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Screening for potential metal hyperaccumulator plants in Angola: a herbarium-based approach
Tom Morgenstern1, Christin Baumgärtel2,3, Thea Lautenschläger4
1Botanical Garden, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany. tom.morgenstern@uni-hamburg.de.
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
|August 1, 2026
Summary
This study screened Angolan plants using herbarium samples, identifying new metal hyperaccumulator species, particularly in the Landolphia genus. Findings highlight potential for phytoremediation and expand knowledge of African plant metal accumulation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Botany
- Biogeochemistry
Background:
- Metal hyperaccumulator plants are crucial for understanding adaptation to metal-rich soils.
- They offer potential applications in phytoremediation and phytomining.
- Angola's flora is largely unexplored for metal accumulation traits despite its unique tropical soils.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct the first broad, herbarium-based screening of Angolan plant specimens.
- To identify potential metal hyperaccumulator taxa in Angola.
- To evaluate taxonomic and spatial patterns of metal accumulation in Angolan flora.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed 234 samples from 132 species for 10 metals (Al, Mn, Ni, Cu, Fe, Co, Cr, Cd, Pb, Zn).
- Utilized microwave digestion followed by optical emission spectrometry.
- Employed herbarium specimens for a wide-ranging screening.
Main Results:
- Identified numerous aluminum hyperaccumulators, especially in the genus Landolphia (leaves up to 4.5% dry mass).
- Detected extreme manganese accumulation in Landolphia congolensis (>2% dry mass).
- Observed significant site-dependent accumulation, higher metal content in leaves than fruits/inflorescences, and identified novel hyperaccumulators.
Conclusions:
- Significantly expands the known diversity of African metal hyperaccumulators.
- Demonstrates the value of herbarium collections for environmental monitoring.
- Provides a foundation for future research on phytoremediation, plant-soil interactions, and health implications in Angola.
