Plant story
Cylindrophyllum hallii L. Bolus (Mesembryanthemaceae)
• Endemic to South Africa
• very threatened.
• Full story in Samara 1 (pdf)
Dying Cylindrophyllum hallii
Only one known population of about 6 plants on a plateau near Loeriesfontein. This plant is of great interest as its sister species all come from the Little Karoo. In notes accompanying the original description, the collector (H. Hall) states that only about 200 plants were seen. This population had not been documented or collected since 1960. Refound by MSB team in early 2001. 219 plants left with clear signs of predation. Many dead plants maybe victims of drought or utilisation by animals. Luckily seed was in ample supply and the team were able to collect capsules from some 85 plants very safely, taking less than 5% of what was available. When the site was revisited in 2002, all the plants in this population were found to be dead. Another, small population of 6 individuals was found nearby.
Erich Van Wyk at site of Cylindrohyllum hallii (Aizoaceae) population near Louriesfontein, Northern Cape.Feb 2001
107 plants have been grown on from seed in the glasshouse at MSB. Propagation protocols are available for South African nature conservation authorities, and seed is available for reintroduction.
New plants growing on here for eventual re-introduction