Four idyllic days at Mkhambathi Nature Reserve

This was our third trip to Mkhambathi Nature Reserve since we were first asked to compile a plant species list for the reserve - we continue to add to the already substantial list (link) with each visit, and this trip was no exception.

On this occasion our visit coincided with that of a group of seaweed scientists from UCT, so after unpacking in our accommodation we headed off to Riverside Lodge where they were staying. Before getting there, we took a stroll up the placidly beautiful GweGwe stream and within a short time had encountered a solitary Rhizophora mucronata with its feet in the water of the estuary; close by was a Baringtonia racemosa, neither of which was on the list. There were several of the vulnerable Leucadendron pondoense alongside the stream, most in flower and it was easy to see the difference between male and female flowers.

Top end of the GweGwe River estuary

Leucadendron pondoense (male)

Leucadendron pondoense (female)

There were some pink Syncolostemon rotundifolius flowers hanging artistically over the stream and a range of different aquatic plants in a clear pool. Hiding in the grass we saw the vulnerable Brachystelma sandersonii and in between some rocks the bright fruits of Diospyros scabrida peeped out at us.
 

Syncolostemon rotundifolius

Diospyros scabrida

At Riverside Lodge we met the seaweed specialists team members under the leadership of Rob Anderson and John Bolton and discussed and confirmed the ID of several seaweeds we had collected on our previous visit. After giving them directions to the spot where we had collected earlier this year, we agreed to meet them the following afternoon at Horseshoe Falls to show them a little of the botanical riches of the area.

GweGwe estuary

GweGwe beach

Day 2
Early the next morning we set off to the office to pick up Mr. Sonwabile Jack, our guide for the next two days. Our first stop was to look at a site in community land outside the reserve, where he thought we might be able to find Leucospermum innovans. There was no sign of the Leucospermum, but we did see several other species to add to the list, including the vulnerable Aspalathus gerrardii. Then, instead of returning to the reserve through the main gate we entered via another gate to get into the wilderness area of the reserve. After a couple of "interesting" stream crossings (my rear seat passengers had their eyes closed) we spotted a robust orchid in the grass - this turned out to be Brachycorythis ovata.

A short distance further on I spotted what I thought to be Bulbine sp. nov. on a rock plate so we stopped to confirm this and it turned out to be a lucky stop. There were several of the Bulbines flowering, but we also found a small pink flowered Ipomoea in amongst the Selaginella. We think that this might be the elusive species that our mentor, Tony Abbott, spent a lot of time vainly searching for, so specimens were taken for later confirmation. Also close to these rock plates were several unknown Brachystelma plants in flower - another thing to follow up with the appropriate specialist. On another adjacent rock plate we found a number of Craterostigma sp. nov. in flower - this is a species for which we are preparing a description for publication so it was good to get additional distribution information.

Craterostigma sp. nov.

Futher on we walked towards a wetland and found a small colony of Leucadendron spissifolium subsp. natalense, some sporting flowers with a bright pink wash.

Leucodendron spissifolium subsp. natalense

After having lunch under an Umdoni tree, we headed to a bluff overlooking the Horseshoe Falls where we were buffeted by the strong wind before heading down to cross the Mkhambathi River (more closed eyes) and off to our rendezvous with the seaweed boffins. 

Pondoland CREW with Mr. Jack

Walking near Horseshoe Falls with the seaweed team

Day 3
Our first stop after picking up Mr. Jack was to head off to the site of the only surviving Raspalia trigyna to record its location in a CREW report (more closed eyes crossings). Previous attempts to re-establish this species in the reserve have failed after the plants were destroyed in a fire - the remaining specimen is protected by rocks and by being in the middle of a stream.

The last Raspalia

The Superbowl

Impatiens flanaganiae

After fossicking a little further down the stream Mr Jack took us off to the Superbowl area where we were very lucky to find the vulnerable Impatiens flanaganiae. On the way back to our house we came across a large population of the vulnerable Euphorbia flanaganii. That was enough excitement for the day and we spent the afternoon looking up several uncertain species and pressing specimens.

Day 4
Up early to catch the morning colours on the beach below the lodge.

Sunrise at Mkhambathi main lodge

We had a leisurely stroll down to the beach and a short distance along the shore where we were lucky to see dolphins in the waves close to the rocks, and a substantial flock of Swift Terns on the beach. Then back to the lodge to pack. On the return trip we stopped briefly to collect specimens of an Aristea and a Moraea. Back to civilisation after four intense but enjoyable days.

Participants: Anne S, Dorothy M, Graham G, Kate G, Uschi T.