New species alert: Resurrection flower blooms in SA
A brand-new flower species has been discovered in SA! Moraea anastasia, dubbed the "resurrection flower", is pushing through the earth and stealing hearts.
Deep in the slopes of Botmaskop, Western Cape, a tiny miracle has unfolded.
Amid the ruins of a former pine plantation, a handful of delicate flowers have pushed through the earth, revealing a brand-new species to the world.
The Moraea anastasia, dubbed the "resurrection flower", has got botanists abuzz. This exquisite bloom is one of over 1,200 indigenous Iridaceae species in southern Africa and its discovery is a testament to the region's incredible biodiversity.
The story of Moraea anastasia's discovery is truly inspirational. Botanist Dr Brian du Preez had been monitoring the slopes of Botmaskop after pine felling, searching for threatened species.
Then, like a needle in a haystack, he spotted it – a handful of dainty flowers, swaying gently in the breeze.
According to Ground Up, Du Preez had been keeping a close eye on the area, knowing that the removal of the pine trees could lead to the emergence of new plant species.
And emerge they did – four threatened species, including Moraea anastasia, have been discovered on the site.
The plant is critically endangered and conservation efforts are necessary to protect it. Staff at the Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden have collected seeds from the plants and are planning to grow some off-site to help secure its future.
Du Preez hopes that the discovery of Moraea anastasia will raise awareness about the importance of conservation and the need to protect South Africa's unique biodiversity.
"We're going to do our best to protect these plants into the future," he said.
For now, Moraea anastasia remains a rare and precious find, a reminder of the beauty and wonder that awaits us in the natural world.
As we marvel at this tiny miracle, let us also remember the importance of preserving our planet's precious biodiversity for future generations.
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Image courtesy of Brian du Preez