PLANTAE / PHANEROGAMAE / ANTHOPHYTA / CARYOPHYLLALES / AIZOACEAE / RUSCHIOIDEAE / RUSCHIEAE / SCHLECHTERANTHUS / SCHLECHTERANTHUS / MAXIMILIANII

Schlechteranthus maximilianii Schwantes
VU Indigenous Endemic
Morphological description

Densely branched succulent perennial shrub, 5-11 cm tall, to 20 cm diameter, internodes not visible, stems very woody. Leaves gray-green, fused with the stem toward their bases for almost half of their length to form a short sheath, sheath c. 3 mm long, free parts erect to spreading, 3-6 mm long, 5-6 mm broad, trigonous to triquetrous, tip sharply mucronate, sometimes serrulate along the keel, epidermis smooth. Flowers solitary, almost sessile, 25-28 mm diameter, calyx lobes 6, shorter than petaloid staminodes, petaloid staminodes pink-rose, filamentous staminodes and filaments pallid in the lower part turning pink toward the apex, surrounding the central cone of stamens, filaments shortly papillate near bases, pollen white, filamentous staminodes and stamens overtop stigmas, stigmas 8-11, 1.5 mm long, top of ovary raised, nectaries in a ring. Fruit 5-9 mm diameter, locules 8-11, top raised and dome-shaped, with low rims, base shortly funnel-shaped, closing bodies large, white, blocking the exit of the locule almost completely, valve wings absent, rarely present, covering membranes complete, with stiff closing ledge developed below rim. Seeds pale, longer than tall, almost smooth. From: Klak, C; Bruyns, PV. 2016. Expansion of Schlechteranthus (Ruschioideae, Aizoaceae) to include Polymita, with a new species from Namaqualand, South Africa. S. African J. Bot. 103: 70-77. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2015.08.020] [Copyright held by the South African Association of Botanists (2016); http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/02546299] [CC BY]

Very similar to S. hallii but leaves 10-18 mm long and fruit mostly 10-locular. From: Klak, C. 2013. Aizoaceae: Schlechteranthus. In: DA Snijman (ed.), Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region 2: The Extra Cape flora. Strelitzia 30: 228-229. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. [CC BY]

Habitat

The species is found on stony, quartzitic slopes, receiving rain in winter. From: Klak, C; Bruyns, PV. 2016. Expansion of Schlechteranthus (Ruschioideae, Aizoaceae) to include Polymita, with a new species from Namaqualand, South Africa. S. African J. Bot. 103: 70-77. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2015.08.020] [Copyright held by the South African Association of Botanists (2016); http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/02546299] [CC BY]

On S-facing quartzitic slopes. From: Klak, C. 2013. Aizoaceae: Schlechteranthus. In: DA Snijman (ed.), Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region 2: The Extra Cape flora. Strelitzia 30: 228-229. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. [CC BY]

Distribution

South Africa, northern Namaqualand, restricted to a small area between Augrabies Mountain and Vlakmyn. From: Klak, C; Bruyns, PV. 2016. Expansion of Schlechteranthus (Ruschioideae, Aizoaceae) to include Polymita, with a new species from Namaqualand, South Africa. S. African J. Bot. 103: 70-77. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2015.08.020] [Copyright held by the South African Association of Botanists (2016); http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/02546299] [CC BY]

Augrabies. From: Klak, C. 2013. Aizoaceae: Schlechteranthus. In: DA Snijman (ed.), Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region 2: The Extra Cape flora. Strelitzia 30: 228-229. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. [CC BY]

Flowering time

June to July

Altitude

270 to 1000 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

Names and Sources

Accepted name
Schlechteranthus maximilianii Schwantes

Published in: Monatsschr. Deutsch. Kakteen-Ges. 1: 16 (1929)

Type: South Africa, Northern Cape, Springbok: Namaqualand, northeast of Port Nolloth toward Alexander Bay, M. Schlechter s.n. (HBG, holo.; BOL, iso.)

Synonym(s)

9 results for Schlechteranthus maximilianii Schwantes

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Specimen records

Barcode: NBG0147329-0 Collector(s) & number: Williamson, G, 3935 | 1988-10-15

South Africa, Northern Cape, Richtersveld, Vioolsdrif, Umdaus, also Tafelkop Pass

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NBG0802210-0 Collector(s) & number: Paterson-Jones, JC, 827 | 1996-7-16

South Africa, Northern Cape, Northern Cape, on dissected rocks on the east face of the Oograbies Hills.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NBG0127953-0 Collector(s) & number: Van Jaarsveld, EJ, 7880 | 1983-7-21

South Africa, Northern Cape, Cape, Gemsbokvlei, Vyftienmyl se berge, east slope

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0646876-0 Collector(s) & number: Van Jaarsveld, EJ, 4217 | 1979-8-13

South Africa, Northern Cape, SPRINGBOK; KARRACHABPOORT. EAST SLOPE

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NBG1459898-0 Collector(s) & number: Powell, RF, 048 | 2014-5-16

South Africa, Northern Cape, Namaqualand. Fyftienmylberg, ridge on right of track.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0754162-0 Collector(s) & number: Burgoyne, PM, 10364 | 2005-11-30

South Africa, Northern Cape, Richtersveld. ± 7,5 km SE of Lekkersing on road to Tweerivier.

General notes: Quaternary deposits. Slope: none. Height ± 30-40 cm. Low rounded clumps with glaucous leaves tinged pink. Common in spots.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NBG0802209-0 Collector(s) & number: Chinnock, RJ, 9219 | 1998-9-8

South Africa, Northern Cape, Northern Cape, 19.8 km north of the R382 on the Lekkersing road.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NBG0124852-0 Collector(s) & number: Van Jaarsveld, EJ, 4217 | 1979-8-13

South Africa, Northern Cape, Cape, Karrachebpoort

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NBG0125570-0 Collector(s) & number: Van Jaarsveld, EJ, 5475 | 1980-6-8

South Africa, Northern Cape, Cape, behind Khubus

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:

2016

PERIODICAL/JOURNAL

Expansion of Schlechteranthus (Ruschioideae, Aizoaceae) to include Polymita, with a new species from Namaqualand, South Africa Klak, C; Bruyns, PV

South African Journal of Botany 103: 70-77

2013

SERIES CHAPTER

Aizoaceae: Schlechteranthus Klak, C

In: DA Snijman (ed.), Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region 2: The Extra Cape flora. Strelitzia 30: 228-229

South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria

2001

BOOK

Illustrated handbook of succulent plants: Aizoaceae F-Z Hartmann, HEKO

No results found for Schlechteranthus maximilianii Schwantes

Status

Global

Status and criteria

VU

Assessment date

2014-12-15

Assessor(s)

Plantae Coordinator

Distribution

Range

Historically, the Blesbok ranged across the Highveld grasslands of the Free State and Gauteng provinces, extending into northwestern KwaZulu-Natal, and through parts of the Karoo in the Eastern and Northern Cape. Over 300 km separated the Blesbok from the historical range of the closely-related Bontebok (previously restricted to the Western Cape) (Skinner and Chimimba 2005). Despite large populations in the Highveld, the Blesbok was heavily exploited for meat, and by the late 19th century, Blesbok were extinct from KwaZulu-Natal and only about 2,000 individuals remained in South Africa (Skinner and Chimimba 2005).<br/><br/>More recently, Blesbok populations have recovered remarkably, especially on private land, and have been relocated across South Africa to regions both within and outside of its native range (for example, Power 2014). Although formerly present in western Lesotho, Blesbok were hunted to extinction in the country before 1900 (Lynch 1994). Swaziland is outside of the native historical range of Blesbok, however, extralimital introductions have occurred in Malolotja Nature Reserve and Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary (Monadjem 1998). Similarly, this species has been introduced to private game farms outside of its range in Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia (East 1999).

Habitat and ecology

Major system

Terrestrial

Major habitats

Grasslands are considered prime habitat for Blesbok, especially open plateau grasslands, characteristic of the South African Highveld, extending to altitudes of up to 2,000 m asl (East 1999). Blesbok have a preference for short grass, and depend largely on the availability of drinking water (David and Lloyd 2013). In Mountain Zebra National Park, they occur on grazing lawns where they help to maintain their preferred dietary short grass species. Blesbok feed nearly entirely on graminoids, and have a strong preference for burnt areas, often moving into burnt areas even before new grass growth is obvious (Skinner and Chimimba 2005). Blesbok feed selectively, often choosing contrasting grass species in burnt and unburnt habitats, and during different seasons. Blesbok showed a preference for <em>Themeda triandra</em>, <em>Eragrostis curvula</em>, <em>Chloromelas</em> spp. and <em>Setaria nigrirostris</em> within burnt habitats at Rietvlei Nature Reserve (du Plessis 1968).<br/><br/>Blesbok are diurnal, with activity peaking during the early mornings, late evenings and during cool, overcast conditions (Skinner and Chimimba 2005). They are gregarious, exhibit characteristic behaviour similar to Bontebok, whereby they will frequently stand in orientated groups with their heads directed towards the sun and their faces low to the ground (Skinner and Chimimba 2005). Similar to Bontebok, Blesbok form large bachelor herds, which peak in size during the autumn rut period, and will inhabit home ranges away from those of territorial males and their associated harem herd (consisting of up to 25 females) (Novellie 1975, Skinner and Chimimba 2005). Blesbok and Bontebok differ not only in colouration, but also in social structure, whereby Bontebok maintain the same herd structure throughout the year, while Blesbok exhibit clear seasonal variation in herd structure. Large aggregations of Blesbok form during cold, dry conditions between June and August, when herds of all ages and sexes come together. These aggregations will split up from September onwards, and male territoriality becomes apparent from November, peaking in April (Skinner and Chimimba 2005).<br/><br/>Blesbok generally mate in autumn, and young are typically born between November and January (Skinner <em>et al</em>. 1974). Territorial males herd females into their territories, occasionally circling them in an attempt to retain them, however, females will sporadically move from territory to territory (Skinner and Chimimba 2005). Young are born following the first summer rainfall events, when forage is adequate to maintain females during lactation (Marais 1988). Females have been recorded as sexually mature by about 2.5 years old (du Plessis 1968), and experience a gestation period of approximately 240 days (Skinner <em>et al</em>. 1974). Usually Blesbok give birth to a single calf, weighing 6-7 kg (Skinner and Chimimba 2005).<br/><br/>Ecosystem and cultural services: Blesbok are a flagship, endemic species for South Africa’s Highveld grasslands, and are a valuable component of South Africa’s commercial hunting industry.

Threats

Although hybridisation is currently a priority in the rarer subspecies, Bontebok, and is likely to affect Bontebok more than it does Blesbok, the proportion of hybridisation in the Blesbok population is currently unknown and further research is required to identify hybrid Blesbok.

Breeding of colour variants that may be associated with deleterious mutations may, if released in large numbers, reduce effective population size and can affect wild populations if carriers are released into formally protected areas. Additionally, selective breeding may result in reduced heterozygosity, inbreeding and bottlenecks. Inbreeding contributes to the decline and eventual extinction of small and isolated subpopulations. There is also ample evidence of fitness reduction due to inbreeding (inbreeding depression) and a decrease in reproductive performance (Amos and Balmford 2001). Populations that have passed through a severe bottleneck can show a markedly reduced ability to respond to change, particularly in the face of novel challenges.

Population

Population trend

Subpopulations are thriving in the various provinces where the species occurs and the total population is estimated to be at least 77,751 animals (2010–2016 counts) on both formally protected areas and wildlife ranches across the country (678 reserves or ranches). This would equate to 54,426 mature individuals using a 70% mature population structure. On formally protected areas alone, there were at least 17,235 animals counted between 2013 and 2016 (EWT unpubl. data). Thus, there are well over 10,000 mature individuals in the assessment region with no expectations of major declines in the near future. However, subpopulations have declined sharply in areas outside of their distributional range (Mkhambithi, Nduli and Luchaba Nature Reserves) due to the removal of extra-limital species from these reserves. The total population estimate is lower than what East (1999) estimated: 235,000–240,000 animals, of which 97% were thought to be on private farms and 3% in protected areas (East 1999). While the latter is likely an overestimate, the true population size probably falls between the two estimates. There are certainly greater numbers on private land than formally protected areas. For example, in North West Province, there were an estimated 1,483 Blesbok in provincial parks, while around 9,874 occurred on private farms in 2010 (Power 2014). However, more field surveys are needed to determine which private subpopulations can be considered wild and free-roaming.<br/><br/>Generation length has been calculated as 8.4 years, yielding a three-generation window of 25 years (1990–2015). Over three generations, the population is estimated to have increased. For example: in Camdeboo National Park (Eastern Cape) the subpopulation increased from 67 in 1990 to 189 in 2015 (Gaylard unpubl. data); in Golden Gate Highlands National Park (Free State) the subpopulation increased from 451 in 1994 to 8,785 in 2016 (including the incorporation of QwaQwa National Park) (Bissett et al. 2016); and in Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve (North West) the subpopulation increased from 91 in 1999 to 919 in 2015 (Nel 2015). Other subpopulations on formally protected areas are mostly increasing or stable. For example, Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve in Gauteng has sustained a subpopulation of around 500 since 2004 (521 and 466 individuals in 2004 and 2014 respectively) and over the past recent decade, subpopulations of Blesbok in provincial nature reserves in the Eastern Cape have been increasing (D. Pe

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