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Literature review
R. leipoldtii occurs in areas near Malmesbury (Figures 2.23 to 2.25) (MANNING &
GOLDBLATT, 2001). Here there is an increase in temperature from October to
November with a corresponding increase in rainfall and decrease in humidity. In
November the average daily temperature increases, but average total monthly rainfall
and average daily relative humidity decreases. It is therefore more likely that these
plants would set seed in October, when conditions are moist. This means that a
minimum and maximum temperature of 9.3± 0.4 and 24.2±0.4°C should be suitable
for germination.
R. minutiflora is also widespread across a large part of the southern-African winter-
rainfall zone, occurring as far east as Grahamstown (Figures 2.26 to 2.28)
(MANNING & GOLDBLATT, 2001). During October the average daily minimum and
maximum temperatures are 10.4±0.3 and 23.0±0.7°C, while the average daily
minimum and maximum temperatures are 11.7±0.3 and 23.2±0.4°C during
November. R. rosea is found throughout the Cape region and therefore any of these
environments should be suitable for its germination. This is apparent when
considering its distribution as illustrated in Figure 2.1. This species also has a long
flowering time, lasting 4 months (July to October) (MANNING & GOLDBLATT, 2001).
Estimation of conditions favourable for germination, such as those made for other
species, is therefore unsuitable for this species.
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