Pondoland C.R.E.W. Blog

Smedmore CREW Field Notes

Smedmore was selected for this week’s excursion, a timely choice as Uschi’s son Harold was visiting and able to experience this distinctive forest for the first time. Smedmore is often remembered for its aggressive ants, which usually make slow observation difficult when out in the field. On this overcast day, however, ant activity was low and conditions were ideal for botanising.

We began in the grassland, an area that rewards closer attention. One of the first plants noted was Desmodium setigerum (Grona setigera), this is a trailing legume and it changes its flower colour after being pollinated. The flowers are mostly visited by different bee species for pollination to take place. The grassland supported a notable diversity of Indigofera, a genus well represented in Pondoland and often indicative of healthy, undisturbed habitat. Species recorded included Indigofera cf. pondoensis, Indigofera herrstreyi subsp. herrstreyi, Indigofera herrstreyi var. helodes and Indigastrum fastigiatum. Also present were Crotalaria globifera, and Polygala macowaniana, a small but distinctive grassland species.

Additional grassland records included Calpurnia aurea subsp. compressa, more often associated with forest margins, Thunbergia atriplicifolia scrambling among surrounding vegetation, and Tritonia gladiolurus, whose flowers add colour to late-summer grasslands. Eucomis autumnalis was recorded in flower; this species is widely known for its medicinal value. The orchid Habenaria dives was also present, contributing to the day’s orchid interest. Syzygium cordatum was noted in the vicinity, while Pachycarpus was found in seed, indicating earlier flowering.

Tracy and Gail spent time in the grassland before moving into the Smedmore forest to rejoin the group. Entering the forest brought an immediate sense of calm. Movement through the forest was slow due to large rock outcrops and uneven terrain, and fallen calyces on the forest floor hinted at flowering canopy species beyond reach. The shaded understorey supported Isoglossa cooperi, often forming dense patches, along with Pavetta bowkerii and Bachmannia woodii. The climber Pilogyne scabra (Zehneria scabra) and Thunbergia purpurata was noted threading through the vegetation, while Streptocarpus formosus occupied moist, sheltered rock faces. Ochna natalitia stopped us in our tracks as we examined the two distinct galls it produces, a useful clue to its identification. Turning over a leaf of the vulnerable Cryptocarya myrtifolia was a breathtaking moment; its unusual metallic sheen makes it unlike any other tree.

Before departing, the opposite side of the grassland was surveyed. Here, Pachycarpus asperifolius was found in flower, drawing much interest, as well as a broad stand of Watsonia densiflora in full display. As light rain began to fall, we returned toward the vehicles. A final stop at the forest edge yielded further records, including Dais cotinifolia, Vangueria infausta in fruit, and Riocreuxia species both flowering and already setting seed.

The excursion provided a rewarding mix of grassland and forest species and highlighted once again the botanical richness of the Smedmore area when conditions allow for careful observation.