It’s trending, bru.

Perhaps you’ve been researching the most on-point flowers to include in your white-and-silver wedding bouquet, or have a vested interest in what’s happening in the world of flower arranging.

Well, whatever the reason, you might have noticed that our darling fynbos is pretty big overseas.

Sure, a lot of species have been exported for decades now – such as the king protea and protea compacta – but one is doing especially well in Europe, Asia, Russia and other global markets, reports Biz Community.

It’s called silver brunia [below] and, because of its perfectly shaped silver-green baubles and escalating demand in the East, has been dubbed “white gold”:

The interest stems from two aspects: that fynbos in general lasts longer than other flowers, and that many of its species have unusual aesthetic appeal.

White silvery baubles included.

As numbers go, between 2016/2017 Cape Flora SA statistics indicate that about 1,7 million stems of silver brunia (Brunia laevis) were exported, placing it as the second-most harvested species in the wild in South Africa in the mixed greens category, reports Business Live:

The number of mixed greens exported in 2015/2016 was 12 million and in 2016/2017 it was 13.17 million, a 9% increase.

Massive.

Below, the king protea:

And protea compacta:

To ensure longevity of fynbos exports, Cape Flora SA launched the Sustainable Harvesting Programme in 2003 to manage harvesting. With a committed team of about 15 people, they work with farmers, harvesters, communities and government and conservation organisations:

The programme’s code of best practice for wild harvesters sets out how they should pick fynbos to conserve the plant and surrounding vegetation. The stem should be cut at a certain length and at a 45-degree angle. It is also vital to leave seed stock in the veld.

For silver brunia, it’s suggested that only 25% to 50% should be harvested each year:

“A species like silver brunia, which is wild-harvested in the Overberg region, highlights the importance of sustainably managing this industry, supporting research and monitoring to understand the effect of harvesting fynbos species and working to control the poaching of species in high demand,” says Flower Valley Conservation Trust conservation director Roger Bailey. The trust was founded in 1999 and is based on Flower Valley Farm outside Gansbaai in the Western Cape.

However, while plants like Erica irregularis [below] used to be harvested, they may not be picked now due to its endangered status on the South African National Biodiversity Institute’s Red List:

From subsistence harvesters to commercial harvesting teams, everyone in the business seems to be in on the exporting of the white gold. Who knows – maybe a gap in the market for some blooming exporting entrepreneurs? Excuse the pun.

When it comes to shipping them off around the world, Berry & Donaldson has an extensive fleet of container trucks and other delivery vehicles, and work with reputable independent carriers, agents and sub-contractors to oversee the secure transport of cargo to and from international destinations.

With all that in tow, they provide innovative solutions for complex logistics that will take away the worry of getting your shipment of white gold to its required destination.

Happy, and responsible, harvesting.

[source: businesslive&bizcommunity]