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Afrikaanse Inligting
Woollystalk Powderpuff - Sorocephalus alopecurus
We have virtually no data for this spectacular plant, or its close relative So pinifolius Longleaf Powderpuff. They are probably more common than appreciated, but the southern moist slopes of the Riviersonderend Mountains are poorly explored. Both species are thought to be rare and both are Endangered with extinction because they occur in very small pockets. Only a few hundred plants are known. The Woollystalk Powderpuff occurs around Genadendal and the Longleaf Powderpuff around Riviersonderend. Both these species are threatened by alien invader plants - all known populations have Pine, Needlebush or Wattle plants. Fortunately, the Working for Water RDP Project is clearing these catchments and at the same time saving our rare plants. Both species flower from June to October, but seeing them in the wild is for serious hikers and the keenest plant lovers. They occur in dense veld from 800-1000m on the south slopes.