Image related to website content

Rare plant monitoring at Waterval Nature Reserve

30 Nov 2021

Waterval Nature Reserve is located close to Tulbagh and the name reflects on the spectacular waterfalls both on and off the reserve. Waterval Nature Reserve is home to an incredible variety of special plant species, one of which is the Critically Endangered Sorocephalus imbricatus. One of the populations is very heavily overgrown with Pinus pinaster. The pine infestation poses a serious problem to the long-term survival of the Critically Endangered species as well as other indigenous vegetation. A field visit by staff of CapeNature and SANBI (including horticulture staff, as well as members of CREW and the Millennium Seed Bank [MSB]) was conducted in October 2021 with the aim to come up with some measures in support of the prolonged conservation of this species.

The team monitored the status of populations of S. imbricatus (image 1). In addition, an experiment in hand-pollination was carried out where several plants were pollinated while other plants were identified to form part of a control group (image 2). Various cuttings were collected for propagation trials at Kirstenbosch. There is no information on any successful growing experiments on Sorocephalus species and thus the outcome of these trials will be highly informative.

Seeds of various plant species at Waterval Nature Reserve were collected for seed banking (image 3). SANBI signed a contract with the MSB at Kew Gardens in 2000, but is currently planning to build a seed bank facility for South Africa at Kirstenbosch. The MSB has provided a list of species that are banked. All species that are not on the current list, are being regarded as target species for seed collection and seed banking. Seeds collected are being prepared by the MSB for long-term storage. Until such time as the South African seed bank facility has been completed, seeds are being sent in batches to KEW MSB every few years.

The uniqueness of various plant species at Waterval Nature Reserve adds to the biodiversity importance of this reserve. CapeNature staff will continue to monitor some of the special plant species populations with a view to guaranteeing the long-term conservation of these important plants.

Image related to website content
Image related to website content
Image related to website content
Share:

Related News

Anysberg Nature Reserve copyright Scott N Ramsay www yearinthewild com 40
14 Jul 2025
How biodiversity crime threatens the Western Cape’s people, economy, and ecosystems

Biodiversity crime may sound like something intangible compared to other crimes encountered on a daily basis in our lives, but it is a very real and growing threat to our planet’s delicate ecosystems. It includes any illegal activity that harms plants, animals, or the ecosystems they depend on from high-profile crimes like rhino poaching to illegal plant trade in the Western Cape. It can even be something as simple as picking wildflowers in a nature reserve without permission or a permit.

Conservation Review 2025 Group Image
27 Jun 2025
2025 Conservation Review Highlights Biodiversity

CapeNature showcased its significant achievements in conservation operations and exceptional biodiversity protection over the past year.

The central message throughout the event and central to the theme was an emphasis on the successful partnerships the Entity has cultivated with stakeholders. Many of these partners were also in attendance, showcasing delivery on collaborative projects. The Entity relies on the productive co-operation of many partners to successfully execute its mandate in the Western Cape.

De Hoop Nature Reserve Bontebok
26 Jun 2025
State of Conservation 2025: Progress & Priorities

CapeNature launched the 2025 State of Conservation Report this morning at its annual Conservation Review, offering a clear, evidence-based view of the Western Cape’s biodiversity and how conservation efforts are measuring up.

Key themes emerging from the report include sustained efforts to build biodiversity resilience in the face of climate change, the value of strategic partnerships, and the growing integration of monitoring data into planning and policy.

20160529 072239 W12 1921
19 Jun 2025
Haarwegskloof Declared Nature Reserve

In a major victory for biodiversity conservation, Haarwegskloof, which includes the largest remaining connected stretch of renosterveld left on Earth has officially been declared a provincial nature reserve.

The reserve is owned by WWF South Africa and managed by the Overberg Renosterveld Trust (ORT), a non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting and restoring the fragile renosterveld ecosystem that once covered large parts of the Overberg.

Biodiversity1
2 Jun 2025
The Big Biodiversity Challenge is back – Learners Tackle Biodiversity Crisis in Provincial Competition

The Western Cape Environmental Education Friends (WCEEF), together with members CapeNature, SANBI, Nature Connect, SANParks, Working on Fire, the City of Cape Town, The Environmental Education Association of Southern Africa (EEASA) and the Two Oceans Aquarium, is thrilled to announce the return of its successful competition for children in grades 6 – 9.

Biodiversity Press Release Image
30 May 2025
CapeNature's vision - Protecting biodiversity for a sustainable future

Biodiversity forms the bedrock of life on Earth. It is essential not only for sustaining healthy ecosystems but also for ensuring human wellbeing. Last week, on 22 May, we celebrated International Day for Biological Diversity, to raise awareness, educate, and build understanding around biodiversity issues, while inspiring collective effort to conserve it for future generations.