Ancient aquatic plant on the rocks

The tiny Isoetes eludens, which lives in temporary rock pools, may be at risk from climate change

View on map: South Africa,

22 Dec 2009

Like this
Tweet
Close Thanks for liking this page. Tell us why by adding a comment at the bottom.

3 likes
0 comments

Dr Rhian Smith collecting speciments of Isoetes eludens in South Africa (Image: Stephen Hopper, RBG Kew)

To discover a completely new species in a small pool just 2m in diameter and 15cm deep was an unexpected delight. It highlights how much more work is needed to reveal the full diversity of the Cape's world-famous flora

Professor Stephen Hopper, Director, RBG Kew

Isoetes eludens, a species of an ancient group of spore-plants known as quillworts, and so named because it eluded its discoverers for seven years, was found in a mountain-top rock pool in a remote corner of Namaqualand, South Africa by Kew’s Director, Professor Stephen Hopper.

Botanists are concerned that these exposed temporary rock pools – known by the local Nama people as !gau – are vulnerable to climate change which could mean the 5cm high plant’s days are numbered. Urgent collection of spores and long-term storage in seed banks is an important next step to secure the conservation of this intriguing species. Quillworts date from fossils aged more than 150 million years old in an era before the evolution of flowering plants.

More about Kew's discoveries...

Isoetes eludens

Explore our exciting new discoveries on our interactive map

Discover more...

Support plant science at Kew

By making a donation to Kew today you can help our scientists to find out more about the fascinating world of plants, break new ground and inspire generations of young people to get to know plants better.

Our scientific programmes are focused on understanding plants and conserving the world's plant life and habitats at risk. Plants are essential to life on earth. In a world where the sustainability of the planet’s rich biodiversity is becoming less certain, Kew’s science work is ever more critical. Find out how your donation can make a difference.