XVI International Botanical Congess

Sekhukhuneland is a geologically diverse region and harbours the world's largest reserves of chromium and platinum. It is botanically poorly known, with a rich phytodiversity of 1500 plant taxa. A preliminary floristic study has identified at least 50 endemics and 70 near-endemics. The families Euphorbiaceae and Liliaceae proved most prolific in endemics. A highly significant positive correlation exist between the region's focal areas of endemism and ultramafic substrates. Plants occurring on the ultramafics are being tested for accumulation of heavy metals. Phytosociological studies to determine the relationship between Sekhukhuneland vegetation and surrounding Mixed Bushveld on non-ultramafic rocks are also in progress.