Methods of establishing Osteospermum sinuatum in Little Karroo veld.

Abstract

Osteospermum sinuatum or bitou is a palatable indigenous perennial karroobush, virtually extinct as a result of overgrazing but which can be successfully re-established in the veld from seed. In an experiment where different techniques of establishing O. sinuatum were evaluated, it was clear that it could not be established successfully by sowing seed on undisturbed soil. Good stands were obtained by sowing on soil where the surface was disturbed by a cultivator and/or where competition was eliminated by removing the existing vegetation in the veld by means of a bush-cutting implement.

Keywords: bitou; botany; osteospermum sinuatum; overgrazing; re-establishment; south africa; vegetation; veld