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Very little is known about indigenous orchids by the public who are largely unaware that there are over 450 species of which 45 are endemic (only occur in South Africa). Very little research has been carried out regarding ecology, conservation and propagation although a number of species have become extinct and habitat destruction is progressing at an alarming rate. Up until now there has been no attempt to address these issues on a National scale and Provincial legislation and cooperation is fragmented. Only through a focused National integrated effort that engages the public and all roll players will survival of orchids be assured.

Mission
Vision
Preservation
Propagation
Education
Take Note
Constitution

To conserve southern African indigenous orchids in their natural habitat.

To engender a real interest in indigenous orchids which will render them valuable and worthy of protection.

WOSA supports and partners in efforts to preserve orchid habitats and works with land managers and owners to create conservancies and reserves as well assisting with restoring indigenous orchids where populations have declined. WOSA aims to establish seed and fungi collections to support research and conservation.

To develop protocols and procedures for the propagation of indigenous orchids to assure successful establishment and maintenance in natural habitats where populations are declining or have been lost due to development.

Indigenous orchids are a natural treasure and their survival can only be assured by an effective education program to elicit the support of the public, Government, agriculture and industry. This will be achieved by informative articles in the media, social networking, exhibitions and active engagement with all roll players.

Wild orchids have highly complex reproductive systems ( often dependent on a specific pollinator ) and interesting system for nutrition ( involving a symbiotic relationship with a fungi ) that assures the species survival. This helps to explain why most orchids cannot be grown in captivity.Take a photo and conserve the orchid in situ, for future generations to enjoy it in its natural habitat.

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The WOSA Constitution incorporating amendments required by SARS for registration as a Public Benefit Organisation, reference number 930050871 dd. 2015.11.14

 

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Fourth Wild Orchids Conference

Drakensberg 25-27 January 2018

Theme - 'Enlarging the WOSA footprint'

Announcing the dates for our fourth Southern African Wild Orchid Conference.

The Conference will take place at the Goodersons Drakensberg Gardens Hotel for directions and map. 

KwaZulu Natal on 25-27 January 2019 The programme includes pre- and post-conference Field Trips and a full day's Conference Programme on Saturday covering many interesting topics.

Click the link below for more information and the Conference Registration form. 

WOSA 4 Conference Registration Form

 

 

Flowers of Verloren Valei Field Guide

Field Guide to the orchids and selected flowers of the Verloren Valei Nature Reserve

  

 

A Field guide to the wonderful floral diversity of the Verloren Valei Nature Reserve in Mpumalanga - A RAMSAR Wetland Site. Compiled by Gerrit van Ede whose intimate knowledge of Verloren Valei and its botanical treasures makes this a must have for all lovers of indigenous wild flowers.

  

  • 180 Plants, including 66 orchids comprehensively described with fine colour photographs of each
  • Pages colour coded for easy identification 
  • Order now to ensure that you secure one of these Limited Edition copies
  • Available direct from This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and also from selected Dullstroom destinations

 

  

PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF THIS GUIDE WILL GO TO FRIENDS OF VERLOREN VALEI TO DEVELOP THE RESERVE

   

The Birth of a Star

We have been searching for a popular name for one of the most beautiful indigenous orchids which is on the verge of extinction.

Plans are afoot to develop land at Proteadal, bordering the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens, Mogale City (Krugersdorp). The last known viable colony on the planet of Brachycorythis conica subspecies transvaalensis occurs in these hills. If these plans are allowed to go ahead it may put paid to the species.

A campaign is being waged by the Proteadal Conservation Association (PCA) in the HIGH COURT to review the Record of Decision (ROD) by the Gauteng MEC approving the development that is a serious threat to the colony.

In this campaign we need to find a common name that can be pronounced and will be recognized as the rallying point of the campaign.

We have selected the name Albertina Sisulu Orchid, honouring one of the shining stars in our history. This name has been endorsed by the Sisulu family and we have designed this logo from the painting of the flower and plant by botanical artist Daleen Roodt.

Brachycorythis conica ssp. Transvaalensis by Andrew Hankey
  • Brachycorythis conica ssp. Transvaalensis by Andrew Hankey

Prepared by Bill Mincher Chairmen WOSA

 

Save Mogale City’s critically endangered Albertina Sisulu Orchid!

A Mogale developer has been given approval to build high density housing on the site of a beautiful, enigmatic and critically endangered Albertina Sisulu Orchid. Mogale residents are outraged.

Brachycorythis conica ssp. Transvaalensis by Andrew Hankey
  • Brachycorythis conica ssp. Transvaalensis by Andrew Hankey

If the housing development goes ahead, the indigenous Albertina Sisulu Orchid (Brachycorythis conica subsp. Transvaalensis) will be lost for ever. 

#AlbertinaSisuluOrchid at #Proteadal. @Proteadal

For more information regarding the preservation of South Africa's wild Orchids or if you would like to get involved please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or complete this short form Contact Us and we will contact you.