Rare orchid has many botanists thinking

A relatively scarce orchid species that occurs in the Soutpansberg is causing scientists to scratch their heads. After lengthy studies, the academics can still not determine how these plants are pollinated and they believe this may provide a vital clue to its limited distribution.

A botanist from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Dr Florent Martos, recently spent a week in the Soutpansberg, attempting to observe what agents are responsible for the pollination of this small orchid with the scientific name Mystacidium brayboniae. The plant is endemic to the Soutpansberg and was thought to be a high-forest species. However, it is found more frequently in montane scrub and if it does occur in the forest, it is usually at the edges where there is more light. Its genus name refers to its "moustache"-like flower.

It is possible that this species's limited distribution may have something to do with its pollinating agent, which may also be endemic to the Soutpansberg. The exercise was not successful, even though sophisticated technology and many long hours of observation were used to collect data.

Among some of the other data collected, the scent of the flower is also harvested and analysed in a laboratory. Synthetically manufactured components of the scent are then exposed to various insects and their brain activity is monitored, using microscopic sensors placed on the insects' antennae.

The plants are exclusively epiphytic, meaning that they live on trees but are not parasites. The plants flower in the middle to the end of November for about two weeks. Conservation status of the species is not certain; however, due to its limited distribution and overharvesting by collectors, it could be vulnerable.

(Thanks to Bruce Murray for providing the information for this article)

News - Date: 14 December 2012

Anton van Zyl

Anton van Zyl has been with the Zoutpansberger and Limpopo Mirror since 1990. He graduated from the Rand Afrikaans University (now University of Johannesburg) and obtained a BA Communications degree. He is a founder member of the Association of Independent Publishers.

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