About Daubenya zeyheri (Kunth) J.C.Manning & A.M.van der Merwe
Daubenya zeyheri (Kunth) J.C.Manning & A.M.van der Merwe is a bulbous species that is one of eight species in the genus Daubenya. All species in this genus are endemic to the winter rainfall Strandveld of South Africa, and most grow on doleritic clays along the West Coast of Western Cape. This species is closely related to Daubenya marginata (Willd. ex Kunth) J.C.Manning & A.M.van der Merwe.
To attract pollinating sunbirds, pools of nectar form in Daubenya zeyheri’s tubular flowers. It grows in coastal habitat between boulders and on calcareous sands, found within a very small area of approximately 200 km2 between Paternoster and Langebaan. The total population is estimated to be no more than 6500 plants. The species is threatened by collection by plant collectors, as well as habitat loss from coastal development and limestone extraction.
Daubenya zeyheri has a sturdy pedicel that supports a corymbose inflorescence. When fruits reach maturity, the peduncle elongates rapidly as a step before seed dispersal. The fruit of this species is an inflated, three-angled papery capsule, which dehisces loculicidally in its upper portion. The capsules detach from the plant at maturity and disperse individually. The seeds are globose and black, with a smooth testa, and have a diameter between 2 and 3 mm.
