Plant story
Nyika plateau, Malawi
Seed collecting on the Nyika Plateau, Malawi, 2006. (Photo: D. Dent)
The potential restoration value of banking target species from Nyika's montane grasslands is apparent from ecological data: 25 of the endemics of Malawi and 10 of the near-endemics are associated with these montane grasslands. However, there are extensive colonies of bracken (Pteridium aquilinum subsp. capense) in this vegetation type, which anecdotal and photographic evidence suggest is a recent phenomenon.
Kealeboga Kemoreile from the Maun Forestry Section, National Forestry Department, Botswana, is investigating the potential to model the historical extent and pattern of spread of bracken using satellite data in the GIS unit at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. This activity capitalises on the global partnerships fostered by the MSBP and illustrates Kew's Vision for 2015 to support and catalyse the conservation of plants through high quality science, expert information and advice, and direct conservation action on the ground.
Invasive bracken is crowding out the original plants. (Photo: D. Hicks)
The picture on the right shows the endangered Oxalis chapmanniae (lower middle), Polygala nyikense (right), and the Critically Endangered Plectranthus acaulis (left), with invasive bracken on the Nyika Plateau.
Polygala nyikense: endemic to the Nyika plateau. (Photo: D. Hicks)