New Fynbos species found near Plettenberg bay – Psoralea vanberkelae

The Cape Floral Kingdom, often referred to as the “Cape Floristic Region,” is one of the most diverse and unique floral kingdoms in the world. Located in the southwestern part of South Africa, it is the smallest of the six recognized floral kingdoms but is renowned for its biodiversity and number of endemic species. The fynbos biome is central to the Western cape region, characterized by shrubby, fire-adapted vegetation and nutrient-poor soils.

Characteristics of Fynbos

Biodiversity

 Despite its relatively small geographical area, the Cape Floristic Region contains over 9,000 plant species, of which about 70% are found nowhere else on Earth. These endemic species make the Western Cape a walking/hiking and nature lovers paradise, offering the ability to view these incredible plants in some of the World’s most magnificent natural environments.

Fire ecology

Fynbos is fire-adapted, and periodic wildfires are essential to the health of the ecosystem. Many fynbos plants have evolved to either regenerate after fires or rely on fire to trigger seed germination.

Nutrient-poor soils

The region’s soils are generally sandy, acidic, and low in nutrients. Fynbos plants have adapted to these harsh conditions with specialized root systems and symbiotic relationships with fungi to enhance nutrient uptake.

Plant Families

Fynbos consists of several distinct plant families, the most dominant of which are:

Proteaceae (Proteas)

Ericaceae (Heaths)

Restionaceae (Restios, which resemble grasses)

Fabaceae (Legumes like Psoralea species)

Fynbos Species found in Plettenberg Bay

Proteas (Proteaceae Family)

Protea cynaroides (King Protea): South Africa’s national flower, easily recognizable by its large, colorful flower head. It thrives in the acidic, well-drained soils of the region.

Protea repens (Sugarbush): A dominant species in this area, known for its nectar-rich flowers, which attract birds like the Cape sugarbird and sunbirds.

Leucospermum conocarpodendron (Tree Pincushion): Characterized by its bright, pincushion-like flowers, it is a common species in the Plettenberg fynbos.

Ericas (Ericaceae Family)

Erica cerinthoides (Fire Heath): A vibrant red-flowered species that is especially prolific in areas that experience periodic fires, as it regenerates rapidly after burning. Erica mammosa (Nine-pin Heath): Common in the coastal and mountainous areas around Plettenberg Bay, this species is distinguished by its tubular red or pink flowers. Erica plukenetii: Another heath species found in abundance in the region, often in coastal fynbos zones.

Restios (Restionaceae Family)

 Thamnochortus insignis (Dekriet): One of the most abundant restio species in the region, known for its grass-like appearance and dense growth in sandy soils. Elegia tectorum: Frequently found in fynbos wetlands and along the slopes, this restio is essential for water retention and soil stabilization.

Leucadendrons (Proteaceae Family)

Leucadendron salignum (Common Sunshine Conebush): A widespread and prolific species, its yellow flowers and cone-shaped seed heads are a distinctive feature of the local fynbos. Leucadendron laureolum (Golden Conebush): A well-known species that grows abundantly in the Plettenberg Bay area and produces bright yellow bracts.

Other Fynbos Species

Aspalathus linearis (Rooibos): While rooibos is more commonly associated with the Cederberg region, some related Aspalathus species grow in the Plettenberg Bay fynbos. Pelargonium cucullatum: A native geranium species, often found along coastal fynbos, with attractive pink-purple flowers.

Coastal Fynbos specialties

Serruria florida (Spiderhead): Found in sandy, coastal soils, the delicate and intricate blooms of spiderheads are a common sight in Plettenberg Bay’s fynbos. Agathosma (Buchu): Several species of Agathosma, known for their aromatic properties, thrive in the area and have long been used for medicinal purposes by local communities.

Psoralea species

Psoralea vanberkelae: Recently discovered near Plettenberg Bay, this species of Psoralea is an example of the ongoing botanical exploration and discovery in the region.

In 2023, a new species of fynbos plant, Psoralea vanberkelae, was discovered near Plettenberg Bay. Psoralea belongs to the Fabaceae family (the pea family) and includes species commonly known as “bladder-senna” or “kraalbos.” The new species has generated excitement because it represents the continued discovery of plant diversity in this already richly studied biome.

Features of Psoralea vanberkelae

Psoralea vanberkelae is a shrub-like plant, endemic to sandy soils in the Plettenberg Bay region. It bears small, purple to blue flowers typical of the Psoralea genus, which are adapted to attract pollinators such as bees. As a newly discovered species, its population is small and possibly vulnerable, underscoring the importance of ongoing conservation efforts in the region.

Fynbos’ Uniqueness in the World

Fynbos is unique because of its immense species richness, endemism, and specialized adaptations to a nutrient-poor, fire-prone environment. In global terms the Western cape Fynbos region is one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, with more plant species per unit area than even the tropical rainforests. The Cape Floral Kingdom is home to plants that cannot be found anywhere else, such as the entire family of Restionaceae. Fynbos thrives in a Mediterranean-type climate (cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers), which is rare and only found in a few places on Earth (e.g., parts of California, Chile, and Australia).

Medicinal uses of Fynbos

Buchu (Agathosma betulina)

Traditionally used by the indigenous Khoi and San people for its anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties. It is now used in modern herbal medicine to treat bladder infections and digestive disorders.

Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) is a globally popular herbal tea, rooibos is renowned for its antioxidant properties and is caffeine-free, making it a healthy alternative to regular tea.

Honeybush (Cyclopia spp.) is another fynbos plant used to make a caffeine-free tea, similar to rooibos but with a sweeter flavor. It has antioxidants and is believed to have cancer-fighting properties.

Ecological role of fynbos

Fynbos is home to a variety of plants that attract specialized pollinators, including birds (such as the Cape sugarbird) and insects (like bees), which play crucial roles in maintaining the ecological balance. The root systems of fynbos plants help stabilize soils and prevent erosion, especially in areas with steep slopes prone to runoff.

Cultural and commercial uses of fynbos

Ornamental Use

Many fynbos plants, especially proteas and pincushions, are cultivated for the cut flower industry due to their striking appearance and long vase life.

Fragrance

Some fynbos species, such as buchu, are used in perfumes and essential oils for their distinctive aromatic qualities.
Erosion Control

The fine root systems of many fynbos species make them excellent for planting in areas vulnerable to erosion, such as riverbanks.

Biodiversity and conservation

The conservation of fynbos is critical not only for protecting its unique plant species but also for maintaining the ecological integrity of the region. The Cape Floristic Region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its global importance. Fynbos is not only unique for its biodiversity and ecological functions but also plays a key role in human culture, health, and environmental stability. The discovery of Psoralea vanberkelae is a testament to the ongoing importance of studying and preserving this incredible ecosystem. Plettenberg bay offers a fascinating combination of coastal and montane fynbos species that continue to intrigue botanists and conservationists alike.

Enjoy the natural beauty

Start your journey of Fynbos discovery in Plettenberg Bay with a stay at Emily Moon River Lodge. Enjoy the unique natural surroundings of the hotel along the banks of the Bitou River which makes the Hotel a favorite destination for nature lovers who enjoy the finer things in life. Plettenberg Bay lies at the eastern edge of the Cape Floristic Region. It is home to a wide variety of fynbos species due to its diverse landscape of coastal dunes, forests, and mountains. The local fynbos in the area is part of the greater fynbos biome and contains numerous prolific species, particularly within the Proteaceae, Ericaceae, and Restionaceae families. Some of the most common and prolific fynbos species.