A Windy Day at Beacon Hill

We met at Beacon Hill and had coffee under the rather weathered roof. We had planned to walk down the firebreak towards the stream, but the wind had other ideas, so we made our way down to the forested area along the stream instead.

Heading down to the stream

As we are well into autumn, there were very few flowers. It’s that quiet in-between period when the summer flowers have all but faded and the winter flowers have yet to emerge. Among the grass, the last few Exochaenium natalense (Liphalana) still displayed their bright white, star-shaped flowers. These little plants are endemic to a very specific, narrow strip of the east coast of South Africa. Not far away, a bedraggled Exochaenium grande — the more widespread and robust relative — was also in flower. While they share a star-like appearance, this species is easily distinguished by its significantly larger, pale yellow flowers.

Exochaenium natalense

Exochaenium grande

As we merrily walked along the path, Hilary was excited to find Moraea spathulata (Grootgeeltulp), a member of the Iridaceae family. It’s a real crowd-pleaser, with bright yellow iris-like flowers and a single, long, narrow leaf that can reach up to two metres in length.

Moraea spathulata

Hilary holding up the Moraea spathulata leaf

True to its common name, Pelargonium luridum (Waving Pelargonium) waved at us above the grass. Known for its highly variable leaves — which range from almost round and slightly lobed to deeply dissected and feather-like — its colour is equally varied, from plain green to vibrant green or red with contrasting margins. Either way, it makes a striking plant. Clusters of lemon-yellow Helichrysum pannosum flowers appeared like golden islands between the grasses, their felt-like, greyish-white sessile leaves enveloping the thin stalks. The species is endangered due to the loss of over 55% of its natural habitat from urban development, farming, and invasive alien plants.

Pelargonium luridum

Green variation of Pelargonium luridum leaf

Red and green variation of Pelargonium luridum leaf

Helichrysum pannosum

Sessile leaf of Helichrysum pannosum

As we walked, eyes darting from side to side, Dorothy spotted the first Helichrysum ecklonis (Ecklon’s Everlasting). With its bright yellow disc florets surrounded by crystal-pink papery bracts and suede-like grey-green leaves, it was playing host to a busy furrow bee. Easy to identify, Ipomoea cairica (Messina Creeper) trailed through the long grass, its palmate leaves deeply divided into five to seven finger-like lobes.

Helichrysum ecklonis

Ipomoea cairica

The wind had picked up, making it hard to hold onto our hats, so we sought refuge among the boulders in the streambed. While we were deciding where to go next, I noticed a Gerrardina foliosa (Krantz-berry) with axillary clusters of white to yellowish flowers. While not a spectacular-looking shrub, it is scientifically significant as the only member of its own unique family, Gerrardinaceae. Nearby grew the woody climber Putterlickia retrospinosa (Pondo False Spike-thorn), endemic to the Pondoland sandstone region. Its stems, covered in warty lenticels and hooked, backward-pointing thorns, allow it to scramble toward the light. This climber always intrigues me — the plant that dared to be different.

Gerrardina foliosa

Backward-pointing thorns of Putterlickia retrospinosa

Warty lenticels of Putterlickia retrospinosa

 Maggie and Dorothy decided to explore the grassland while Anne, Alf, Hilary and I balanced our way across the moss-covered boulders. It was slow going, but that’s botany. The filigree foliage of Asparagus setaceus (Common Asparagus Fern) added softness to the forest. Despite its common name, it is not a true fern. It looked delicate beside a fallen Podocarpus latifolius (True Yellowwood), South Africa’s prestigious national tree. These slow-growing evergreens are deeply woven into the country’s history; ruthlessly felled in the 1800s, they are now protected.

Into the forest we went

Asparagus setaceus

Podocarpus latifolius

The generous, leathery, elliptic to ovate, opposite leaves of Memecylon bachmannianum (Pondo Rose-apple) always warrant a closer look. A defining feature of the genus is the obscure leaf venation — the side veins are often nearly invisible to the naked eye. Hyperacanthus amoenus (Doringkatjiepiering) impressed us with its sculptural beauty. Hidden among clusters of glossy emerald leaves are fierce spines. Its small, pomegranate-like fruits ripen to black, providing a sweet harvest for birds.

Memecylon bachmannianum

The underside of Memecylon bachmannianum leaf

Hyperacanthus amoenus with fruit

“Opposites, subopposite? Alternate? Toothed with a clear drip tip. Definitely a creeper. Are there threads?” Yes, no, maybe. So we decided to take a takkie for Dorothy and, in moments, she had identified it as Salacia gerrardii (Forest Lemon-rope). Uschi told us that the Ochna natalitia (Showy Redwood) growing in the forest had two types of galls. Imagine our excitement when we found one. Tarenna pavettoides subsp. pavettoides, Englerophytum natalense, Erythroxylum pictum and Indigofera natalensis were all in abundance along the stream.

 Photo of Salacia gerrardii leaf showing serrations and drip tip

Ochna natalitia with spikey galls

Ochna natalitia with both spikey and rosette-shaped galls 

Where did you put it Anne?

As we neared the end of our ramble in the streambed, I spotted the indigestible remains of an owl’s meal. Looking up, I was thrilled to see a Spotted Eagle-Owl staring down at me. I quietly called the rest of the group over. The owl continued to gaze at us calmly — until one person too many approached. Then it silently took flight.

Indigestible remains of an owl’s meal

Spotted Eagle-Owl

In the sun on the rocks we spotted Alberta magna (Magnificent-flame); the bright red flowers lay scattered on the ground beneath the large, scarlet winged fruits. Below us lay a lovely rock pool overhung by a large Syzygium cordatum (Umdoni). As we picked our way through the grass around the pool, we saw Aspalathus chortophila (Tea Bush) and Athrixia phylicoides (Bush Tea) — not a typo. The former is a wild cousin of commercial rooibos, while the latter is a popular medicinal tea. Helichrysum herbaceum (Monkey-tail Everlasting) still glowed in patches through the grass.

Scarlet winged fruits of Alberta magna

Aspalathus chortophila

Open seed pods of Aspalathus chortophila

Athrixia phylicoides

Helichrysum herbaceum

Back in the streambed we traversed the large steps cut into the Msikaba sandstone by years of flowing water. We ate lunch under two magnificent Syzygium cordatum trees, then walked up the hill on old stone steps laid by people long gone. Monopsis unidentata, a dainty perennial groundcover with small, asymmetric flowers — typically deep purple or mauve, with three petals pointing up and two pointing down — was growing in the damp soil along the trail. Photographing it in the strong wind was a challenge.

Lunch under two magnificent Syzygium cordatum trees

A content Alf

Monopsis unidentata

To the left near the top stood a large boulder we often visit. A gorgeous Ficus grew in a crack, sparking a lively debate between Uschi and Anne about its identity. Ficus ingens (Red-leaved Fig) is famous for its dramatic red leaves and rock-splitting growth habit. Rhipsalis baccifera subsp. mauritiana (Mistletoe Cactus) cascaded from the top of the rock — the only cactus species naturally found outside the Americas. Its long, slender, pendulous stems grew in every direction, displaying beautiful autumn colours. This variation is caused by exposure to high-intensity sunlight, which triggers the production of pigments (primarily anthocyanins and betalains) that act as the plant’s own sunscreen.

A lively debate between Uschi and Anne

Ficus ingens in fruit

Rhipsalis baccifera subsp. mauritiana
with colour variation caused by exposure to
high-intensity sunlight

A quick scramble up the rocks before reaching the cars revealed Ekebergia pterophylla (Rock Ash), an attractive, slow-growing evergreen tree in the mahogany family (Meliaceae). Smilax anceps (Leg-ripper) danced across the rock face, and Helichrysum populifolium filled the air with its lovely honey scent.

Back at the office, the Phoenix reclinata (Wild Date Palm) was full of large, hanging clusters of small, oval orange dates. Though edible, they have thin flesh and are mostly seed. These palms are ecologically important and therefore protected.

Ekebergia pterophylla 

Smilax anceps

Helichrysum populifolium

Phoenix reclinata

This week we end by paying tribute to those who came before us — the ones who laid the foundation for our Thursday excursions. To our mentors, who so generously and patiently share their passion and knowledge with us: thank you.

Moss in its reproductive phase

A Gentle Day of Botany at Smedmore

It was a slow, gentle day of botany — exactly what each of us needed. There was no hurrying. Even the earth seemed subdued. There was no wind; it was a cool, grey April day. The towering trees of Smedmore Forest were our silent companions. On the border between the farm and the forest, we debated the identity of a Crotalaria species — Crotalaria capensis (EaredRattle-pod). This conversation happens every time we see this plant in flower. It always makes me laugh — the idea that the plant might have magically changed since we last stood here. A recurring botanical curiosity.

A cool, grey April day

Crotalaria capensis

The dark green foliage of Hypoestes aristata (Ribbon bush) was nearly hidden beneath its spectacular display of violet flowers, absolutely loved by pollinators. Nearby, wispy, grass-like Heliophila rigidiuscula (Grassland Blues Cress) carried violet-mauve flowers atop slender, almost leafless stems.

Anne, Uschi and Hilary heading down

Hypoestes aristata

Heliophila rigidiuscula

Walking through the grass down the hill, Aspalathus gerrardii (Natal Prickly Pea) still held a few small, acid-yellow flowers nestled against its woolly grey foliage. It felt wonderfully soft to the touch. It really is an absolutely gorgeous plant. A single Nemesia denticulata (Maagpynblommetjie), with its jolly mauve flowers, spilled into the path. I was literally bowled over by this little flower — discovering, as I tried to sit back up, that my backpack might be heavier than me. Much to Dorothy’s amusement. It’s moments like these that make Thursdays special.

Aspalathus gerrardii

Nemesia denticulata

The pink flowers of Dierama igneum (Fairy Bell) dangled delicately from the ends of long, slender stalks. They appeared fragile yet were remarkably strong. These flowers are nostalgically known as “Old Man’s Fishing Rods.” The perennial herb Lotononis eriocarpa, endemic to South Africa, added its own violet pea blooms. 

Dorothy and Anne having a in depth discussion

Dierama igneum

Lotononis eriocarpa

Looking up, I saw Uschi and Anne excitedly examining a plant — Clematis brachiata (Traveller’s Joy). It earned its common name because its sweet-scented flowers once brightened dusty roadsides for weary wanderers. Beyond its beauty, it offered practical relief: travellers used its leaves to soothe blisters in their boots, brewed medicinal teas for aches and colds, and even placed the leaves under saddles to protect horses from sores on long journeys.

Clematis brachiata

A dense head of Clematis brachiata achenes.

Along the shaded forest edge, the dew lingered a little longer. Everything was coated in a soft layer of moisture. Creeping through the long grass was Crassula pellucida var. brachypetala with unusually variegated leaves, while the modest, bright yellow, button-like flowers of Schistostephium crataegifolium (Golden Flat-flower) sat beautifully against the grassland backdrop. Brushing past this plant released a pleasant aromatic, camphor-like fragrance. Amongst the tangle of grass, Dorothy discovered Anthospermum herbaceum with its tiny greenish-yellow flowers.

Crassula pellucida var. brachypetala with unusually variegated leaves

Schistostephium crataegifolium

Anthospermum herbaceum
Photo credit Dorothy

Anne and I cleared a path into the forest — and into another world. We moved tree to tree, discussing the dark, glossy green, leathery, narrow alternate leaves with finely toothed margins. This brought us to Rinorea angustifolia (Narrow-leaved Violet-bush), as the name suggests. We also spotted Ochna natalitia (Showy Redwood), easily identified by the unique rosette-shaped galls on the stem tips that look like miniature protea buds. Drypetes gerrardii var. gerrardii (Forest Ironplum) showed golden hairs on its young growth, and Bachmannia woodii (Four-finger Bush) was still flowering long after its usual season.

Hilary taking a breather

Rinorea angustifolia

Ochna natalitia with rosette-shaped gall

Golden hairs of Drypetes gerrardii var. gerrardii

Bachmannia woodii

We stopped to admire a huge Zanthoxylum davyi (Forest Knobwood or Bosperdepram). Its trunk was remarkable — a rugged pillar covered in woody, cone-shaped knobs. Uschi’s diligence paid off when the scrawny shrub we had noticed turned out to be Marijordaania filiformis (Red-flowered False Silkybark), a rare evergreen shrub or small tree in the Celastraceae family.

Zanthoxylum davyi

Marijordaania filiformis
Photo credit Uschi

As we made our way back towards the edge of the forest, we shared happy forest memories. We emerged into the grassland as it sloped down towards the Umtamvuna River. The grass was thick and long, and it took a while before we could see the top of the hill again. Aneilema aequinoctiale (Clinging Aneilema) caught our attention with its Velcro-like hairs that hook onto anything passing by. Twining through the branches of a Halleria lucida (Tree Fuchsia) was Ipomoea ficifolia (Fig-leaved Morning Glory), its soft magenta-pink funnel-shaped flowers standing out against its dark green fig-like leaves. The beautiful small pale pink flowers of Pavonia columella (Pink Swampmallow), with its characteristic central column of fused stamens, also drew us in. Dorothy and I dawdled up the hill, stopping to examine a Tephrosia species, whose identity still eludes us.

Aneilema aequinoctiale

Ipomoea ficifolia

Fig like leaves of Ipomoea ficifolia

Pavonia columella

Tephrosia species

And just like that, the day was gone. Hours had become moments and moments cherished memories.

Exoskeleton of a spider

Funnel Woodcap

Leprous Milkweed Locust