It has been some years since we were thwarted in our attempt to follow the forest path at Smedmore where a large tree had blocked the path. We were hoping time might have allowed some self clearing and that would allow us the opportunity to get past the great old Podocarpus falcatus (known as Mr. Nic) and then to visit the known sites of some of our endemic special plants.
Shortly after entering the forest we came across two long bamboo poles and a home-made bush knife - brought into this protected area for unknown nefarious purposes but presumably for reaching high up into the canopy. Fortunately, anticipating further deadfalls, we were equipped with a small saw and could cut these poles up. We found the old path to be in reasonable condition, and managed to get past the point that had halted us on the previous attempt. However, our progress was once again blocked, this time by a tangle of Acacia ataxacantha and Adenopodia spicata, both equipped with many hooked thorns. This, combined with the steamy forest heat made us decide to push no further.
We had, on the way, encountered several Excoecaria simii in flower and fruit, and spent some time under a tall Atalya natalensis studying the fallen flowers and trying to work our what the tree was.
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| Excoecaria simii fruit |
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| Excoecaria simii |
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| Atalaya natalensis |
In the dense shade in the forest we found a Pavetta bowkeri with a cluster of white flowers and a few scattered Disperis anthoceros.
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| Pavetta bowkeri |
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| Disperis anthoceros |
Once we left the forest we came across Lotononis meyeri with a few small whitish flowers set against the silvery foliage. At the edge of the cliffs we found a Cassine peragua covered in small white flowers.
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| Cassine peragua |
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| Lotononis meyeri |
A final check at the cliff edges near the vehicle revealed Cryptolepis capensis in flower.
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| Cryptolepis capensis |
Participants: Anne S, Dorothy M, Graham G, Kate G, Maggie A, Uschi T.
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