A PhD Botany candidate, while travelling to Piketberg to do field work, has rediscovered a plant thought to be extinct.
The great rediscovery of the "extinct" Aspalathus complicata (common names: Versveld Pass Cape Gorse or Versveldpas-steekertjie) was made on 24 October by Brian du Preez.
According to the South African National Biodiversity Institute (Sanbi), Aspalathus complicata was one of over 300 species belonging to the same genus of plants as South Africa's world renowned and popular Rooibos tea. This species was first collected in 1934 at the base of the Versveld Pass, just outside of Piketberg.
The species had subsequently not been located since the initial collection, despite numerous searches of it in the surrounding area.
The species was likely still endangered due to its supposedly small distribution range, including being a habitat specialist within this small area.
Although only two plants were spotted by Du Preez, the plants were likely to be more prevalent after a much-needed ecological burn of the slopes on Piketberg Pass.
The true extent of the Aspalathus complicata population would only be determined approximately three years post-fire when they would have regenerated and started flowering.