ISHS Acta Horticulturae 545: V International Protea Research Symposium
PROTEAS AND RURAL FARMING SYSTEMS IN SOUTH AFRICA |
| Authors: | M. Brinkhuis, A. Robyn, J.H. Coetzee |
| Keywords: | Proteaceae, cultivation, training, rural communities |
| Abstract:
The origin of Proteaceae (Protea cut flowers) and the utilization thereof is in South Africa in the Western Cape. In the past 100 years, the industry started by harvesting flowers in the wild. With increased awareness of the proteas, research was initiated and orchards established, mainly by commercial farmers. Conservation issues have recently become important as a result of depletion of genetic material by over-utilization. However rural communities still rely on wild collection. To assist rural communities, technology transfer is supplied and training courses are given. Communities include the now established Genadendal where flowers of established orchards have been harvested, and, Karwyderskraal, Sandfontein and Elim where seedlings have been established. The economic ways to grow plants include techniques of broadcast sowing, using seedlings or the use of rooted cuttings. Numerous problems exist, such as alien plant invasion, runaway fires and financial constraints. An overview of problems encountered and successes obtained, is presented. | |
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