Copper and cobalt uptake by Haumaniastrum species

Abstract

Herbarium specimens of the genus Haumaniastrum (mainly from Shaba Province Zaïre) were analysed for copper and cobalt. H. homblei showed elevated copper levels and indicated its tolerance to mineralized ground. H. robertii (previously-known as a "copper flower") showed the expected high copper concentrations, but contained abnormally high concentrations of cobalt (av. 4304 μg/g dry weight) far exceeding those of copper. This species has the highest cobalt content of any phanerogam and its distribution may be controlled by cobalt rather than by copper. re]19761220 © 1977 Martinus Nijhoff Publishers.