Mystropetalon thomii

Observed by Sandy Steenhuisen on 9th May 2012

Dear All

Dr Nina Hobbhahn (UKZN) and myself (UCT) are embarking on a project with the support of Cape Nature investigating the pollination and reproductive ecology of the holoparasitic plant Mystropetallon thomii

or Kaapsewolwekos, Red Capecob (family Balanophoraceae)
(synonyms/confused with Mystropetalon sollyii, Mystropetalon polemannii).

The inflorescences should start to emerge from the soil after the first autumn rains around mid-April. We would be greatly appreciative of any help locating populations of this fast-flowering species as they are highly scattered and hard to find being hidden under (usually) Proteaceae or Restionaceae stands.

Any and all information about these cryptic plants is welcome. We can be contacted by email or cell phone as detailed below:

sandysteenhuisen at gmail dot com,
Cell: 072 124 5538

n dot hobbhahn at gmail dot com,
Cell: 078 406 9218

or just put them here on iSpot and we will find them ...

Other observations of Kaapsewolwekos or Red Capecob (Mystropetalon thomii)