Once upon a time in 1925, an unusual story unfolded. A lone traveler, gazing out from a train window somewhere between Johannesburg and Heidelberg, disembarked at the Heidelberg station. Drawn to the nearby slopes, he ventured off for a brief stroll and encountered something remarkabl – an orchid, Holothrix micrantha. He continued his journey, never realizing that he would be the last person to lay eyes on this orchid, an encounter so fleeting it would eventually earn the plant its “Critically Endangered, Possibly Extinct” (CR PE) status on the Red List.

For nearly a century, Holothrix micrantha has been a mystery, its story haunting botanists and nature lovers alike. Determined to change this, the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD) has spent more than a decade on the orchid’s trail. This year, the search team expanded, with CREW (Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wildflowers) and BotSoc joining the effort. And so, on the weekend of October 26-27, we set off to the Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, a protected area of rolling hills and grassy cliffs, where the orchid might still bloom, hidden in plain sight.

Our hopes were high as we targeted south-facing slopes and grassy cliff areas – habitats where the elusive orchid could be found based on historical records. The first day proved challenging, with no sightings despite hours of scouring the rugged terrain. Undeterred, we resumed our search on day two, only to be met with powerful winds gusting up to 80 km/h, which eventually forced us to pause. Despite our best efforts, Holothrix micrantha remained elusive, a ghost in the landscape. Yet, our spirits are far from dampened. This orchid is known to be cryptic and can be easily overlooked, offering us a glimmer of hope that it may yet be rediscovered. We’re determined to continue our quest next year, driven by the possibility that we may witness one of the greatest botanical rediscoveries of our time. Finding Holothrix micrantha would indeed be the discovery of the century for Gauteng.This weekend, the BotSoc Limpopo Branch embarked on a plant walk near Haenertsburg in Magoebaskloof, exploring a beautiful patch of grassland and adjacent forest. The group included enthusiastic nature lovers from the University of Limpopo, BotSoc members and CREW (Custodians for Rare and Endangered Wildflowers). The primary focus was on observing plant biodiversity and recording data using the iNaturalist app.

The excursion began with a stunning view of the grassland, characterized by its vibrant flora, and a dense forest forming a picturesque backdrop. The grassland and forest, though in the same climatic region, offered starkly different environments due to their unique ecological conditions.

The grasslands in this area are especially susceptible to frequent fires, which play a significant role in shaping the ecosystem. This natural fire cycle supports a range of fire-adapted plant species, many of which are critically endangered. Among the most prominent plants observed in these grasslands were members of the Asteraceae family, commonly referred to as the Daisy Family. These vibrant, hardy plants thrive in the open, sunlit conditions typical of grassland environments, adding splashes of color and enhancing the scenic beauty of the landscape. In contrast, the forested areas offer a lush, shaded environment, markedly different from the open grasslands. The forests in the Magoebaskloof region are some of the most extensive and endangered in Limpopo, serving as habitats for a diverse array of tree species. This unique forest ecosystem supports a rich biodiversity and plays a crucial role in the ecological health of the region.

The group made over 250 observations, identifying more than 100 plant species. Using the iNaturalist app. As part of the day’s activities, the team also conducted an assessment of the grassland’s condition. They are developing a condition index to classify grasslands as natural, near natural, modified or severely modified. This grassland patch was assessed to be close to natural, indicating minimal human impact and a healthy ecosystem.

The weekend excursion provided a valuable opportunity for participants to deepen their understanding of local flora and ecological dynamics. The combination of grassland and forest habitats offered a rich tapestry of biodiversity, showcasing the natural beauty of the Haenertsburg region. The data collected will contribute to ongoing efforts to conserve and understand these vital ecosystems. This report highlights the collaborative effort of BotSoc Limpopo Branch, the University of Limpopo and CREW in fostering environmental awareness and conservation through hands-on learning and research.

Contact the Limpopo BotSoc branch for more information or to join activities: https://botanicalsociety.org.za/branches/limpopo/