Rooiels is divided into three distinct floral zones: Kogelberg Sandstone Fynbos, Overberg Dune Strandveld and Estuarine Vegetation
Go to the page with the Rooiels Nature Reserve to see the Map of Rooiels vegetation and the detailed report . Or download the files below.
Sandstone Fynbos communities within the Kogelberg area are floristically quite distinctive. Local patches may be dominated by species that are rare in similar communities elsewhere. Matching communities floristically from similar habitats across the region is therefore very difficult. Even structural types vary from ericaceous to restioid to proteoid across matched habitats for no obviously discernable reasons. This is the heart of the Cape flora—a true crown jewel of the temperate flora of the world. The species-level endemism is staggering.
The key species in the Kogelberg Sandstone and the Overberg Dune fynbos are included in the attached Word files below.
Aangeheg is die plantegroeikaart vir Rooi-Els (hoofsaaklik Kogelberg Sandstone Fynbos en Overberg Dune Strandveld - die area rondom die riviermond is aangedui as Estuarine Vegetation), asook die plantegroeibeskrywing en spesielyste van die twee hoof plantgroeitipes.
Go to the page with the Rooiels Nature Reserve to see the Map of Rooiels vegetation and the detailed report . Or download the files below.
Sandstone Fynbos communities within the Kogelberg area are floristically quite distinctive. Local patches may be dominated by species that are rare in similar communities elsewhere. Matching communities floristically from similar habitats across the region is therefore very difficult. Even structural types vary from ericaceous to restioid to proteoid across matched habitats for no obviously discernable reasons. This is the heart of the Cape flora—a true crown jewel of the temperate flora of the world. The species-level endemism is staggering.
The key species in the Kogelberg Sandstone and the Overberg Dune fynbos are included in the attached Word files below.
Aangeheg is die plantegroeikaart vir Rooi-Els (hoofsaaklik Kogelberg Sandstone Fynbos en Overberg Dune Strandveld - die area rondom die riviermond is aangedui as Estuarine Vegetation), asook die plantegroeibeskrywing en spesielyste van die twee hoof plantgroeitipes.
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Essential for everyone interested in the flora of Rooiels is a useful layman's guide compiled and photographed by Dave de Klerk.
Click the title in blue to go to the book:
Identification Guide to the Plants Growing Naturally in and around Rooiels - by Dave de Klerk.
The Guide is colour coded and easy to follow for non-botanists. When trying to identify a plant by the colour of the flower, do also check other chapters because we all see colour slightly differently (especially blue and mauve) and also because
some plants have red flower buds that fade to pink, or orange buds that fade to yellow, etc.
This Guide is also very useful to those new to Rooiels who would like to know which plants, indigenous to Rooiels, have colourful flowers for their gardens.The book gives the Latin names (and where known common names) and if you find a flower you like, you can search your web browser and find more details and possibly even which nurseries stock it.
Please help to make this excellent book even more comprehensive by sending location and if possible a photo of any plant you find that is not in the book. You can send direct to Dave or to [email protected]
Click the title in blue to go to the book:
Identification Guide to the Plants Growing Naturally in and around Rooiels - by Dave de Klerk.
The Guide is colour coded and easy to follow for non-botanists. When trying to identify a plant by the colour of the flower, do also check other chapters because we all see colour slightly differently (especially blue and mauve) and also because
some plants have red flower buds that fade to pink, or orange buds that fade to yellow, etc.
This Guide is also very useful to those new to Rooiels who would like to know which plants, indigenous to Rooiels, have colourful flowers for their gardens.The book gives the Latin names (and where known common names) and if you find a flower you like, you can search your web browser and find more details and possibly even which nurseries stock it.
Please help to make this excellent book even more comprehensive by sending location and if possible a photo of any plant you find that is not in the book. You can send direct to Dave or to [email protected]
Other Interesting Information on the Plants in Rooiels and the Fynbos in general
If you would like to learn about gardening with fynbos - go to Tips on Gardening in Rooiels and you will also find a Guide to Gardening in Rooiels by Dave de Klerk there
If you would like to learn about gardening with fynbos - go to Tips on Gardening in Rooiels and you will also find a Guide to Gardening in Rooiels by Dave de Klerk there
The Rooiels tree Cunonia capensis
The Afrikaans common name Rooiels (Red Alder) is derived from the resemblance of the wood to the true Alders (Alnus spp.) of the Northern Hemisphere. One of the most striking characters of the tree is the pair of stipules which enclose the growth tip. They are large and pressed together forming a spoon-like shape, hence the name "Butterspoon" Tree. The leaves are dark green and glossy with contrasting reddish leaf-stalks. The showy, scented flowers appear from February to May and are carried in dense, creamy spikes which have a bottlebrush-like appearance. The fruits are small, brown, two-horned capsules which release very fine, sticky seed. Seed is dispersed in two ways; firstly by visiting birds which fly off with the seed clinging to their feathers, legs and bills, and then by the wind which blows the fine seed away. It is a beautiful evergreen garden tree which attracts insects to its flowers. It is found along the coast and adjacent inland areas from the Western Cape eastwards to Mozambique. In forests it may reach up to 10m in height but where it is growing out in the open it may only reach 5m. (Adapted from PlantZAfrica). Some of the photos are from Kumbula an Indigenous Plant Database which is most useful too.
The Afrikaans common name Rooiels (Red Alder) is derived from the resemblance of the wood to the true Alders (Alnus spp.) of the Northern Hemisphere. One of the most striking characters of the tree is the pair of stipules which enclose the growth tip. They are large and pressed together forming a spoon-like shape, hence the name "Butterspoon" Tree. The leaves are dark green and glossy with contrasting reddish leaf-stalks. The showy, scented flowers appear from February to May and are carried in dense, creamy spikes which have a bottlebrush-like appearance. The fruits are small, brown, two-horned capsules which release very fine, sticky seed. Seed is dispersed in two ways; firstly by visiting birds which fly off with the seed clinging to their feathers, legs and bills, and then by the wind which blows the fine seed away. It is a beautiful evergreen garden tree which attracts insects to its flowers. It is found along the coast and adjacent inland areas from the Western Cape eastwards to Mozambique. In forests it may reach up to 10m in height but where it is growing out in the open it may only reach 5m. (Adapted from PlantZAfrica). Some of the photos are from Kumbula an Indigenous Plant Database which is most useful too.
We are still in the process of compiling the photos and the information for this page -- the motivation for world heritage site status for the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve has some interesting information on fynbos which we have included below. If you know of any interesting links, or have more information for us to load -- please send to [email protected]
Excerpt from UNESCO
Outstanding Universal Value
Brief synthesis
The Cape Floral Region has been recognised as one of the most special places for plants in the world in terms of diversity, density and number of endemic species. The property is a highly distinctive phytogeographic unit which is regarded as one of the six Floral Kingdoms of the world and is by far the smallest and relatively the most diverse. It is recognised as one of the world’s ʻhottest hotspotsʼ for its diversity of endemic and threatened plants, and contains outstanding examples of significant ongoing ecological, biological and evolutionary processes. This extraordinary assemblage of plant life and its associated fauna is represented by a series of 13 protected area clusters covering an area of more than 1 million ha. These protected areas also conserve the outstanding ecological, biological and evolutionary processes associated with the beautiful and distinctive Fynbos vegetation, unique to the Cape Floral Region. The Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve is one of the important clusters.
Criterion (ix): The property is considered of Outstanding Universal Value for representing ongoing ecological and biological processes associated with the evolution of the unique Fynbos biome. These processes are represented generally within the Cape Floral Region and captured in the component areas that make up the 13 protected area clusters. Of particular scientific interest are the adaptations of the plants to fire and other natural disturbances; seed dispersal by ants and termites; the very high level of plant pollination by insects, mainly beetles and flies, birds and mammals; and high levels of adaptive radiation and speciation. The pollination biology and nutrient cycling are other distinctive ecological processes found in the site. The Cape Floral Region forms a centre of active speciation where interesting patterns of endemism and adaptive radiation are found in the flora.
Criterion (x): The Cape Floral Region is one of the richest areas for plants when compared to any similar sized area in the world. It represents less than 0.5% of the area of Africa but is home to nearly 20% of the continent’s flora. The outstanding diversity, density and endemism of the flora are among the highest worldwide. Some 69% of the estimated 9,000 plant species in the region are endemic, with 1,736 plant species identified as threatened and with 3,087 species of conservation concern. The Cape Floral Region has been identified as one of the world’s 35 biodiversity hotspots.
Integrity
The originally inscribed Cape Floral Region Protected Areas serial property comprised eight protected areas covering a total area of 557,584 ha, and included a buffer zone of 1,315,000 ha. The extended Cape Floral Region Protected Areas property comprises 1,094,742 ha of protected areas and is surrounded by a buffer zone of 798,514 ha. The buffer zone is made up of privately owned, declared Mountain Catchment Areas and other protected areas, further supported by other buffering mechanisms that are together designed to facilitate functional connectivity and mitigate for the effects of global climate change and other anthropogenic influences.
The collection of protected areas adds up in a synergistic manner to present the biological richness and evolutionary story of the Cape Floral Region. All the protected areas included in the property, except for some of the privately owned, declared Mountain Catchment Areas, have existing dedicated management plans, which have been revised, or are in the process of revision in terms of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act. Mountain Catchment Areas are managed in terms of the Mountain Catchment Areas Act. Progress with increased protection through public awareness and social programmes to combat poverty, improved management of mountain catchment areas and stewardship programmes is being made.
Protection and management requirements
The serial World Heritage property and its component parts, all legally designated protected areas, are protected under the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (57 of 2003). The property is surrounded by extensive buffer zones (made up of privately owned, declared Mountain Catchment Areas and other protected areas) and supported by various buffering mechanisms in the region. Together, these provide good connectivity and landscape integration for most of the protected area clusters, especially in the mountain areas. The protected areas that make up the property are managed by three authorities: South African National Parks (SANParks), Western Cape Nature Conservation Board (CapeNature) and Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency. These authorities, together with the national Department of Environmental Affairs, make up the Joint Management Committee of the property. All of the sites are managed in accordance with agreed management plans, however, there is a recognised need for a property-wide management strategy in the form of an Environmental Management Framework.
Knowledge management systems are being expanded to advise improved planning and management decision-making, thus facilitating the efficient use of limited, but increasing, resources relating in particular to the management of fire and invasive alien species. The provision of long-term, adequate funding to all of the agencies responsible for managing the property is essential to ensure effective management of the multiple components across this complex serial site.
Invasive alien species and fire are the greatest management challenges facing the property at present. Longer-term threats include climate change and development pressures caused by a growing population, particularly in the Cape Peninsula and along some coastal areas. These threats are well understood and addressed in the planning and management of the protected areas and their buffer zones. Invasive species are being dealt with through manual control programmes that have been used as a reference for other parts of the world.
Outstanding Universal Value
Brief synthesis
The Cape Floral Region has been recognised as one of the most special places for plants in the world in terms of diversity, density and number of endemic species. The property is a highly distinctive phytogeographic unit which is regarded as one of the six Floral Kingdoms of the world and is by far the smallest and relatively the most diverse. It is recognised as one of the world’s ʻhottest hotspotsʼ for its diversity of endemic and threatened plants, and contains outstanding examples of significant ongoing ecological, biological and evolutionary processes. This extraordinary assemblage of plant life and its associated fauna is represented by a series of 13 protected area clusters covering an area of more than 1 million ha. These protected areas also conserve the outstanding ecological, biological and evolutionary processes associated with the beautiful and distinctive Fynbos vegetation, unique to the Cape Floral Region. The Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve is one of the important clusters.
Criterion (ix): The property is considered of Outstanding Universal Value for representing ongoing ecological and biological processes associated with the evolution of the unique Fynbos biome. These processes are represented generally within the Cape Floral Region and captured in the component areas that make up the 13 protected area clusters. Of particular scientific interest are the adaptations of the plants to fire and other natural disturbances; seed dispersal by ants and termites; the very high level of plant pollination by insects, mainly beetles and flies, birds and mammals; and high levels of adaptive radiation and speciation. The pollination biology and nutrient cycling are other distinctive ecological processes found in the site. The Cape Floral Region forms a centre of active speciation where interesting patterns of endemism and adaptive radiation are found in the flora.
Criterion (x): The Cape Floral Region is one of the richest areas for plants when compared to any similar sized area in the world. It represents less than 0.5% of the area of Africa but is home to nearly 20% of the continent’s flora. The outstanding diversity, density and endemism of the flora are among the highest worldwide. Some 69% of the estimated 9,000 plant species in the region are endemic, with 1,736 plant species identified as threatened and with 3,087 species of conservation concern. The Cape Floral Region has been identified as one of the world’s 35 biodiversity hotspots.
Integrity
The originally inscribed Cape Floral Region Protected Areas serial property comprised eight protected areas covering a total area of 557,584 ha, and included a buffer zone of 1,315,000 ha. The extended Cape Floral Region Protected Areas property comprises 1,094,742 ha of protected areas and is surrounded by a buffer zone of 798,514 ha. The buffer zone is made up of privately owned, declared Mountain Catchment Areas and other protected areas, further supported by other buffering mechanisms that are together designed to facilitate functional connectivity and mitigate for the effects of global climate change and other anthropogenic influences.
The collection of protected areas adds up in a synergistic manner to present the biological richness and evolutionary story of the Cape Floral Region. All the protected areas included in the property, except for some of the privately owned, declared Mountain Catchment Areas, have existing dedicated management plans, which have been revised, or are in the process of revision in terms of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act. Mountain Catchment Areas are managed in terms of the Mountain Catchment Areas Act. Progress with increased protection through public awareness and social programmes to combat poverty, improved management of mountain catchment areas and stewardship programmes is being made.
Protection and management requirements
The serial World Heritage property and its component parts, all legally designated protected areas, are protected under the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (57 of 2003). The property is surrounded by extensive buffer zones (made up of privately owned, declared Mountain Catchment Areas and other protected areas) and supported by various buffering mechanisms in the region. Together, these provide good connectivity and landscape integration for most of the protected area clusters, especially in the mountain areas. The protected areas that make up the property are managed by three authorities: South African National Parks (SANParks), Western Cape Nature Conservation Board (CapeNature) and Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency. These authorities, together with the national Department of Environmental Affairs, make up the Joint Management Committee of the property. All of the sites are managed in accordance with agreed management plans, however, there is a recognised need for a property-wide management strategy in the form of an Environmental Management Framework.
Knowledge management systems are being expanded to advise improved planning and management decision-making, thus facilitating the efficient use of limited, but increasing, resources relating in particular to the management of fire and invasive alien species. The provision of long-term, adequate funding to all of the agencies responsible for managing the property is essential to ensure effective management of the multiple components across this complex serial site.
Invasive alien species and fire are the greatest management challenges facing the property at present. Longer-term threats include climate change and development pressures caused by a growing population, particularly in the Cape Peninsula and along some coastal areas. These threats are well understood and addressed in the planning and management of the protected areas and their buffer zones. Invasive species are being dealt with through manual control programmes that have been used as a reference for other parts of the world.
2019-01-16 FIRE AND FYNBOS: A PARADOX – article by Anina Lee in the Hermanus Times
The Overstrand has been devastated by fires in the last week. We have seen the loss of houses and other structures, people injured and traumatised and the scorched animals that could not escape the flames fanned by gale forces winds. Above all we have seen the heroic efforts made by firefighters, both professionals and volunteers.
But what is the impact on the fynbos that is the most biodiverse in the world in terms of species density? It depends; the impact could be good or bad.
We all know that fynbos burns. In fact, it is the frequent fires in the Western Cape that has led to the great variety of species. Fire, hot dry summers, wind and poor soil quality have all put evolutionary pressure on plants to survive. As a result, the slightest variation in the genome gave certain plants a tiny advantage over others in a particular niche habitat, leading to speciation.
Fynbos is both adapted and dependent
Paradoxically, fynbos is not just adapted to survive fire, but it also depends on fire to continue to exist.
The soils on which fynbos grows are extremely poor in nutrients. Some species survive by forming symbiotic relationships with fungi or bacteria in the soil to access nutrients. However, after growing for 15 to 20 years, the plants have pretty much absorbed all the nutrients in the soil around them. They lose vigour and will eventually die. This is the time that fire has a critical role.
A fynbos fire stimulates new beginnings. The nutrients that were locked up in the plants are returned to the soil in the form of ash. The heat and smoke of the fire stimulates many different seeds to germinate in the nutrient-rich ashes of the parent plants. Other plants re-sprout from roots or stems that have evolved to withstand fire. A plethora of bulbous plants will only flower abundantly when the veld has been cleared of other vegetation.
Of course it’s not as simple as that. The timing and frequency of fires is crucial. Many species such as proteas need at least 10 years between fires to build up a sufficient seed bank to re-seed. The ideal interval between fynbos fires is about 15 years. The time of year of the fire and the rainfall pattern during the first year after fire are critical to the survival of many small seedlings and newly sprouted plants. The fires this last week, in the middle of the hot dry summer, came at the wrong time.
When were the last fires?
What do we know about the areas that have burned recently? Kogelberg burned about eight years ago. The fynbos there will probably recover, but it’s not ideal. Some species may be lost, but others may thrive.
Rooi Els burned less than two years ago. Its biodiversity will probably suffer, especially the proteas.
The western ‘leg’ of Fernkloof Nature Reserve burned exactly eleven years ago. After that last fire, the Hermanus Botanical Society monitored and documented everything that re-appeared. This will now be repeated, providing valuable information about fynbos regeneration in the reserve.
Will the fynbos be the same as before?
No, it will not. Differences in fire intensity and frequency, rainfall patterns in the ensuing year and many other factors will influence what species survive. But fynbos will survive – maybe in a slightly different form.
What should we look out for?
Within weeks of the fire, life will almost miraculously appear from the scorched earth. Re-sprouting plants have a major advantage after fire in comparison with plants that rely on seeds for germination. A great example of a rapid re-sprouter is Erica cerinthoides (fire heath). Look out also for the spectacular fire lily (Cyrtanthus).
Protea nitida (‘waboom’) starts to sprout from buds under its thick protective bark.
Within a month Wild Asparagus (‘katstert’) will re-grow from its roots to more than a meter high and in full bloom.
After six weeks or so, the bright red flowers of Haemanthus (paintbrush flower) and Brunsvigia (candelabra flower) will appear all over the landscape. Prior to the fire, many of these plants will have been smothered by old, dense fynbos and now will be their first flowering appearance in many years.
Look out for the spectacular Pillansia templemannii, a member of the iris family. Other bulb species like Watsonias will also be spectacular in the first spring after the fire.
Also a great opportunity
Everyone who walks our mountains can contribute to the data about fynbos after fire. Record what you see – either by name or photograph with the date and place. At the end of each year, please send your observations to the Hermanus Botanical Society at [email protected].
It is commonly known that invasive alien species are the greatest threat to the survival of fynbos. There is now an opportunity that cannot be missed to make a dent in the numbers of aliens. This must be done within two years after a fire when the alien seedlings that come up can still be hand-pulled. It is by far the easiest and cheapest way to get rid of aliens. All it needs is commitment and manpower.
When the time is right, Whale Coast Conservation will ask for volunteers to “#lend-a-hand” together with other role players like the Hermanus Botanical Society and the Hermanus Hacking Group to fight for our fynbos.
Anina Lee
Whale Coast Conservation
The Overstrand has been devastated by fires in the last week. We have seen the loss of houses and other structures, people injured and traumatised and the scorched animals that could not escape the flames fanned by gale forces winds. Above all we have seen the heroic efforts made by firefighters, both professionals and volunteers.
But what is the impact on the fynbos that is the most biodiverse in the world in terms of species density? It depends; the impact could be good or bad.
We all know that fynbos burns. In fact, it is the frequent fires in the Western Cape that has led to the great variety of species. Fire, hot dry summers, wind and poor soil quality have all put evolutionary pressure on plants to survive. As a result, the slightest variation in the genome gave certain plants a tiny advantage over others in a particular niche habitat, leading to speciation.
Fynbos is both adapted and dependent
Paradoxically, fynbos is not just adapted to survive fire, but it also depends on fire to continue to exist.
The soils on which fynbos grows are extremely poor in nutrients. Some species survive by forming symbiotic relationships with fungi or bacteria in the soil to access nutrients. However, after growing for 15 to 20 years, the plants have pretty much absorbed all the nutrients in the soil around them. They lose vigour and will eventually die. This is the time that fire has a critical role.
A fynbos fire stimulates new beginnings. The nutrients that were locked up in the plants are returned to the soil in the form of ash. The heat and smoke of the fire stimulates many different seeds to germinate in the nutrient-rich ashes of the parent plants. Other plants re-sprout from roots or stems that have evolved to withstand fire. A plethora of bulbous plants will only flower abundantly when the veld has been cleared of other vegetation.
Of course it’s not as simple as that. The timing and frequency of fires is crucial. Many species such as proteas need at least 10 years between fires to build up a sufficient seed bank to re-seed. The ideal interval between fynbos fires is about 15 years. The time of year of the fire and the rainfall pattern during the first year after fire are critical to the survival of many small seedlings and newly sprouted plants. The fires this last week, in the middle of the hot dry summer, came at the wrong time.
When were the last fires?
What do we know about the areas that have burned recently? Kogelberg burned about eight years ago. The fynbos there will probably recover, but it’s not ideal. Some species may be lost, but others may thrive.
Rooi Els burned less than two years ago. Its biodiversity will probably suffer, especially the proteas.
The western ‘leg’ of Fernkloof Nature Reserve burned exactly eleven years ago. After that last fire, the Hermanus Botanical Society monitored and documented everything that re-appeared. This will now be repeated, providing valuable information about fynbos regeneration in the reserve.
Will the fynbos be the same as before?
No, it will not. Differences in fire intensity and frequency, rainfall patterns in the ensuing year and many other factors will influence what species survive. But fynbos will survive – maybe in a slightly different form.
What should we look out for?
Within weeks of the fire, life will almost miraculously appear from the scorched earth. Re-sprouting plants have a major advantage after fire in comparison with plants that rely on seeds for germination. A great example of a rapid re-sprouter is Erica cerinthoides (fire heath). Look out also for the spectacular fire lily (Cyrtanthus).
Protea nitida (‘waboom’) starts to sprout from buds under its thick protective bark.
Within a month Wild Asparagus (‘katstert’) will re-grow from its roots to more than a meter high and in full bloom.
After six weeks or so, the bright red flowers of Haemanthus (paintbrush flower) and Brunsvigia (candelabra flower) will appear all over the landscape. Prior to the fire, many of these plants will have been smothered by old, dense fynbos and now will be their first flowering appearance in many years.
Look out for the spectacular Pillansia templemannii, a member of the iris family. Other bulb species like Watsonias will also be spectacular in the first spring after the fire.
Also a great opportunity
Everyone who walks our mountains can contribute to the data about fynbos after fire. Record what you see – either by name or photograph with the date and place. At the end of each year, please send your observations to the Hermanus Botanical Society at [email protected].
It is commonly known that invasive alien species are the greatest threat to the survival of fynbos. There is now an opportunity that cannot be missed to make a dent in the numbers of aliens. This must be done within two years after a fire when the alien seedlings that come up can still be hand-pulled. It is by far the easiest and cheapest way to get rid of aliens. All it needs is commitment and manpower.
When the time is right, Whale Coast Conservation will ask for volunteers to “#lend-a-hand” together with other role players like the Hermanus Botanical Society and the Hermanus Hacking Group to fight for our fynbos.
Anina Lee
Whale Coast Conservation
