The alpine flora on inselberg summits in the Maloti–Drakensberg Park, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Inselberg summits within the Maloti-Drakensberg Park, South Africa, host a unique alpine flora that contributes significantly to the biodiversity of the Drakensberg Alpine Centre (DAC). This study reveals that inselbergs support 7.9% of DAC species, including 114 endemics or near-endemics, and are notably free from human disturbance or alien plant invasion. However, their high vulnerability to climate change underscores their conservation importance as escarpment vegetation faces increasing degradation due to land use pressures. The research, conducted in 2005, compared inselberg flora with the broader DAC and Platberg, identifying distinct family rankings and growth form consistency. Key findings include potential new species, range extensions, and the dominance of families like Asteraceae, Poaceae, and Ericaceae among endemics.

Brand, R. F., Scott-Shaw, C. R., & O’Connor, T. G. (2019). The alpine flora on inselberg summits in the Maloti–Drakensberg Park, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Bothalia, 49(1). https://doi.org/10.4102/abc.v49i1.2386