Orbea lutea subsp. lutea and insects

Orbea lutea used to be known as Orbeopsis lutea and also Caralluma lutea. The family of Apocynaceae and its genera have undergone much change in naming and taxonomy.

Botanical study achieves continual system improvement, but never the perfect final classification, for nature continues to evolve as a living entity. Science, its servant, follows. Nomenclature and classification must also follow in the sustained quest for greater understanding and accurate description. The layman with real interest cannot object in exasperation to all the changes, but accepts the challenge, proudly notes progress.

O. lutea subsp. lutea has yellow flowers with long pointed petals, while some other subspecies have darker flowers. A large gathering of tiny insects, including some flies are interacting with the flowers here in mutually beneficial activity. The distribution of O. lutea covers a wide region from the Northern Cape and the Free State to Limpopo (www.plantzafrica.com).