Miraculous Discovery: New Endangered Plant Species "Moraea anastasia" Unearthed in Stellenbosch

In an extraordinary revelation from the botanical world, a new plant species, Moraea anastasia, has been unveiled on the slopes of Botmaskop in the famed wine country of Stellenbosch, potentially changing the face of conservation efforts in the region. This discovery comes following the removal of a longstanding pine plantation, revealing not just the resilience of nature, but also the hidden treasures of biodiversity that lie beneath.

Moraea anastasia, named after the Greek word for resurrection, was discovered by Dr. Brian du Preez, a Smuts Fellowship post-doctoral student from the University of Cape Town. The species, belonging to the Iridaceae family, known commonly as the Iris family, emerged on the municipal land just adjacent to the Botmaskop luxury housing estate—a mere 50 meters from its border.

Rare indigenous plant discovered in Stellenbosch: Hailed as a ‘botanical miracle, the critically endangered species emerged in an area previously dominated by forestry.https://t.co/f1dvPmdd08

— Mail & Guardian (@mailandguardian) March 7, 2025

The backdrop to this discovery is as dramatic as its implications. Du Preez had been closely monitoring the area post-deforestation when he first noticed the plants in 2023, initially mistaking them for a common variant. It was only after a serendipitous meeting with fellow botanist John Manning at Kirstenbosch Botanic Gardens that the true identity of the Moraea was recognized.

This discovery is among four new species identified in South Africa, as announced in the latest issue of the SA Journal of Botany. The findings underscore the rich tapestry of South Africa's indigenous flora, often hidden under layers of commercial forestry activities.

Moraea anastasia is now red-listed as a critically endangered species, allowing it legal protection. This is crucial as the area where these plants were found is not within the formally protected zones of Botmaskop. Du Preez highlights the vulnerability of the site, noting the discovery of several threatened species in the area since the pine harvesting in the summer of 2024.

In efforts to bolster their survival, the Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden has begun cultivating seeds from the Moraea anastasia. There’s a pressing need for a broader ecological restoration strategy that includes linking these patches of newly discovered biodiversity with larger conservation networks. Du Preez is advocating for the municipal land to be safeguarded against any future commercial exploitation and integrated into the surrounding nature reserves.

The discovery of Moraea anastasia is a testament to the resilience of nature and the importance of ecological vigilance and conservation. As these plants rise ‘from the dead,’ they bring with them a message of hope and a call to action—to protect and cherish the unseen natural heritage of our world.