NEW DISCOVERIES
This most unexpected discovery took place in 2019 when during an exploratory NWSMA trip , a small population of soft pink and white flowering plants were spotted . A series of events , including Covid and the subsequent lockdowns , put the discovery on hold . But in late 2021 , the NWSMA conservation team came across another flowering population .
The experts are called in !
With the help of the Botanical Society of South Africa ’ s Rupert Koopman , the experts were brought in to undertake a complete assessment earlier this year , including Dr Snijman and Dr John Manning .
Snijman has just released her scientific paper , “ A new species of Cyrtanthus ( Amaryllidaceae : Cyrtantheae ) from the Agulhas Plain , Western Cape , South Africa ”. She says in the paper , “ The unexpected discovery in 2019 of a small population of Cyrtanthus on the Agulhas Plain that could not be matched with any known taxon prompted the description of one further species .”
According to Koopman , “ This is a great story which highlights how special the Overberg is in terms of plant diversity . And in fact , how special the fynbos biome is in general , considering that we are still picking up new species even in areas that are well known .”
The new species occurs on low , open vegetation , which includes elements of both Central Rûens Shale Renosterveld and Elim Ferricrete Fynbos . Both of these are Critically Endangered .
Koopman adds , “ It also shows the importance of the integration of the botanical community . This species went from the Nuwejaars conservation team through a series of botanical experts ; I acted as a courier to SANBI ’ s taxonomist to ultimately describe the species . This outcome – that the species is now formally described and can be assessed to receive a red list status – is essential .”
A unique conservation model !
NWSMA Project Manager Ross Kettles says the discovery highlights the importance of understanding and protecting natural landscapes , also on private land . ultimate commitment to this protection , signing title deed restrictions to protect our natural world in perpetuity .”
Kettles says , “ Aside from our landowners , this would also not have been possible without those incredible funders who see the value of this biodiversityrich area , and the importance of this model . That includes the Mapula Trust , Hans Hoheisen Charitable Trust , WWF South Africa , the National Lotteries Commission and the Overberg District Municipality .”
“ This ‘ Nuwejaars Lily ’ as it ’ s being called , would never have been recognised as a new species were it not for the conservation work taking place here in partnership with our farmer-members . This model is unique : farmers continue to farm , but at the same time , we can ’ t lose what ’ s left of our biodiversity here . Farmers here have therefore made the
Figure 2 . Measuring the height of the Cyrtanthus . Photo : Dr Dee Snijman
Grassroots Vol 22 No 2 July 2022 50