, including the impressive Botanising at Happy Valley (Photographer: C. Grant). Pterogodium magnum and Satyri- um parviflorum. In 2013 a Midlands CREW Group will be started to survey patches of Umvoti CREW natural vegetation for threatened Vic Scutte species. ur activities in 2012 were plants in an area of approximately Ocurtailed by the departure of 200 × 50 m. one of our original members and Another one of our target species, the indisposition of our team Tephrosia natalensis subsp. leader, Sue Swan. pseudocapitata, was reported to be growing in the vicinity of an old A member of the Oribi Working fort in the Kranskop district. We Group requested the identification are waiting for confirmation of the of a flower that turned out to be identity of the plants we collected a new population of Gerbera there. Target species for the rest aurantiaca. During a subsequent of the season are Syncolostemon trip to the area, we found several latidens and Nerine pancratioides.

Pterygodium magnum (Photographer: 32 C. Grant). CREW student, Nkosinathi Mncwabe, with Umvoti volunteers at Kranskop. Mpumalanga Plant Specialist Group Mervyn Lötter & John Burrows

pumalanga’s Plant Special- Mist Group (PSG) is now a mature 18 years old. Formed in an attempt to encour- age plant enthusiasts to learn more about plants, the PSG has always been a very practical, hands-on group whose members are all encouraged—some may say coerced—to participate. PSG’s strength lies in scheduled monthly meetings and outings to learn about our plants that have charac- terised our activities.

However, in recent years the PSG has happily agreed to also wear the CREW hat and try to carry out the CREW objectives for the rare plants in Mpumalanga, a role we Lize and the PSG debating the identity of a possible Indigofera amitina—a rare have enjoyed playing—with more Barberton endemic (Photographer: M. Lötter). than a little success under the tute- lage and guidance of Lize and Tilla. In April we headed for the Barber- With an increased urgency to pro- ton Mountains to look for a popula- tect certain areas from the threat of tion of Aloe craibii (Critically En- mining, the last year has seen the dangered), seen by Mervyn many focus of our outings shift towards years ago. We were not successful specific botanically rich areas that but did manage to find Aloe albida have prospecting applications (Near Threatened), Aloe chortoliri- pending, or are in need of formal oides var. chortolirioides (Vulner- protection from any mining inten- able) and Thorncroftia thorncroftii tions. However, in terms of arrang- (Vulnerable). ing outings for the group, we try to find a balance between serving a There were no outings during win- conservation function while simi- ter and in spring our group headed larly visiting areas that are exciting back to the exciting Barberton The rare Brachystelma stellatum at botanically. Mountains in search of Hypoxis Morgenzon, Pilgrim’s Rest (Photogra- pher: M. Lötter). patula (Vulnerable) and Eulophia Over the past 12 months, the PSG chlorantha (Data Deficient). The has been on seven outings. The most recent Hypoxis treatment parvula (Near Threatened), Lede- first was a day trip to the grounds does not recognise H. patula as bouria petiolata (Vulnerable), Clivia of Penryn College to help identify a valid taxon but more material caulescens (Near Threatened), trees in the school grounds. This is required to support this. The Brachystelma stellatum (Rare) and was followed by a weekend out- weather was threatening but luck- Tulbaghia coddii (Rare). ing to Erasmushoop plantation, ily it opened up long enough for adjacent to the Blyde River Canyon the PSG to find several localities In December PSG visited the Nature Reserve. The plantation for Eulophia chlorantha and Heli- amazing grasslands of Hartebeest- manager had reported a sighting chrysum calocephalum (Rare). vlakte that occur just to the north of Leucospermum saxosum (En- of the Long Tom Pass summit. The dangered) that we were able to The next outing was a day trip to weather was miserable and vis- find, count and GPS. Other plants Morgenzon Nature Reserve to ibility was severely limited but we recorded include Tulbaghia survey for threatened plants to sup- were occasionally able to get out coddii (Rare), Erica rivularis (En- port the formalisation of this area’s of the vehicles to survey the im- dangered), Watsonia strubeniae protection status. Some of the mediate environment and we found (Least Concern, narrow endemic) plants of conservation importance several plants of conservation and Eucomis pallidiflora (Near observed included an unknown importance, such as Helichrysum Threatened). white-flowering Eucomis, Protea summo-montanum (Endangered), 33 Ledebouria petiolata (Vulnerable), we opted to cancel the 3 km hike to CREW leadership team, PSG is Erica atherstonei (Near Threat- the summit and to botanise on our happy that we have achieved a bal- ened) and Protea parvula (Near way back from the start of our hike. ance between our traditional com- Threatened). This Department of While surveying a grassland area pilation of plant lists for interesting Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries before lunch, Hester and Marinda areas and the more focussed conservation area has a prospect- found an Aspidoglossum species search for threatened species re- ing application pending. which Pieter Bester believes is a quiring further study. The whole new species. This is very important group basks in the satisfaction of Our last PSG outing was once as this farm has a prospecting ap- more to the Barberton Mountains locating a rare plant and it more plication pending. We also found than makes up for the inevitable to summit the highest mountain Thorncroftia thorncroftii (Vulner- times when we return empty-hand- within the Barberton Range. The able) and Aloe chortolirioides var. ed. However, CREW serves an out- summit is on the farm Heemstede chortolirioides (Vulnerable) close standing role in the conservation of on which there are 13 known spe- by. cies of conservation concern. The South Africa’s rare plants and we, weather was once again torrid and As we celebrate CREW’s anniver- the PSG, are happy to be a small with some children on this outing, sary and salute the indefatigable part of it all.

CREW Limpopo Bronwyn Egan

he Limpopo CREW Branch plants there are in Limpopo and from Sylvie, Tilla and Lize as we Tgerminated with a bang in were eager to make a start towards picked our way through the veld. October when Domitilla Raimon- gathering information. do and Lize von Staden arrived After a lull in activity, an impromptu Despite threatening weather, the to run a basic workshop at the visit was made in January to a following day we took a short walk Larry Leach Herbarium (Univer- farm in the Wolkberg area. John to the Haenertsburg grassland, sity of Limpopo). Lategan, a local landowner, no- which is one of very few examples ticed an unusual orchid that he had Volunteers from the university’s of the threatened Woodbush Gran- not previously seen on his farm. student body, Haenertsburg wild ite Grassland vegetation type. Al- He alerted CREW members who flower experts and BotSoc mem- though we did not find any Limpopo took photographs and a specimen bers from as far afield as Tzaneen specials, we did document the de- and the identification of the plant congregated to listen to the exciting tails of the near threatened Merwil- was confirmed as Disa zuluensis. goals for CREW and to learn the la plumbea population in full flower. This is a most exciting find as it intricacies of collecting and press- Many other grassland species were indicates a range extension of the flowering and I noticed the students ing plants. We were astounded plant, which is all the more impor- to discover how many threatened eagerly scribbling down information tant because the current localities are highly threatened by mining.

The most recent outing was a short day out to the Wolkberg area. One of the goals of this trip was to get GPS data for the location of a Disa aristata which had been noticed in early January. This was also an excellent learning opportunity, as Sylvie Köhne provided a running commentary on those plants that were in flower. A grass aloe with a flower of startling vermillion provid- ed the icing on top for the day. We sat admiring the view of the Devil’s Knuckles Range while a vermillion grass aloe (its name being the sub- ject of much speculation) nodded 34 Learning how to complete CREW data forms. gently next to us. Celebrating 100 years of milestones 10 years…and celebrating and honouring the commitment of CREW and its Volunteers….

Zaitoon Rabaney Looking back: n 1895 the estate of Kirsten- wise use of the indigenous flora in 2010 cementing its relationship Ibosch was purchased by Cecil and vegetation of southern Africa. which dates back to 1913. It is be- John Rhodes as part of his far- fitting that the BotSoc and SANBI sighted scheme to preserve the The relevance of the BotSoc have a joint centenary suite of eastern slopes of Table Moun- aims, then and now. programme planned throughout tain as a park for the nation. 2013 in celebration of the Kirsten- The BotSoc has faithfully fulfilled bosch Garden centenary and the On 6 May 1913 Sir Lionel Phillips, its objectives as well as extend- 100 year existence of the Botanical MP in the House of Assembly, ing assistance and support to Society of South Africa. The Soci- spoke of the advantages of a bo- the other eight (soon to be nine) ety is committed to supporting the tanic garden, the rare and lovely National Botanical Gardens that programmes and mandate of the South African flora and moved for have subsequently been estab- SANBI. One of the programmes the the consideration and advisability lished around the country. These BotSoc is supporting is the Cus- of setting aside a piece of ground at gardens are established under the todians of Rare and Endangered Kirstenbosch for the establishment South African National Biodiversity Wildflowers (CREW). CREW is part of a National Botanic Garden which Institute (SANBI). The Society has of SANBI’s Threatened Species was carried unanimously. The next also championed the cause of wild- programmes focussing on plants. step in the management of such a flower protection and conservation, The Society is proud to be associ- Garden was the establishment of a outside gardens, through conserva- ated with the CREW programme National Botanic Society which was tion and education programmes, which, this year celebrates its 10th achieved in June 1913. Amongst projects and other initiatives. anniversary. The BotSoc volunteers the aims of the society were: involved in the CREW programme During 2013, there is much to cele- are saluted for their dedication and • To encourage the people of brate on a number of fronts, as the commitment to the ongoing survey- South Africa to take an ac- BotSoc and Kirstenbosch National ing and monitoring of South Africa’s tive part in the progress of the Botanical Garden celebrate their threatened and vulnerable plants. National Botanic Garden at centenaries: the creation of the Their support of the programmes Kirstenbosch; garden itself and what it has to of- is what leads to the success of the CREW programme. • To augment the Government fer, the conservation and protection grants towards developing, of our rich biodiversity, the many It is important to note that the improving and maintaining the scientific discoveries that contrib- Minister of Environmental Affairs, gardens, laboratories and ex- ute to worldwide knowledge, the Ms Edna Molewa, referred to the perimental gardens; commitment to ongoing education CREW programme in a news ar- about our botanical and biodiversity • To organise shows with a focus ticle in the South African Govern- heritage. ment news, when she referred to on South African flora; what South Africa is doing on the • To enlighten and instruct the The Botanical Society is a regis- monitoring of its threatened plants. members on botanical subjects tered not for profit organisation that (http://www.sanews.gov.za/south- by means of meetings, lectures has over 30 000 members spread africa/sas-endangered-plants-well- and conferences and by the across the world. The Head Office protected-minister). distribution of literature. of the Society is situated at Kirsten- bosch National Botanical Gar- CREW is a key initiative in advanc- The Board of Trustees held its first den where a small group of core ing practical conservation, and Bot- meeting on 16 June 1913 with Mr staff, service and support its 16 Soc members have an opportunity Duncan Baxter appointed by the branches countrywide and manage to be directly involved in this ‘citizen Botanical Society as a trustee. projects along with the normal ad- science’ programme. It does so by ministration functions required by a equipping a network of volunteers The mission of the BotSoc is to large organisation. All National Bo- with the means to survey, moni- win the hearts, minds and material tanical Gardens around the country tor and conserve threatened plant support of individuals and organisa- are supported by a BotSoc branch. species, aligning volunteers with tions, wherever they may be, for the The Society signed a Memoran- their local conservation agencies conservation, cultivation, study and dum of Understanding with SANBI and local land and stewardship 35 programmes where applicable. BotSoc provides financial support Contact details for project staff from historically for CREW Group champions disadvantaged backgrounds as well CREW office: [email protected] as supporting operational costs in some areas of the country. Cape Floral Region Caledon—Adriaan Hanekom Looking ahead [email protected] Darling Wildflower Society—Helene Preston Moving forward, BotSoc is defi- [email protected] nitely taking global plant conserva- Friends of Tygerberg Hills—Hedi Stummer tion strategies into account, and will [email protected] continue supporting SANBI with George Outramps—Di Turner a mandate of plant conservation [email protected] through initiatives like the CREW Harmony Flats Working Group—Sabelo Lindani programme. [email protected] Hottentots Holland—Cecilia Wolmarans Celebrating 10 years of the CREW [email protected] wildflower conservation creates an opportunity to tell the story and Jacobsbaai—Koos and Elise Claasens [email protected] document the history with a cof- fee table book, Plants in Peril due Kogelberg—Amida Johns for release during the latter part of [email protected] 2013. Mamre—Sophie Liedeman and Morgan Sambaba 021 576 1266 (Sophie) BotSoc is also a partner to the Napier—Cameron and Rhoda McMaster Groen Sebenza programme, a [email protected] Jobs Fund Partnership project with Nieuwoudtville (Indigo Development and Change)—Bettina Koelle the South African Government and [email protected] Development Bank of South Africa, Piketberg—Angela Langton managed by SANBI. This involves [email protected] the placement of five new intern- Port Elizabeth—Clayton Weatherall-Thomas ships for the skills development [email protected] and job creation pilot programme St Francis/Fourcade Botanical Group—Caryl Logie in close collaboration with CREW. [email protected] CREW’s Groen Sebenza intern- ships focus is aimed at developing Stilbaai—Janet Naude [email protected] priority skills in the biodiversity sector to create sustainable job op- Swellendam—Flora Cameron portunities. [email protected] KwaZulu-Natal After attendance of the IUCN’s Boston—Christeen Grant World Conservation Congress dur- [email protected] ing September 2012 in South Ko- Highway—Andrea Abbott rea, the BotSoc Conservation focus [email protected] has been sharpened by taking the Global Strategies for Plant Conser- Mkhambathini—Alison Young [email protected] vation into account and working in partnership with SANBI and other Nicholson Botanical Group—Tony Abbott [email protected] conservation agencies to see what can be done collectively to work Umvoti—Sue Swan towards global targets for plant [email protected] conservation. Underberg—Julie Braby [email protected] BotSoc is proud to be an imple- Zululand Tree Society—Denis Oscroft menting partner to the CREW pro- [email protected] gramme in fulfilling its mission in the conservation, cultivation, study Mpumalanga Mpumalanga Plant Specialist Group—Mervyn Lötter and wise use of the indigenous [email protected] flora and vegetation of southern Africa. Early Detection & Rapid Response (EDRR) invasive alien plant programme: [email protected]

Become a member of the BotSoc, Limpopo the largest membership-based en- Limpopo—Sylvie Köhne vironmental non-government group [email protected] 36 in South Africa.