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Afrikaanse Inligting
How far eastwards does Protea cordata extend on the Langeberg
Protea
cordata is an enigmatic species of Rodent Protea, which up to now has been
recorded only from mountain localities in the southwestern Cape, the
Riviersonderend and the Langeberg as far east as Boosmansbos Wilderness Area
near Heidelberg. Although it grows on sandstone talus slopes and shale soils
according to Rourke (1980), I have, however, only encountered it on the
Cedarberg Formation shaleband on the Langeberg. The first population of Pr
cord which I came across was on the shaleband near Helderfontein: obviously
the same as that recorded by Rourke as occurring at (or near!) Lemoenshoek Peak
(which is now known as Grootberg). The elevation of this locality is
1200 m, which agrees with that documented by Rourke as being the upper
limit of its distribution.
Since the Cedarberg Formation is exposed at various localities along the Langeberg, Pr cord could predictably be at other localities which have not yet been recorded.
In October 1990, while walking the Sleeping Beauty section of the newly proclaimed Riversdale Hiking Trail, Chris Martens, Forester at Grootvadersbos, and I came across a few plants of Pr cord. These were also on the shaleband at an elevation of 1060 m . This locality extends the distribution range about 30 km further eastwards and Pr cord is now recorded in the 3321CC quarter-degree grid square. There could well be more localities further eastwards where Pr cord may occur, particularly east of Garcia's Pass. These little known areas must simply be explored!
Dave McDonald, Stellenbosch
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