---
title: "Watch – Plant poaching in South Africa: The million rand Miracle Bush Lily heist"
description: "It’s not just rhinos and elephants at risk: South Africa’s rare plants are under siege. On 3 July 2025, four foreign nationals were sentenced to 15 years for poaching 303 endangered Clivia mirabilis, worth up to R30 million, from Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve. Daily Maverick’s Our Burning Planet journalist Kristin Engel unpacks the rise of international plant poaching syndicates targeting the country’s botanical treasures... And why it threatens one of the most unique ecosystems on Earth."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "VIDEO"
author: "Kristin Engel"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/kristin-engel/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-08-15-watch-plant-poaching-in-south-africa-the-million-rand-miracle-bush-lily-heist/"
published: "2025-08-15T14:02:10"
updated: "2025-08-15T14:02:12"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 46
---

# Watch – Plant poaching in South Africa: The million rand Miracle Bush Lily heist

> It’s not just rhinos and elephants at risk: South Africa’s rare plants are under siege. On 3 July 2025, four foreign nationals were sentenced to 15 years for poaching 303 endangered Clivia mirabilis, worth up to R30 million, from Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve. Daily Maverick’s Our Burning Planet journalist Kristin Engel unpacks the rise of international plant poaching syndicates targeting the country’s botanical treasures... And why it threatens one of the most unique ecosystems on Earth.

By Kristin Engel · Published 15 August 2025, 16:02 SAST · Updated 15 August 2025, 16:02 SAST

## Key points
- In a world where climate change is the new villain, a team of intrepid reporters bravely battles the odds to unveil the fiery truths lurking beneath our planet's surface—because someone has to keep the heat on!
- A new report highlights the escalating impact of climate change on South Africa's biodiversity and ecosystems.
- Experts warn of urgent action needed to mitigate risks to wildlife and natural resources.
- The documentary features on-the-ground footage showcasing the stark realities faced by affected communities.
- Calls for increased public awareness and policy changes to address environmental challenges are emphasized.

## Content

[YouTube video: "YouTube video"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRLkwZAhXQ4)

Reporting by: Kristin Engel for Our Burning Planet
Video edited by: Rufaro Chiswo
Filmed by: Bernard Kotzé & Joel Seboa
Produced by: Emilie Gambade
Sub-edited by: Kevin Flynn

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