Blencathra survey

A CREW Target species for October was the Near Threatened Kniphofia littoralis, a species which had previously been collected at the farm Blencathra bordering on the Umtamvuna Nature Reserve, so we made arrangements to visit the farm. The owner, who has the farm on the market, asked that we also give him a list of the species we saw in the grassland - something we collate for every field trip.

As we drove in I noticed a colony of the endemic Aspalathus dahlgrenii (ined.). As the species description has not yet been published, we do not have a Red List assessment of its status, but it is likely, because of its very localised distribution, to be one of the threatened categories. There were about 40 plants in an area of 10 square metres with signs of good recruitment of young plants, but unfortunately none of these plants were flowering.

While we did see some Kniphofia, these were all Kniphofia coddiana, another Near Threatened endemic species. On a rock outcrop there was a very colourful patch of Polystachya pubescens growing amongst the new leaves of a Ficus ingens.

Polystachya pubescens growing amongst Ficus ingens

Also nestled amongst the rocks was an early Indigofera herstreyi (ined.), another species awaiting publication. Hidden in the grass were many of the Vulnerable endemic Eriosemopsis subanisophylla, several of which were in flower.

Eriosemopsis subanisophylla

Also in the grass was a single Cycnium racemosum in flower. Some years earlier our group was alerted to a clump of pink "orchids' growing in this area but these turned out to be a spectacular clump of these same parasitic flowers, growing just inside the Blencathra fence.

Just over the rise from there was area covered in many Near Threatened Leucadendron spissifolium subsp. natalense with the male and female flowers clearly evident.

Leucadendron spissifolium subsp. natalense

Not surprisingly, with only a fenceline between this grassland and the grassland of the Umtamvuna Nature Reserve, this is a very valuable, species rich, undisturbed piece of grassland - we hope this can remain preserved.

Participants: Anne S, Chris R, Debbie K, Dorothy M, Graham G, Kate G, Lorna R, Uschi T.