South Africa is home to some incredible indigenous plants and each region has its own unique biodiversity, the Free State University is starting an indigenous garden at the Qwaqwa Campus.
Free State, South Africa (09 July 2023) – The Qwaqwa Campus of the Free State University (FSU) located at the foot of the Maloti-Drakensberg mountains, is home to a beautifully unique mix of plant species that thrive in mountain biodiversity areas. To highlight this beauty, the university will be establishing an indigenous garden at the campus.
Between 2 000 to 3 000 plant species can be found along the Maloti-Drakensberg and Eastern Free State. The idea has been endorsed by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). All parties involved are excited to showcase the varieties the area is popular for.
“Colourful and rich displays of flowers that have centres of diversity and endemism in the region include species of the red-hot pokers (Kniphofia), several hundred species of flowering bulbs such as the Watsonia, Hesperantha and Dierama, high diversity of everlastings such as Helichrysum, a wide variety of succulents, and a fascinating array of dwarf heaths, [which] have a chance to find a new home on the campus”, said Prof Ralph Clark, Director of the Afromontane Research Unit (ARU) at the UFS.
Not only will the garden be a showcase of local beauty, but also a means for people to conduct research on local fauna and flora. It will provide educational purposes, serving as an outdoor classroom, says FSU reporter Nonsindiso Qwabe, and conserve plants that are at risk.
The buildings will also create smaller micro-climates, thus providing various growth opportunities for plants.
“Grasses are also very diverse in the region, including a large variety of high-elevation endemic tussock grasses. There is also the option of a protea garden that could incorporate some very interesting proteas typical of the region. The micro-climate variability provided by the buildings on campus provides opportunities to showcase a wide spectrum of species from different micro-habitats in the region.”
The ARU was joined by UFS Vice-Chancellor, Principal Professor Francis Petersen and a team from SANBI led by Christopher Willis, Chief Director: National Botanical Gardens. The group took a tour of the area to assess the opportunities for the indigenous garden.
They plan to start the garden by removing all invasive species in and around the campus and then demarcating the areas where the indigenous garden will go.
This type of garden is a first for South African universities. SANBI will collaborate with the university team and
“We will work with you and help you along the way. This university garden presents opportunities for long-term biodiversity research on campus and global collaborations with other university gardens.” – Christopher Willis, Chief Director: National Botanical Gardens
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