marsh rose

Shrub native to South Africa, which grows to 1–4 m/3–13 ft high. It is under threat, partly because its beautiful flowers are frequently picked, but also because of fungi, probably introduced by footwear or equipment, and by changes in management practice that have prevented periodic fires which are necessary for seed germination. Ironically, numbers of the shrub are now so low that uncontrolled fires could wipe out the remaining adult specimens. Although protected, they remain highly threatened. (Orothamnus zeyheri.)