Vexatorella alpina (Salisb. ex Knight) Rourke
VU Indigenous Endemic

Morphological description

A large, erect, spreading shrub 2-3 m in height, up to 4 m in diam. with a stout main trunk dividing near ground level into several main branches, up to 150 mm in diam. Bark smooth, grey. Flowering branches terete 3-4 mm in diam., initially covered with a fine crisped puberulous indumentum, soon glabrous. Leaves obovate to elliptic-spathulate, 30-45 mm long, 5-13 mm wide, ascending, entire, glabrous, glaucous; petioles up to 8 mm long, apex obtuse with a reddish-amber callus. Inflorescence either a terminal pedunculate panicle of up to 6 globose pedunculate capitula, the capitula opening in centripetal succession; or, more usually reduced to a single terminal pedunculate capitulum; peduncles 5-15 mm long, densely puberulous with one or two sterile linear bracts near base of main axis. Capitula 20-25 mm in diam. containing 15 to 30 flowers, lacking a surrounding involucre of sterile bracts. Receptacle ovoid to spherical 5-7 mm in diam. Floral bracts narrowly ovate to broadly lanceolate, acute, 5-6 mm long, 2-3 mm wide at anthesis enlarging up to three times these dimensions and becoming woody in the fruiting stage. Perianth straight, 12-18 mm long, the four perianth segments separating equally at anthesis; outer surface puberulous with a dense crisped indumentum; tube 7-8 mm long, quadrangular, puberulous distally, glabrous proximally; claws bowed outwards above tube prior to opening; limbs narrowly elliptic to linear, cymbiform, scarcely differentiated from claws, 2-3 mm long, outer surface sparsely villous. Style straight, 12-18 mm long, terete, dark carmine, usually glabrous but occasionally very sparsely puberulous proximally. Pollen presenter clavate, 1.5 mm long, stigmatic groove terminal. Ovary oblong-obovoid, 2 mm long, clearly differentiated from style, puberulous, unilocular, with a single pendulous ovule. Hypogynous scales linear-subulate, 1.5 mm long. Fruit an ovoid to obovoid, minutely puberulous achene, 6-8 mm long, 2.5-3 mm wide, prominently beaked apically, truncate and minutely pedicellate at base with an adaxial suture. Flowering takes place between September and December. From: Rourke, JP. 1984. Vexatorella Rourke, a new genus of the Proteaceae from southern Africa. J. S. African Bot. 50: 373-391. [CC BY]

Dense, erect, widely spreading shrub, 2-3 m tall. Leaves obovate to elliptic, 30-45 x 5-13 mm. Flowerheads usually of 2-6-stalked headlets of 15-30 flowers, perianth densely hairy, cream-coloured with dark pink apex. From: Snijman, DA. 2013. Proteaceae. In: DA Snijman (ed.), Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region 2: The Extra Cape flora. Strelitzia 30: 442-443. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. [CC BY]

Diagnostic description

Vexatorella alpina is distinguished by its usually compound inflorescences, consisting of loose terminal panicles of up to six pedunculate capitula, opening in centrifugal sequence and by its obovate to elliptic-spathu-late leaves, 30-45 mm long. This is the largest species in the genus. Mature specimens develop into dense spreading shrubs 2-3 m in height and up to 4 m in diameter, with stout main trunks up to 150 mm in diameter, often branching almost at ground leveL. Previously, V. alpina and V. amoena were regarded as subspecies (Rourke, 1972) but in view of the significant differences in their inflorescence structure and growth habit, as well as their geographical isolation and different edaphic requirements, specific rank is here considered to be the most appropriate treatment of these taxa. From: Rourke, JP. 1984. Vexatorella Rourke, a new genus of the Proteaceae from southern Africa. J. S. African Bot. 50: 373-391. [CC BY]

Habitat

Endemic to the Kamiesberg-the highest land surface in Namaqualand-where it occurs sporadically at elevations from 1200 to 1500 m between Welcome farm in the south and Leliefontein and Ezelkop at the northern extremities of its range. It is found exclusively on soils derived from Archaen granite, among large granite boulders or in open foothills often forming quite dense stands. This species is one of the larger, more prominent woody shrubs in the Kamiesberg range, even becoming locally dominant.The inflorescences are cream-coloured and the flowers emit a strong sweetish odour on opening. From: Rourke, JP. 1984. Vexatorella Rourke, a new genus of the Proteaceae from southern Africa. J. S. African Bot. 50: 373-391. [CC BY]

Upper granitic slopes. From: Snijman, DA. 2013. Proteaceae. In: DA Snijman (ed.), Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region 2: The Extra Cape flora. Strelitzia 30: 442-443. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. [CC BY]

Distribution

Vexatorella comprises four species occurring in mountainous areas of the central south western Cape and Namaqualand. From: Rourke, JP. 1984. Vexatorella Rourke, a new genus of the Proteaceae from southern Africa. J. S. African Bot. 50: 373-391. [CC BY]

Kamiesberg Mountains. From: Snijman, DA. 2013. Proteaceae. In: DA Snijman (ed.), Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region 2: The Extra Cape flora. Strelitzia 30: 442-443. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. [CC BY]

Altitude

1200 to 1500 m

Occurrence records map

This map contains point-based occurrences at different locations

iNaturalist: BODATSA: Data partners records:

Residence status

Occurrence in the Flora of Southern Africa (FSA) countries and South African provinces. Residence status indicates if a taxon is indigenous, endemic, naturalised or invasive in a specific region. This data is based on specimen records and literature

FSA

SA

BOT

NAM

ESW

LES

WC

EC

NC

FS

GA

KZN

LP

MP

NW

Absent

Indigenous

Endemic

Naturalised

Invasive

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Names and Sources

Accepted name
Vexatorella alpina (Salisb. ex Knight) Rourke

Published in: J. S. African Bot. 50(3): 379 (1984)

Synonym(s)

Leucospermum alpinum (Salisb. ex Knight) Rourke

Published in: J. S. African Bot. 33: 266 (1967)


Leucospermum cartilagineum (R.Br.) E.Phillips

Published in: Fl. Cap. (Harvey) 5(1.3): 636 (1912)


Classification

KINGDOM Plantae

SUBKINGDOM Phanerogamae

SUBFAMILY Proteoideae

SPECIES alpina

40 results for Vexatorella alpina (Salisb. ex Knight) Rourke

Specimen records

Barcode: PRE0630323-0 Collector(s) & number: Walters, CM, 188 | 1978-9-23

South Africa, Northern Cape, EZELKOP; FARM EZELFONTEIN

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NBG0127406-2 Collector(s) & number: Rourke, JP, 1800 | 1982-11-4

South Africa, Northern Cape, Kamiesberg Range on eastern slopes 3 km north of Welcome Farm.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0364040-0 Collector(s) & number: Esterhuysen, EE, 23735 | 1954-10-16

South Africa, Northern Cape, NAMAQUALAND; WELKOM; KHAMIESBERG NR. GARIES

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NBG0168576-0 Collector(s) & number: Oliver, EGH, 9805 | 1990-12-15

South Africa, Northern Cape, Khamiesberg, SE of Rooiberg S and SW slopes. Dry slopes, rocky.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NBG0201392-0 Collector(s) & number: Walters, CM, 188 | 1978-9-23

South Africa, Northern Cape, Farm Ezelfontein, Ezelkop.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NBG0150788-0 Collector(s) & number: Helme, NA, 25 | 1992-4-5

South Africa, Northern Cape, Kamiesberg. 6 km S of Leliefontein, E of Groenkloof Pass. W slopes of Peak ,1583 m.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NBG0201890-0 Collector(s) & number: Unknown, s.n. | 1935-2-20

South Africa, Northern Cape, Kamiesberge nr Garies. Leliefontein Mission Station.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NBG0201891-0 Collector(s) & number: Scheffler, AT, 263 | 1978-9-24

South Africa, Northern Cape, Ezelkop, Garies.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: SAM0019606-0 Collector(s) & number: Drege, s.n. | --

South Africa, Northern Cape, Roode Bank & Ezels Kop.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NBG0201394-0 Collector(s) & number: Raitt, LM, 342A | 1978-9-23

South Africa, Northern Cape, Kamiesberg. Ezelkop, Kommiesberg (south west shoulder).

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: SAM0068375-0 Collector(s) & number: Stokoe, TP, s.n. | 1956-1-12

South Africa, Western Cape, Ceres Div. Baviaansberg.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NBG0201393-0 Collector(s) & number: Oliver, EGH, 6112 | 1975-10-10

South Africa, Western Cape, Wupperthal. Rosendal, Valley N.E. of farmstead north of large dam.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0364041-0 Collector(s) & number: Drege, PRE 13230 | --

South Africa, Northern Cape, EZELSKOP; BERGKOP

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0511068-0 Collector(s) & number: Van Wyk, AE, 2083 | 1976-12-22

South Africa, Western Cape, HERMANUS; NABY GRUISGAT TEEN BERGHANG

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NBG0146296-0 Collector(s) & number: Stirton, CH, 11462 | 1986-11-5

South Africa, Northern Cape, Kamiesberg. 10 km from Groenkloof to Garies. Top of Studers Pass.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NBG0199348-0 Collector(s) & number: Helme, NA, 3259 | 2004-9-3

South Africa, Northern Cape, Namaqualand. Kamiesberg, ±10 km NE of Sneeukop on Rooiberg north, above Anegas Farm (Anegas 455). 30°06'32.3" S; 18°02'26.4" E.

General notes: Many dying of old age. Occasional seedlings.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0481827-0 Collector(s) & number: van der Westhuizen, JH, 216 | 1972-4-18

South Africa, Northern Cape, GARIES DIST; KAMIESBERG; KARAS 27 MI. NE. VAN GARIES OP MT. Namakwaland.

General notes: Renosterbergveld. Teen-hange 3-4 vt hoog. Vorm grys wollerige knope. Bekend as knopbos.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0635374-0 Collector(s) & number: Le Roux, A, 655 | 1981-10-12

South Africa, Northern Cape, KAMIESBERG; LELIEFONTEIN, top of Kamiesberg mountain.

General notes: Local Occurance occasional. Ref./Verw.: 2036

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0694901-0 Collector(s) & number: Evrard, CM, 9072 | 1980-10-6

South Africa, Northern Cape, NAMAQUALAND; KAMIESBERG; LELIEFONTEIN

General notes: Steppe ouverte sur sable at rocalles. Arbuste ou sommet d'une petite montagne 1.30 m de haut. trés étalé, boutons floreaux juane clair.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NBG0127406-4 Collector(s) & number: Rourke, JP, 1800 | 1982-11-4

South Africa, Northern Cape, Kamiesberg Range on eastern slopes 3 km north of Welcome Farm.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0866505-0 Collector(s) & number: Bester, SP, 12795 | 2015-10-5

South Africa, Northern Cape, Kamiesberg, 3.8 km SE of Leliefontein. Farm: Leliefontein 350, Vaal Naras section. 30°20'40.8"S 18°06'11.8"E.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NBG0198485-0 Collector(s) & number: Botha, P, (3)151 | 2003-12-22

South Africa, Northern Cape, Namaqualand/Garies. Kamiesberg. (Studers Pass, dirt road up Kamiesberg, to Karas Village, Wolfhok Farm. 30°25'491"S: 018°05603"E.0.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NBG0127406-1 Collector(s) & number: Rourke, JP, 1800 | 1982-11-4

South Africa, Northern Cape, Kamiesberg Range on eastern slopes 3 km north of Welcome Farm.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NBG0223158-0 Collector(s) & number: Rourke, JP, 2285 | 2008-11-8

South Africa, Northern Cape, Kamiesberg, Farm Damsland.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NBG0127406-3 Collector(s) & number: Rourke, JP, 1800 | 1982-11-4

South Africa, Northern Cape, Kamiesberg Range on eastern slopes 3 km north of Welcome Farm.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0716640-0 Collector(s) & number: Stirton, CH, 11462 | 1986-11-5

South Africa, Northern Cape, STUDERS PASS; 10 KM FROM GROENKLOOF TO GARIES. TOP OF PASS.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0654521-0 Collector(s) & number: Rourke, JP, 1800 | 1982-11-4

South Africa, Northern Cape, KAMIESBERG; KAMIESBERG RANGE ON EASTERN SLOPES 3KM NORTH OF WELCOME FARM

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NBG0210368-0 Collector(s) & number: Helme, NA, 4933 | 2007-9-10

South Africa, Northern Cape, ±7 km NE of Kharkams, upper south slopes of Vyemond se Berg. 30°19'29.5" S; 17°56'32.4" E.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0364042-0 Collector(s) & number: Marloth, HWR, 4865 | 1907-5-

South Africa, Northern Cape, KAMIESBERG

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0589884-0 Collector(s) & number: Rourke, JP, PRE589884 | 1996-11-5

South Africa, Western Cape, Matjiesgoedberg, above Matjieskloof on south side.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NBG0201397-0 Collector(s) & number: Le Roux, A, 655 | 1981-10-12

South Africa, Northern Cape, Leliefontein, top of Kamiesberg mountain.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0436513-0 Collector(s) & number: Taylor, HC, 12439 | 1997-10-23

South Africa, Northern Cape, Namaqualand: Kamiesberg; Upper Western slopes of Eselkop near Leliefontein. Broken granite boulders.

General notes: Local not common.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NBG0201396-0 Collector(s) & number: Le Roux, A, 752 | 1981-10-13

South Africa, Northern Cape, Eselkop mountain, halfway up E side.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NBG0201399-0 Collector(s) & number: Taylor, HC, 12439 | 1997-10-23

South Africa, Northern Cape, Namaqualand, Kamiesberg. Upper W slopes of Eselkop near Leliefontein.

General notes: Local not common.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: SAM0003391-1 Collector(s) & number: Pearson, HHW, 6330 | 1911-11-16

South Africa, Northern Cape, Upper S.W. slopes of Beacon Hill. N.W. of Leliefontein.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0364043-0 Collector(s) & number: Marloth, HWR, 8758 | --

South Africa, Northern Cape, NAMAQUALAND; KAMIESBERG; LELIEFONTEIN

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NBG0201400-0 Collector(s) & number: Desmet, PG, PGD 1762 | 1998-7-22

South Africa, Northern Cape, Namaqualand, Kamiesberg. Leliesfontein, top of Studer's Pass. 30° 24.02'; 18° 05.34' E.

General notes: Local abundance: occasional. Notes: About a 2 dozen plants were counted scattered at the site.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0456566-0 Collector(s) & number: Adamson, RS, 1466 | 1931-12-17

South Africa, Northern Cape, BETWEEN EZELKOP AND KAMIESBERG

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: SAM0003391-2 Collector(s) & number: Pearson, HHW, 6330 | 1911-11-16

South Africa, Northern Cape, Upper S.W. slopes of Beacon Hill. N.W. of Leliefontein.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NBG0200319-0 Collector(s) & number: Rourke, JP, 958 | 1967-10-22

South Africa, Western Cape, Wuppertal Dist., Katbakkies, Swartruggens Range, between Cold Bokkeveld and Ceres Karoo.

General notes: Locally frequent.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Plant occurence records per dataset

Plant occurence records per year

Occurrence records map

This map contains point-based occurrences at different locations

iNaturalist: BODATSA: Data partners records:

2013

SERIES CHAPTER

Proteaceae Snijman, DA

In: DA Snijman (ed.), Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region 2: The Extra Cape flora. Strelitzia 30: 442-443

South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria

1984

PERIODICAL/JOURNAL

Vexatorella Rourke, a new genus of the Proteaceae from southern Africa Rourke, JP

Journal of South African Botany 50: 373-391

No results found for Vexatorella alpina (Salisb. ex Knight) Rourke

Status

Status and criteria

VU

Assessor(s)

Plantae Coordinator

Part(s) of plant used Use(s) Reference

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