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Afrikaanse Inligting
Paranomus lagopus-bracteolaris Interface Found
| In an earlier PAN (18.8) we questioned the difference between the two closely related Common Scepters, Pa bracteolaris and Pa lagopus. Essentially, the difference is one of degree – lagopus is a smaller, more-delicate ("gracile") version of bracteolaris. Extensive confusion occurs in certain areas, most notably around the KoueBokkeveld area at the Elandskloof Pass near Citrusdal. Confusion certainly exists in some herbaria, mostly with specimens from the northern Koue Bokkeveld. |  |
However, atlassers have now found an area where the two species grow within a kilometre of each other. At Swartberg-Skimmelberg on the farm Waterval Pa bracteolaris occurs on the east side of the Leeuwenkop river and Pa lagopus on the west side, a separation of about 300 m. All specimens found while atlassing to the north and east of Waterval are bracteolaris, and all specimens found to the south are lagopus. Now comes the arduous task of checking records on the database, checking herbarium specimens and trying to find a better feature for separating the two species than the 12mm style length used in the key. However, the KoueBokkeveld populations may not be so easy to separate. We will visit the area again in spring to try and tease out these species.
Tony
Back Rabbitpaw Sceptre