Rare Cape Fynbos rediscovered after 40 years!

What a lovely surprise for local botanists, who have discovered the Erica cunoniensis - a fynbos species last seen almost four decades ago - thriving in the Kogelberg Nature Reserve.

Once feared extinct, just eight plants were found clinging to life on the Buffelstalberg slopes, thanks to the persistence of CapeNature conservationists and citizen scientists.  

The rare find, first sighted by CapeNature’s Sylvia Wolita, has reignited hope for the survival of the Cape Floristic Region’s unique flora.

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“It’s a reminder that nature is both fragile and resilient,” said Wolita. “Discoveries like this show why conservation work is so vital.”  

Home to around 1,800 plant species, the Kogelberg Nature Reserve is often called the heart of the Cape Floristic Region —- and for good reason. Around 150 of its species grow nowhere else on Earth. The rediscovery of Erica cunoniensis highlights just how extraordinary this landscape is. 

The Cape Floristic Region, which lies almost entirely within the Western Cape, is one of the most biologically diverse areas on the planet, boasting over 13,000 recorded plant species — more than half of which are found only in this province.

After an unsuccessful search in 2012, a team from CapeNature and the Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wildflowers (CREW) struck gold this September when they spotted eight surviving plants on the Buffelstalberg slopes, once home to around 200 individuals. 

Did you know? The Mountain Pride' butterfly (Aeropetes tulbaghia ) pollinates 15 red Cape flowers and ignores flowers of any other colour.  Discover more in Hidden Natural Treasures: Cape Town’s Secret Species.