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Species Cards

Erotylid sp. nov. MS4

These beetles form part of a complex that pollinates highly endangered cycads in South Africa.

Cycad fungus beetle

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Proeseca peringueyi

The Long-tongued fly is important ecologically. It is a keystone pollinator for a whole guild of long-tubed, vividly colored flowers.

Long-tongued fly

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Hoodia gordonii

Hoodia is a genus of succulent plants that is widely used; traditionally by the San people of southern Africa as an appetite suppressant, thirst quencher and as a cure for, amongst other things, severe abdominal cramps, indigestion, hypertension and diabetes.

Bitter ghaap

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Colophospermum mopane

The Mopane tree, indigenous to northern South Africa and endemic to Africa, is the primary host of the Mopane worm, an important traditional protein source.

Mopane

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Parvulastra exigua

The dwarf cushion star is a widespread and ecologically significant intertidal species in South Africa. It contributes to biodiversity by maintaining balance in rocky shore ecosystems and serving as prey and grazer.

Dwarf cushion star

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Porthetes sp. nov.
(ex Encephalartos horridus)

Porthetes beetles are pollinators of Encephalartos cycads. Both the cycads and weevils have a high extinction risk.

Cycad pollination weevil

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Pelargonium echinatum

Prickly-stemmed pelargonium is among the most beautiful winterflowering pelargoniums. Traditionally, South African tribes have used Pelargonium species to treat ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, wounds, fever, colds, sore throats, and urinary issues, to name a few.

Prickly-stemmed
pelargonium

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Labeo seeberi

The Clanwilliam sandfish is endemic to South Africa and is one of South Africa's most threatened migratory freshwater fish. It is listed as Endangered on the IUCN list of species.

Clanwilliam sandfish

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Schotia afra

The Karoo boer-bean serves as both as a shade and ornamental tree. Its leaves are browsed by livestock, and its seeds are edible, consumed green, mature, or roasted and ground into a meal.

Karoo boer-bean

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Harpephyllum affrum

The tree’s fruit is edible and enjoyed by birds, animals, and humans. It is used for jams, jellies, and rosé wine. The bark is a traditional medicine for acne, eczema, and "bad blood," often used in skin washes.

Wild plum

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Mola mola

The Ocean sunfish is described as one of the heaviest bony fish in the world, with a sister species recorded as the heaviest bony fish. It forms part of the large iconic sunfish group seen by many water users.

Ocean sunfish

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Anoplolepis custodiens

Anoplolepis custodiens plays a major role in seed dispersal in the fynbos regions of South Africa.

Common Pugnacious Ant

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