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Species Cards

Tetramorium sericeiventre

Tetramorium sericeiventre are omnivores, taking a diversity of food types including arthropod fragments, grass stems, leaves, and seeds thus aid in seed dispersal.

Common fierce ant

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Oxalis pes-caprae

This South African species is one of the world's worst weeds, and causes massive damage to invaded ecosystems as it forms monocultures that crowd out native plants. It is almost impossible to eradicate due to extensive clonal reproduction through bulbils. Sequencing the genome of this species may offer us insights into possible management mechanisms.

Bermuda buttercup

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Oxalis suavis

This range-restricted species is a highly promising garden plant, with sweet-scented white or yellow flowers. It is Redlisted as Vulnerable in its native habitat where it is threatened by agriculture.

Sorrel

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Oxalis purpurata

This species is a close relative of the highly invasive weed, Oxalis pes-caprae, but has a naturally small distribution range. The genomes of these two species may give us insights into the evolution of invasiveness. The species is Redlisted as Rare.

Sorrel

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Coleus amboinicus

The fresh leaves are used both for medicinal purposes or as an herb or spice to flavour food, similar to thyme. It is also an important horticultural plant. In the wild it is adapted to disturbance by animals and is drought resistant due to its succulent nature.

African Thyme

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Carpobrotus deliciosus

The Sour Fig / Gaukum / Igcuthuma is a tough, evergreen perennial plant cultivated for its edible fruits and leaves. It has thirst-quenching properties for humans and animals (including tortoises) alike.

Sour Fig

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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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