| Diosma haelkraalensis | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Rutaceae |
| Genus: | Diosma |
| Species: | D. haelkraalensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Diosma haelkraalensis I.Williams | |
Diosma haelkraalensis, or Hagelkraal's diosma, is a rare species of plant endemic to the southwestern Cape Provinces of South Africa. [1]
These shrubs grow 10–30 cm (0.33–0.98 ft) tall. [2] [3] The tough branches have rough bark and are bent at all angles. The branchlets are densely covered in small, hairless leaves which are oppositely arranged. They have glands towards the midrib and margins. The slightly transparent margins curve back the center of the leaf. [3] Small white flowers are present between April and September. [2] They occur singly or in pairs at the ends of branches. [3]
Hagelkraal's diosma grows in crevices in the limestone of the Bredasdorp geological formation. It only occurs on an approximately 2.5 km (1.6 mi) stretch of the mountain range between Pearly Beach and Hagelkraal. [3]
Flowers are pollinated by insects. The seeds are dispersed by ants, which take them underground. [4]
The leaves of Hagelkraal's diosma has been described as having the same scent as true buchus. Chemical analysis has shown that the leaves contain the same sulphurous chemical (8-mercaptop-methan-3-one) that produces this scent in Agathosoma species. This is the first time that this compound has been found in a different genus. [5] This compound is in high demand from the flavour and fragrance industries which use small quantities to enhance flavours and fragrances. [5] Hagelkraal's diosma was found to have higher concentrations of the compound than Agathosma crenulata and Agathosma betulina - the buchu species which are currently used for commercial production, although the overall yield was lower. [5] while it is not currently used, this plant could be cultivated and utilised by the fragrance and flavour industries. [5]
This species is considered to be critically rare. [6]
Agapanthus africanus, or the African lily, is a flowering plant from the genus Agapanthus found only on rocky sandstone slopes of the winter rainfall fynbos from the Cape Peninsula to Swellendam. It is also known as the lily-of-the-Nile in spite of only occurring in South Africa.
Agathosma is a genus of about 140 species of flowering plants in the family Rutaceae, native to the southern part of Africa. Common names include buchu, boegoe, bucco, bookoo and diosma. Buchu formally denotes two herbal species, prized for their fragrance and medicinal use despite their toxicity. In colloquial use however, the term is applied to a wider set of fragrant shrubs or substitutes.
Agathosma betulina is a flowering plant in the family Rutaceae, native to the lower elevation mountains of western South Africa, where it occurs near streams in fynbos habitats.
Agathosma crenulata is a flowering plant in the family Rutaceae, native to the lower elevation mountains of southwestern South Africa, where it occurs near streams in fynbos habitats. It is an evergreen shrub growing to 1.5-2.5 m tall. The leaves are opposite, oval, 15–35 mm long and 7–18 mm broad. The flowers are white or pale pink, with five petals; the fruit is a five-parted capsule which splits open to release the seeds.
Agathosma serratifolia, known as longleaf buchu or long buchu, is an erect, South African shrub, belonging to the citrus family Rutaceae. It is one of about 135 species mainly occurring in the south-western Cape Province. There, it is found on mountain slopes, wooded ravines, and valleys. The leaves are simple, ovoid, slightly serrated, and 0.5–3.5 cm long. In April and May, the plant produces 5-petalled flowers. 'Agathosma' = 'good smell', 'serratifolia' = 'serrate leaved'.
Disa bracteata, also known as the bract disa, leek orchid or the South African weed orchid is a species of orchid native to South Africa.
Aloiampelos commixta is a flowering plant in the Asphodelaceae family. It is commonly called Table Mountain aloe, and is a rare succulent plant that is endemic to the Cape Peninsula, South Africa. It naturally occurs only on the Table Mountain range, within the city of Cape Town.
Agathosma gonaquensis, commonly known as Gonaqua buchu, is a species of plant in the family Rutaceae. Its habitat is restricted to a tiny area of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. According to the South African National Biodiversity Institute, it is critically endangered.
Geissorhiza aspera, also known as the blue satin flower or blou sysie, is a geophyte from South Africa.
Lobostemon curvifolius, the largeflower healthbush, is a species of the forget-me-not family from South Africa.
Lobostemon collinus, the pyjamabush or iron healthbush, is a species belonging to the forget me not family. It is known only from the fynbos biome of the Western Cape of South Africa.
Lobostemon daltonii, the Infanta healthbush, is a species of the forget-me-not family endemic to the Cape Provinces of South Africa.
Lobostemon glaucophyllus, the smooth-leaved bush bugloss or grey healthbush, is a South African plant species belonging to the forget-me-not family. It is endemic to South Africa's Cape Provinces.
Senecio malacitanus, also known as Senecio linifolius is a species of plant from South Africa.
Athanasia pectinata is a species of plant from the Western Cape of South Africa.
Ursinia nudicaulis, also known as the longstalk paraseed or the little daisy is a species of plant from South Africa. It belongs to the daisy family.
Athanasia quinquedentata, or the fivetooth kanniedood, is a species of plant from South Africa.
Acrodon subulatus, the Overberg tiptoothfig, is a species of mesemb from South Africa.
Cheiridopsis purpurea is a species of succulent plant from South Africa. It is found growing in the succulent Karoo vegetation type.
Anaxeton arborescens, the northern paperposy, is a species of plant from South Africa. It grows in the fynbos biome.
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