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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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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

   

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

 Verloren Valei Smaller 01

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

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.