PLANTAE / PHANEROGAMAE / ANTHOPHYTA / LAMIALES / LAMIACEAE / LAMIOIDEAE / STACHYDEAE / STACHYS / FLEXUOSA

Stachys flexuosa Skan
LC Indigenous Endemic
Morphological description

Perennial herb, branching at the base; stems slender, decumbent to ascending, sparingly branched, 0.15-0.25 m long, fairly densely hispid to villous-pilose with long spreading hairs and some short glandular hairs. Leaves petiolate; blade ovate, 10-20 x 6-15 mm, somewhat appressed villous with some bulbous-based hairs above, hispid mainly on the nerves beneath, apex obtuse to rounded, base truncate to subcordate, margin crenate; petiole 3-8 mm long. Inflorescence fairly dense, of few to several 2-6-flowered verticils; rhachis densely hispid with some glands; bracts leaf-like below, becoming smaller and subequal to the calyx above. Calyx hispid and with some glands, 7-8 mm long. Corolla purple; tube 6 mm long; upper lip erect, 4 mm long; lower lip deflexed, 8 mm long. From: Codd, LEW. 1985. Lamiaceae: 13. Stachys. In: OA Leistner (ed.). Fl. S. Africa 28(4): 51-78. Botanical Research Institute, Department of Agriculture and Water Supply, Pretoria. [http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/209555#page/9/mode/1up] [CC BY]

Perennial herb, 0.15-0.25 m high, branching at base; stems slender, decumbent to ascending, sparingly branched; fairly densely hispid to villous-pilose with long, spreading hairs and some short, glandular hairs. Leaves petiolate, ovate, 10-20 x 6-15 mm, base truncate to subcordate, apex obtuse to rounded, margins crenate; somewhat appressed-villous with some bulbous-based hairs above, hispid mainly on nerves beneath. Inflorescence fairly dense, of few to several 2(-6)-flowered verticillasters; rachis densely hispid interspersed by some glands. Flowers purple. Calyx hispid and interspersed by some glands. Corolla: tube 6 mm long; upper lip erect; lower lip deflexed. Flowering time Nov.-Apr. From: Bredenkamp, CL; Ngoepe, N. 2019. Lamiaceae. In: CL Bredenkamp (ed.), A Flora of the Eastern Cape Province. Strelitzia 41(2): 1125-1164. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. [CC BY]

Diagnostic description

The small ovate leaves with a rather wide sinus at the base are reminiscent of the S. aethiopica complex, but the relationship appears to be nearer to S. obtusifolia and S. tysonii, from which it differs mainly in the smaller leaves, less densely villous stems and leaves, and in having few gland-dots on the leaves in contrast to the markedly glandular pubescence of S. tysonii. From: Codd, LEW. 1985. Lamiaceae: 13. Stachys. In: OA Leistner (ed.). Fl. S. Africa 28(4): 51-78. Botanical Research Institute, Department of Agriculture and Water Supply, Pretoria. [http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/209555#page/9/mode/1up] [CC BY]

Habitat

Among rocks in mountain grassland. From: Codd, LEW. 1985. Lamiaceae: 13. Stachys. In: OA Leistner (ed.). Fl. S. Africa 28(4): 51-78. Botanical Research Institute, Department of Agriculture and Water Supply, Pretoria. [http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/209555#page/9/mode/1up] [CC BY]

Among rocks in mountain grassland, alt. 1400-2300 m; Indian Ocean Coastal Belt, Drakensberg Grassland. From: Bredenkamp, CL; Ngoepe, N. 2019. Lamiaceae. In: CL Bredenkamp (ed.), A Flora of the Eastern Cape Province. Strelitzia 41(2): 1125-1164. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. [CC BY]

Distribution

Known from a few localities, in the Transkei, Eastern Cape Province, and Natal Drakensberg. From: Codd, LEW. 1985. Lamiaceae: 13. Stachys. In: OA Leistner (ed.). Fl. S. Africa 28(4): 51-78. Botanical Research Institute, Department of Agriculture and Water Supply, Pretoria. [http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/209555#page/9/mode/1up] [CC BY]

Altitude

1400 to 2300 m

Occurrence records map

This map contains point-based occurrences at different locations

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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

https://seis-sanbi.azureedge.net/anura/default/asset.do?preview=254388

Names and Sources

Accepted name
Stachys flexuosa Skan
Synonym(s)

Classification

KINGDOM Plantae

SUBKINGDOM Phanerogamae

PHYLUM Anthophyta

ORDER Lamiales

FAMILY Lamiaceae

SUBFAMILY Lamioideae

TRIBE Stachydeae

GENUS Stachys

SPECIES flexuosa

16 results for Stachys flexuosa Skan

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Specimen records

Barcode: PRE0545992-0 Collector(s) & number: Gibbs Russell, GE, 3517 | 1977-2-16

South Africa, Eastern Cape, SEYMOUR; AMATOLA MTS.; GAIKAS KOP IN CLEARED AREA BESIDE FORESTRY FENCE HALFWAY UP MT. SIDE

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NH0144238-0 Collector(s) & number: Styles, DGA, 4725 | 2014-1-8

South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, Near Underberg.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0636847-0 Collector(s) & number: Hilliard, OM, 15836 | 1982-12-3

South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, UNDERBERG DIST.; UPPER TRIBUTARIES S OF MKOMAZI RIVER (FEEDERS OF KA-NTUBU)

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0681874-0 Collector(s) & number: Phillipson, PB, 1100 | 1985-4-4

South Africa, Eastern Cape, AMATOLE MOUNTAINS.; KLIPPLAAT RIVER AREA; ON ROAD TO CATHCART. NEAR BRIDGE. ABOVE ROAD.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0690381-0 Collector(s) & number: Phillipson, PB, 11 | 1985-12-13

South Africa, Eastern Cape, SEYMOUR DIST.; GAIKA'S KOP.; SW FACING SLOPE AND SUMMIT. LOWER SLOPE

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0238388-0 Collector(s) & number: Galpin, EE, 8379 | 1911-12-25

South Africa, Eastern Cape, QUEENSTOWN DIV.; KATBERG; BOUNDARY OF HIGH MEADOWS FARM AND HOPEWELL FARM ON MT. TOP

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NH0116737-0 Collector(s) & number: Abbott, ATD, 5302 | 1990-5-6

South Africa, Eastern Cape, Mt. Ayliff. Ntabamnyama.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0236628-0 Collector(s) & number: Hill, A, PRE 45404 | 1955-12-29

South Africa, Eastern Cape, HOGSBACK DIST.; TOT DUN; UPPER SLOPES

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0238387-0 Collector(s) & number: Galpin, EE, 2393 | 1898-4-9

South Africa, Eastern Cape, OLD KATBERG PASS; SUMMIT

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0690677-0 Collector(s) & number: Hilliard, OM, 18870 | 1985-12-15

South Africa, Eastern Cape, AMATOLE MTS.; ELANDSBERG; ABOVE FARM COOLIN

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0636453-0 Collector(s) & number: Hilliard, OM, 15200 | --

South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, UNDERBERG DISTR.; MAHLANGUBO RIVER; HEADWATERS

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0238390-0 Collector(s) & number: Swinny, A, TRV 14143 | 1909-9-

South Africa, Eastern Cape, PONDOLAND WEST; PORT ST. JOHNS DIST.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0690769-0 Collector(s) & number: Phillipson, PB, 963 | 1984-11-18

South Africa, Eastern Cape, AMATOLE MOUNTAINS.; HOGSBACK; HILL S OF BOTTOM OF HOGSBACK PASS. E FACING SLOPE

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0667650-0 Collector(s) & number: Hilliard, OM, 17937 | 1984-12-13

South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, UNDERBERG DIST.; SANI PASS.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0238389-0 Collector(s) & number: Rattray, GW, 403 | 1920--

South Africa, Eastern Cape, VICTORIA EAST DIV.; HOGSBACK

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0681937-0 Collector(s) & number: Phillipson, PB, 161 | 1985-12-15

South Africa, Eastern Cape, SEYMOUR DIST.; ELANDSBERG.; SE FACING SLOPE AT E END OF MOUNTAIN. LOWER SLOPE.

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

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2019

SERIES CHAPTER

Lamiaceae Bredenkamp, CL; Ngoepe, N

In: CL Bredenkamp (ed.), A Flora of the Eastern Cape Province. Strelitzia 41(2)1125-1164

South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria

1985

FLORA CHAPTER

Lamiaceae: 13. Stachys Codd, LEW

In: OA Leistner (ed.). Flora of Southern Africa 28(4)51-78

Botanical Research Institute, Department of Agriculture and Water Supply, Pretoria

No results found for Stachys flexuosa Skan

Status

Global

Status and criteria

LC

Assessment date

2016-12-04

Assessor(s)

Plantae Coordinator

Distribution

Range

Both <em>G</em>. <em>macrorhynchus</em> (Short-finned) and <em>G</em>. <em>melas</em> (Long-finned) are widely distributed. However, their ranges show little geographic overlap. The Short-finned Pilot Whale occurs in the warm tropics and subtropics, predominantly in deep offshore waters of the North Atlantic, the Pacific and the Indian oceans (Reilly &amp; Shane 1986; Olson &amp; Reilly 2002); whereas the Long-finned Pilot Whale is generally restricted to temperate and subpolar regions (Olson &amp; Reilly 2002). Southern hemisphere Long-finned Pilot Whales have a circumpolar distribution from warm temperate regions southwards to approximately 70°S (Skinner &amp; Chimimba 2005).<br/><br/>Within the assessment region, van Bree et al. (1978) indicated that Short-finned Pilot Whales are generally restricted to the east coast of South Africa, while Long-finned Pilot Whales are primarily confined to the west coast. Short-finned Pilot Whales presumably range from the east coast of South Africa, southwards to Cape St Francis, Eastern Cape (van Bree 1971), although strandings at Sedgefield, and a skull found near Mossel Bay suggest a slight extension to this westerly limit (Skinner &amp; Chimimba 2005). This species typically occurs in waters deeper than 1,000 m, beyond the edge of the continental shelf.<br/><br/>Long-finned Pilot Whales off South Africa, range along the west coast from Namibia and Saldanha Bay to East London, in the colder waters of the Benguela Current, probably overlapping partially with the Short-finned Pilot Whales in the region of Mossel Bay and East London (Skinner &amp; Chimimba 2005). Long-finned Pilot Whales also occur around the Prince Edward Islands

Habitat and ecology

Major system

Marine

Major habitats

Occurring predominantly in deep, tropical and cool temperate waters, Short-finned Pilot Whales occur at highest densities over the edge of the continental shelf or continental slope. Southern hemisphere populations of Long-finned Pilot Whales are circumpolar, occurring from warm temperate regions southwards to 70°S, and are present within the Benguela System, Humboldt Current and Falkland Current (Skinner &amp; Chimimba 2005). This species tends to follow its prey (squid and mackerel) inshore and into continental shelf waters during the summer and autumn (Reeves 2003).<br/><br/>Cephalopods constitute a large proportion of the diet of Globicephala spp., and although fish are also consumed, they are predominantly adapted to a diet of squid. The stomach contents of four Short-finned Pilot Whales stranded at Port Elizabeth comprised of cephalopod remains (Ross 1984). Although primarily squid eaters, Long-finned Pilot Whales will also take small to medium-sized fish, such as mackerel, when available (Gannon et al. 1997). Sekiguchi et al. (1992) reported that the stomachs of Long-finned Pilot Whales from South Africa contained 23 species of cephalopods, but the squid <em>Todarodes angolensis </em>constituted the vast majority (80.8%) of the diet.<br/><br/>Although found in groups averaging about 20 individuals (Bernard &amp; Reilly 1999), pilot whales are considered extremely gregarious, forming cohesive bonds, and are often reported in pods comprising of several hundred (Oremus et al. 2009). This strong social cohesion may be an influencing factor in the occurrence of mass stranding events (Perrin &amp; Geraci 2002). Pilot whales frequently occur in association with bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops spp.). Short-finned Pilot Whales are fairly slow swimmers, and large groups have been recorded stationary on the surface of the water (Mitchell 1975). Off South Africa’s east coast, van Bree et al. (1978) reported groups of pilot whales ranging from 2–25 individuals, which presumably represented <em>G</em>. <em>macrorhynchus</em>.<br/><br/>Although little is known about the reproductive biology of these species locally, in the northern hemisphere, breeding of G. macrorhynchus is seasonal, with births occurring in late summer (July/August) following a gestation period of 14.9 months (Skinner &amp; Chimimba 2005). In comparison, the gestation period of G. melas is slightly longer, documented at 15.5–16 months (Skinner &amp; Chimimba 2005). G. melas seems to mature at a younger age and have a shorter lifespan than <em>G</em>.<em> macrorhynchus</em>, with females reaching maturity at a body length of 3.63 m (6–7 years old) and males reaching sexual maturity at 4.6 m (12 years old; Kasuya et al. 1988). However, female and male <em>G</em>. <em>macrorhynchus</em> mature at an average length of 3.16 m (9 years old) and 4.14 m (16 years), respectively (Skinner &amp; Chimimba 2005).<br/><br/><strong>Ecosystem and cultural services: </strong>Marine mammals integrate and reflect ecological variation across large spatial and long temporal scales, and therefore they are prime sentinels of marine ecosystem change (Moore 2008).

Threats

Due to their deep-water distribution, pilot whales within South African waters are not expected to experience any major threats that may severely impact their population status in the assessment region. However, additional research into the population status, taxonomy and seasonal movements of these species is needed, following which a reassessment of their conservation status may be necessary. A number of minor threats have been recognised:
  1. Bycatch, particularly in long-line squid fisheries, is a minor threat to Short- and Long-finned Pilot Whales. There is also a potential emerging threat posed by a southern shift in the distribution of effort by the tuna purse-seine fisheries. It is also possible that there is direct competition between the Long-finned Pilot Whale and the squid fishery, which has been documented in other parts of its range (Taylor et al. 2008a). Although, there is no local information available, commercial squid fisheries are widespread in the western North Atlantic, and the target species for these fisheries are squids commonly eaten by pilot whales, raising the possibility of prey depletion. Bernard and Reilly (1999) suggest that bycatch of pilot whales is likely to be considerably more common than is currently reported.
  2. Similar to beaked whales, both species of pilot whales are thought to be vulnerable to anthropogenic noise pollution, specifically those produced by seismic exploration and navy sonar (Cox et al. 2006). Although, the cause of pilot whale mass stranding events remains controversial in many regions, Short-finned Pilot Whales are thought to be frequently impacted by high levels of anthropogenic marine noise (Hohn et al. 2006). As the intensity of marine noise pollution is thought to be increasing within South African waters (Koper & Plön 2012), this potentially represents an emerging threat. Similar to other deep-diving species, marine plastic pollution may also represent an emerging threat, as it has been known to cause fatalities in sperm whales.
  3. Although the impacts of climate change to pilot whales are largely unknown, it is likely that changes in water temperature and CO2 concentration will have cascading effects on pilot whale movements and feeding ecology. Learmonth et al. (2006) reported that in the Faroe Islands, where Long-finned Pilot Whales have been historically hunted, catch rates were positively correlated with occurrence of a popular prey species, Todarodes sagittatus. This pelagic squid is thought to be either directly influenced by water temperature and CO2 concentration, or possibly indirectly influenced by productivity (Bjørge 2002). Additionally, environmental variation as a result of the 1982–1983 El Niño is likely to have indirectly caused the absence of Short-finned Pilot Whales, and their associated prey-species Loligo opalescens, in some regions.
  4. Although pilot whales are hunted in some parts of their range (for example, Long-finned Pilot Whales are caught in “drive-kill fisheries” off Japan, Taylor et al. 2008a), these species are not hunted within the assessment region, and the small-scale exploitation in the southern hemisphere is considered to be irregular (Skinner & Chimimba 2005).

Population

Population trend

No global estimates of abundance exist for these species; however, several regional population estimates indicate that in certain regions these species are relatively abundant. For example, Buckland et al. (1993) reported that there are approximately 778,000 Long-finned Pilot Whales in the Northeast Atlantic. Similarly, Wade and Gerrodette (1993) estimated 160,200 Short-finned Pilot Whales in the eastern tropical Pacific, while more recently, Gerrodette and Forcada (2002) estimated 589,000 individuals in the same region. Indeed, Short-finned Pilot Whales have increased significantly in the eastern tropical Pacific from 1986–1990 to 1998–2000 (Gerrodette &amp; Forcada 2002). In summer, south of the Antarctic Convergence, Waring et al. (2006) estimated approximately 200,000 Long-finned Pilot Whales, however this is expected to include some misidentified Short-finned Pilot Whales. No population estimates are available for the assessment region. Model-based estimates of generation time are 23.5 years and 24.0 years for the Short-finned and Long-finned Pilot Whales, respectively (Taylor et al. 2007).

Bibliography

JOURNAL ARTICLE
Pinhey, E. 1975. A collection of Odonata from Angola. Arnoldia. 23:1–16

JOURNAL ARTICLE
Pinhey, E. 1976. Dragonflies (Odonata) of Botswana, with ecological notes. Occasional papers of the national Museums and Monuments of Rhodesia, Series B. 5:524-601

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