Plants

Bastard Quiver Tree (Aloe pillansii) is a Critically Endangered tree aloe occurring primarily in the mountainous Richtersveld area of the Northern Cape, South Africa and southern Namibia. A decline in the population has reduced the numbers to less than 200 mature individuals. No recruitment has been recorded at any of the main sub-populations probably due to the impacts of grazing by goats and donkeys and the older plants are dying. The species is sought after by collectors and owing to past depredations was listed on CITES Appendix I. The species is the focus of a major new survey and possible reintroduction programme by members of the IUCN/SSC Southern African Plant Specialist Group.

Golden Pagoda (Mimetes chrysanthus) is a Vulnerable member of the Proteaceae family. This magnificent species was only discovered as recently as 1987. Since that time, a number of small sub-populations have been found along the mountain ranges bordering the Little Karoo, Western Cape, South Africa. The main sub-population is in a nature reserve; however, frequent wild fires and invasive alien species pose a constant threat to this species. Plants are now in cultivation and the species is rapidly becoming popular in the horticultural trade. Careful management of the wild population is required through removal of alien invasive species and the prevention of frequent wild fires.