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Help save Leucadendron Macowanii
We
have received the following notice from the Botanical Society of South Africa,
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, CLAREMONT 7735. Should you wish to help,
photostat or copy the reply slip, fill it in and mail it to the above address.
Help save Leucadendron Macowanii
Leucadendron macowanii is a species which may become extinct if immediate action is not taken to ensure that it survives. Although this species does not receive much public attention is extinction would be as tragic a loss to nature as the loss of the Black Rhino.
1981
The species first gained the public's attention in 1981 when seed was taken from the plant population to a municipal nursery at Silvermine. This seed was used to establish a temporary population to form a seed-bank to allow for introduction of the plant to suitable "natural" sites. In 1981 there were five known populations of Leucadendron macowanii.
1985 to 1991
In one area 166 plants were counted in 1985; this group has been reduced to 51 plants in 1991. Another group of 229 plants was counted in 1985: this group is now a mere 82 plants.
The major threats facing these plants are destruction of habitat by possible development and the encroaching alien vegetation. The plants die due to natural ageing and their seeds only germinate when space becomes available after fire.
The population we are most concerned with is the last remaining natural population of Leucadendron macowanii. This population occurs on private property. We have a written commitment from the Landowner to "treasure and protect whatever endangered species there are on our property".
Although we cannot encourage seed germination apart from having a controlled burn, we can improve the plants' chances of survival by eradicating the alien vegetation.
The Botanical Society in cooperation with the Regional Services Council proposes to clear the alien vegetation around the population of Leucadendron macowanii.
WE NEED YOUR HELP.
Join us for a day in one of the most beautiful parts of the Cape Peninsula, cutting down and removing alien trees. You may either make your own way to the site or avail yourself of the transport which will be provided from a central point.
If you are interested in spending a day working hard to save this species from extinction please fill in the form and return it in an envelope.
The Acacia-leaf Stream Conebush Ld maco is one of the 10 wind-pollinated Leucadendron species. As such its flower heads are not as spectacular as might be useful for an endangered species. It was never historically very common (Localized distribution, Broad habitat tolerance, Dense populations). In fact, it is known from only two sites: one at Constantia, where it is now extinct, and at the above-mentioned site, where it is confined to four populations in a 2 km-long area. Its future survival very much depends on controlling the Acacias (with which it might be confused by a disinterested hacker), and restoring a natural burning regime. Being serotinous, its entire seed crop is stored on the plant: thus plants which die before a fire will leave no babies as rodents will eat any seeds released. Only female plants killed by fire have a chance of establishing seedlings, and only those seedlings not out-competed by Acacias will survive to make more babies. Please help to save this interesting endangered species.
PS: Got a few million to spare? That is what the land will cost if it is to be included within the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve!
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