Location: Chakoma vlei

Photo: Petra Ballings
View towards the woodlands.

Photo: Bart Wursten
View towards the wettest part of the vlei with Eriosema englerianum in the foreground.

Photo: Petra Ballings
Zimbabwe Flora Team a work in the grasslands.

Photo: Petra Ballings
Bart and Mark showing some of the unusual species to the owner of the property.

General Information

Description

Chakoma Vlei is probably one of the very few areas of its kind in Central Zimbabwe, still in relatively good condition. Being part of a fenced-in, private property, it has been protected from cattle and human disturbance. Many typical and often rare species, relying on this habitat, can still be found, such as Aristea angolensis (Iridaceae), Inula paniculata (Asteraceae) and Eulophia kyimbilae (Orchidaceae), a very localized species in Zimbabwe, only known from this area. Other rare orchids which have been recorded from this area are Centrostigma occultans and Eulophia milnei. Unfortunately these were not found when the Zimbabwe Flora Team visited the area in 2010. There are 2 clear and major threats to the longterm survival of this habitat. Firstly the prescence of Wild Pig, which regularly dig up large patches of the vlei in search for roots, tubers, bulbs and corms, seriously affects many of these rare species. Secondly the invasion of alien plant species, particularly Ageratina adenophora and Lantana camara, which rapidly undermines the specific and unique characteristics of this fragile eco-system.

Useful links

View a list of records for Chakoma vlei

View map showing records

View a list of recorders who have visited this location