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Species Cards

Oxalis obtusa

One of the most widespread South African Oxalis, this highly variable
species has great but underexplored horticultural potential. The flower and leaf stalks are covered with reversed, downward-pointing hairs, and
flower colour varies from brick red to pale orange, yellow, pink and
white.

Reverse Sorrel

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Ovis aries

Zulu Sheep developed unique and specific adaptative traits to local
Southern African environments including tolerance to hot and humid conditions, tolerance to local internal and external parasites, endurance,
and is immune to most local disease.

Zulu Sheep

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Oxalis ericifolia

This species was first found in the 1940's, but only recently rediscovered
and formally named. It is one of the most naturally rare South African
Oxalis - this habitat specialist is known from a single rocky outcrop (Extent of Occurrence estimated at less than three hectares), but is not
currently known to be threatened.

Heathleaf Sorrel

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Pachymetopon grande

An important species to the recreational and small scale fishing sector. Listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Redlist.

Bronze seabream

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Oxalis dines

This remarkable aquatic Oxalis only grows in seasonal pools that dry up
in summer. It is only very distantly related to some of the other morphologically similar aquatic species, providing a wonderful example of convergent evolution in the South African flora.

Floating Sorrel

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Oxalis palmifrons

Oxalis palmifrons is perhaps the most unusual and horticulturally
sought after South African Oxalis, for its palm-like leaves and rosette
growth form. The white flowers are borne in April. It is locally used as a
flavourant in soups, hence the name "sopsuring".

Palmleaf Sorrel

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Mastacembelus frenatus

This species is used for human consumption but is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Redlist. This is the first species in the genome to have its genome sequenced.

East African spiny eel

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Oxalis livida

The Blue sorrel and relatives form an evolutionarily isolated lineage in African Oxalis. The attractive plants are also used in horticulture.

Blue sorrel

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Lacustricola katangae

This is a commercially important aquarium fish. It is also harvested for consumption and for research. Considered Least Concern on IUCN Redlist. This is the first species in this genus to have its genome sequenced.

Striped topminnow

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Cymatoceps nasutus

A premier angling fish in South Africa. It‘s slow growth, limited range
and large body make it vulnerable to overexploitation. IUCN Red List conservation status Vulnerable.

Black musselcracker

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Anguilla mossambica

Harvested and traded on a global scale for farming and human consumption, is also used as gamefish. This species is considered Near Threatened on IUCN Redlist.

African Longfin eel

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Oxalis polyphylla

The species is of horticultural importance due to it’s striking flowers and unusual leaflets; sadly, it is underutilized in South African gardens

Many-leaf sorrel

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