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Species Cards

Carpobrotus quadrifidus

This hardy succulent plant is grown more often for its medicinal properties than as a food source. The sap from the leaves is astringent and can be used as an antiseptic to treat problematic skin conditions, cuts and burns. It also plays an important role in stabilising sand dunes.

Elands Fig

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Carissa macrocarpa

A fast-growing, wind resistant, impenetrable shrub that produces fruits which can be eaten raw or used to make jams and jellies.

Grootnoemnoem

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Prenia vanrensburgii

The soft fleshy leaves of the African Spinach / Seepampoen / Cape spinach are edible, and delicious when prepared in a stew, like spinach. First used by the Khoi and San.

African Spinach

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Brabejum stellatifolium

The fresh fruits are poisonous but can be used as a coffee substitute if processed correctly, which involves leaching out the poison – a skill learned from the Khoi.

Wild Almond

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Raphicerus melanotis

The Cape Grysbok is endemic to South Africa and near-endemic to the Cape Floristic Region. Very limited genetic data is available for Cape Grysbok.

Cape Grysbok

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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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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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