Welcome to WOSA
Very little is known about indigenous orchids by the public who are largely unaware that there are just under 500 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.
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 from selected Dullstroom destinations
PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF THIS GUIDE WILL GO TO FRIENDS OF VERLOREN VALEI TO DEVELOP THE RESERVE
Official Naming of the Albertina Sisulu Orchid
The critically endangered orchid Brachycorythis conica ssp. tranvaalensis was officially named the Albertina Sisulu Orchid at the launch of the Sisulu Circle at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden on the 10th July 2018.
The prestigious event was attended by members of the Sisulu family, the Minister of Environmental Affairs Dr. Edna Molewa, The Minister of Tourism Mr. Dereck Hanekom as well as representatives of the Department of Environmental Affairs, SANBI, Mogale City Municipality and community members.
A bronze statue of the late Walter Sisulu overlooking the spectacular Sisulu Circle at the entrance of the Garden was unveiled as part of the proceedings.
Karsten Wodrich, Vice Chairman of WOSA gave a short presentation to the reasons why the name Albertina Sisulu Orchid was chosen for the critically endangered orchid before presenting a limited edition print of the magnificent orchid by renowned artist Daleen Roodt to members of the Sisulu Family Mr Max Sisulu and his wife Elinor. The framed print was jointly sponsored by the Proteadal Conservation Association and Wild Orchids Southern Africa. Currently, the only viable population of around 120 plants of the Albertina Sisulu Orchid is found a mere 2.5km from the Sisulu Circle as the Black Eagle flies. This area currently under threat of development which will also be encroaching on the hunting grounds of the majestic Black Eagles. The Record of Decision by the MEC to allow development in the area to proceed is currently being contested in a High Court application by community organisations.
In his presentation Karsten pointed out that if the developments were allowed to go ahead there was a very strong possibility for the orchid to become extinct in our lifetime. He pleaded for everyone to 'Do the right thing', to stop the proposed development and proclaim the area a reserve in order to preserve the orchid for generations to come and with that also preserve the memory of a very special person Ma Albertina Sisulu.
Both the ministers and the mayor of Mogale City noted that it was in everyone's best interest for the issue to be settled out of court and voiced their commitment to finding a way of settling the issue.
OrchidMap - Orchid distribution data with your assistance
Traditionally orchid distribution data was recorded by collecting herbarium specimens. OrchidMap takes the recording of orchid distribution data into the 20th century. Anyone can now contribute to the distribution data by simply uploading photos of any orchid found in its natural habitat - together with location data - into OrchidMap. Any contributions are welcome!
This location data can then used for a multitude of applications - from Environmental Impact Assessments through to determining correlations of flowering time with climatic conditions. The data is now accessible to anyone - from the serious researcher right through to the orchid enthusiast.
Detail location data is securely protected and maps and locations publicly accessible in OrchidMap are restricted to squares of approx. 26km x 26km.
OrchidMap is part of the Virtual Museum maintained by the Animal Demography Unit (ADU) at the University of Cape Town
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.
If the housing development goes ahead, the indigenous Albertina Sisulu Orchid (Brachycorythis conica subsp. Transvaalensis) will be lost for ever.
#AlbertinaSisuluOrchid at #Proteadal. @Proteadal
Read more: Save Mogale City’s critically endangered Albertina Sisulu Orchid!
Thank you!
for supporting friends of Verloren Valei
Verloren Valei Nature Reserve
Verloren Valei is a closed nature reserve situated on the Steenkampsberg Plateau near Dullstroom in Mpumalanga, South Africa. The two farms, Verloren Valei and Wanhoop, were bought with the help of the WWF and the Rupert Family and the 6055 ha reserve was proclaimed in 1983. In 2003 the Verloren Valei wetland system of approximately 850 ha of wetland was declared a Ramsar* site. The Ramsar site boundaries correspond with the boundaries of the reserve.
For South Africa this is a high altitude reserve with the lowest point at about 2050m above sea-level and the highest point at 2214m. The reserve falls in the summer rainfall climate region of South Africa and consists mainly of montane grassland. Montane grassland is considered as one of the most threatened biotopes in South Africa. These grasslands are rich in plant and animal species, with many of these species being endemic.
Wild Orchids Southern Africa was instrumental in the formation of Friends of Verloren Valei and continues to support the organisation in their conservation efforts.
Friends of Verloren Valei Non-Profit Organisation 162-813 NPO
WESSA Affiliation No. MB 1241427
A Biodiversity Hotspot among Trout Dams?
Friends of Verloren Valei
The Friends group was founded in 2014 under the auspices of the Wildlife and Environmental Society of South Africa (WESSA) for the conservation and promotion of the provincial Verloren Valei Nature Reserve and protection of an important Ramsar wetland site within. Over 30 connected wetlands feeding the Crocodile and Olifants river systems constitute this vital fresh water resource. Friends of Verloren Valei is active in supporting the reserve management. A number of initiatives have been launched including the publication of a field guide to the 66 orchids species and other significant flowering plants on the reserve.
There are 17 red data bird species on the reserve of which 7 are wetland species. The Friends of Verloren Valei provides practical support to a monitoring programme for Francolin bird populations on the Reserve. There are seven red data mammal species on the reserve. Sizeable herds of Blesbok and plentiful Grey Rhebok are important sources of revenue for the reserve. Members joining Friends of Verloren Valei will find much to do in support of the reserve and much to enjoy.
Friends of Verloren Valei Non-Profit Organisation 162-813 NPO
WESSA Affiliation No. MB 1241427 
Visit the Friends of Verloren Valei website for more information
Brachychorythis conica subsp. transvaalensis - Conservation Plan
A Project proposal by Wild Orchids Southern Africa
(WOSA Collaboration with the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden (WSNBG).
Introduction:
WOSA is a sub‐committee of the Witwatersrand Orchid Society concerned with the conservation of
South Africa’s naturally occurring diversity of orchid species. Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden (WSNBG) is a national conservation garden under the South African National Biodiversity Institute. These two organs have come together in collaboration to promote the sustainability and conservation of the species in question and the habitat that supports it.
Read more: Brachychorythis conica subsp. transvaalensis - Conservation Plan
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.
