Honeybush (Cyclopia spp.) phenology and associated arthropod diversity in the Overberg region, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Cyclopia is endemic to regions of the Cape Floristic Region across the Eastern and Western Cape provinces of South Africa and is commonly known as honeybush. Honeybush has historically been used as an herbal tea, and has proven medicinal properties. Honeybush biomass and extracts are used in the functional foods and cosmetics sectors, both locally and overseas. The growing demand for honeybush calls for increased agricultural production and a shift away from the predominantly wild harvested supply.Objectives: The current study aimed to address the lack of baseline knowledge on honeybush phenology and its associated arthropod community to advance sustainable production of commercially valued plants in the genus.Method: The study was conducted on wild and cultivated Cyclopia species (Cyclopia maculata and Cyclopia genistoides) at respective sites in the Overberg region. Sampling took place from April 2014 to April 2015 using qualitative methods for recording seasonal honeybush phenology and suction sampling for aboveground arthropods. Focal insect taxa (Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Thysanoptera, Lepidoptera and Hymenoptera) were sorted and identified to family level and classified into functional feeding guilds.Results: Qualitative phenology observations of wild C. maculata and cultivated C. genistoides indicated a high level of congruency in seasonality of phenophase stages. Associated arthropod assemblages contained a diversity of families per functional feeding group, namely phytophagous, zoophagous and omnivorous taxa, with high seasonal variability.Conclusion: Findings highlight the complexity of ecological elements to be taken into consideration for ecologically sound honeybush cultivation. Outcomes can be applied to land management practices and governance policies promoting sustainable agroecosystems in honeybush production areas.

Gold Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Extracts of Cyclopia intermedia, Commonly Known as Honeybush, Amplify the Cytotoxic Effects of Doxorubicin

“…In the present study, we investigated if AuNPs can be synthesized using water extracts produced from the C. intermedia , which also has a high MGF content. C. intermedia , commonly known as honeybush (HB), is indigenous to the southwestern and southeastern parts of South Africa [ 21 ]. The leaves of HB are commonly used to make herbal tea, which has many health benefits.…”

Propagation and cultivation practices of honeybush (Cyclopia spp.) for the sustainable production of an export quality indigenous South African tea

“…A baseline study by Slabbert et al (2019) Note. Within a column, row, etc., means followed by a common letter do not differ at p = .05.…”

“…Peak flowering periods of both C. genistoides and C. maculata were recorded to be in October (Slabbert et al, 2019). Motsa, Slabbert, Bester, and Ngwenya (2017) studied the phenology of seed development of 15 genotypes of C. genistoides from three separate areas, and 22 genotypes of C. subternata from four different areas.…”

“…Both species displayed a peak flowering time in spring in September (southern hemisphere), but with different flowering durations. Cyclopia genistoides flowered on average for 13.2 d whilst C. subternata had an extended flowering period of 24.3 d. Results thus indicated that, in addition to species differences in the flowering time of honeybush, the origin of the species or genotypes may also have an influence on flowering time (Motsa, Slabbert, Bester, & Ngwenya 2017; Slabbert et al., 2019; Figure 4). Seed development and maturation take place in spring (Oct. and Nov., southern hemisphere) whilst seed dispersal takes place during the summer (Dec. to Feb., southern hemisphere).…”

“…Seed development and maturation take place in spring (Oct. and Nov., southern hemisphere) whilst seed dispersal takes place during the summer (Dec. to Feb., southern hemisphere). Seed is dispersed when the seed is released during pod splitting (Slabbert et al., 2019) (Figure 4).…”