Euphorbia marlothiana: The theory continues...

Since my last post on this topic in February 2013, I have felt strongly about testing my theory on whether we should let nature take its course or to "cover and protect" the species. 

What lead me to this theory was my observation on the growth form of the Euphorbia marlothiana.  All images of this species, whether it was in an ID guide or on google, showed the same growth form: short and the stand size widely spread in diameter.  The Cape Flats Nature Reserve has eight populations of E. marlothiana and the stands that were covered, looked very different in comparison to the normal growth form.  These stands were small in diameter but the individual “fingers” were extremely long and scraggly.  They were growing in length but not in stand size.  This observation lead to a worrying thought that if this abnormal growth continued, the population size might eventually decrease.  

                                                                            Image showing normal growth form

                                                                        Image showing abnormal growth form

Subsequently I’ve been doing some experimenting, not official research as such, but who knows where this information could lead in future as it is currently data deficient according to the Red List of South African Plants, 2009.

The experiment involved removing the covers and letting the grysbok, tortoise and whichever other animal, browse the tips to keep them short, and in turn strengthens the individual stands.  These stands were monitored over the past year and a half for any changes in growth form.  The visual results were pleasing to say the least.   The old scraggly “fingers” are still there but the new growth has been allowed to be browsed and it shows a healthier, normal looking growth form.  Measurements of the “finger” lengths have been noted and the browsing remains at a certain height, further indicating that over-browsing has not posed a problem thus far.

                                                            Image showing wire mesh covers over E. marlothiana

                                                               Image showing signs of browsing

                                                                                        Image showing new growth

I hope you have found this post interesting and for those who would like to know more, I will keep you updated on any new and interesting observations I've made regarding this species.