The most charismatic and perhaps most spectacular of the recent ‘explosive’ radiations in the GCFR is that of subfamily Ruschioideae of Aizoaceae (ice plant family). The current consensus is that high diversity in the GCFR is due to a combination of the gradual accumulation of species from old plant lineages ( Linder, 2008 Verboom et al., 2009 Valente et al., 2010a, 2011), and of recent and rapid radiations that are thought to have been triggered by the establishment of a summer-dry climate in the south-western tip of southern Africa in the Miocene ( Richardson et al., 2001 Linder, 2003 Verboom et al., 2003 Klak, Reeves & Hedderson, 2004). Considerable research has been conducted with the aim of disentangling the major forces that have driven diversification in the region ( Linder, 2003 Verboom et al., 2009 Schnitzler et al., 2011). The Greater Cape Floristic Region (GCFR) of southern Africa is the most biodiverse temperate region of the globe in terms of plant species (Born, Linder & Desmet, 2007 Kreft & Jetz, 2007). We also statistically examine environmental and morphological correlates of richness in ice plants and find that diversity is strongly linked with precipitation, temperature, topographic complexity and the evolution of highly succulent leaves and wide-band tracheids. Our estimates of the age of the clade are even younger than initially thought (stem age 1.13–6.49 Mya), supporting the hypothesis that the radiation post-dates the establishment of an arid environment in the GCFR and firmly placing the radiation among the fastest in angiosperms (diversification rate of 4.4 species per million years). Here, we reassess the tempo of radiation of ice plants by using the most complete generic-level phylogenetic tree for Aizoaceae to date, a revised calibration age and a new dating method. However, a more recent analysis found an older age for the Ruschioideae lineage (17 Mya), suggesting that the group may in fact have originated much before the aridification of the region 10–15 Mya. A previous phylogenetic study of Aizoaceae subfamily Ruschioideae dated the radiation of this clade of > 1500 species in the GCFR to 3.8–8.7 Mya, establishing it as a flagship example of a diversification event triggered by the onset of a summer-arid climate in the region. The interactive art exhibit is here from May 5 - June 5, so don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.The exceptionally high plant diversity of the Greater Cape Floristic Region (GCFR) comprises a combination of ancient lineages and young radiations. After sunset, the enormous interactive kaleidoscope’s illusory effects reach a crescendo. Each one is made of panels covered with a dichroic film that reflects the colours of the rainbow, varying with the light source and viewing angle. Visitors can walk among them to see city life in every colour of the spectrum, and turn the prisms to make the colours dance. Prismatica turns heads with the countless colourful reflections made by its giant 6 feet tall pivoting prisms. The interactive art exhibit is here for one month only, so join us and explore our kaleidoscopic art adventure. And as day turns to night, watch in awe as the art exhibit turns into a captivating light show. Discover a one-of-a-kind art installation - 25 six-foot pivoting holographic prisms, each one made of panels that reflects various rainbow-colored lights that change color depending on the angle you view them.įeel a sense of wonder and joy as you become immersed in an infinite interplay of lights and reflections.
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