A stroll down Syncolostemon Slope

The objective for this Thursday's outing was to collect Craterostigma sp. nov. to add to our existing measurement data. We headed off to the Kwazamane area where we know populations grow on the rock plates. One of the first things I saw on getting out of the vehicle was a Spotted bush snake sunning itself on a rock plate - a good omen for the success of the day's outing.

Spotted bush snake

The Craterostigma in this area were only in bud -no flowers to be found. However, the colourful scene of Syncolostemon rotundifolius below us (prompting us to dub this walk Syncolostemon Slope) drew us downward. Anne found herself following the gully and came across a large Syzygium pondoense growing in the stream bed. On the grassy slopes near the stream were many Erica aspalathifolia and several Cyanotis robusta. A few pink Erica cubica were also peeping out from the grass.

Erica aspalathifolia

Cyanotis robusta

Erica cubica

Seeing a waterfall below us we decided to make our way down to a small knoll to get a better view. In the shade at the edge of the knoll we found the orchid Brownleea coerulea in flower.

Brownleea coerulea

This was such a beautiful spot we decided to have an early lunch on the knoll.

Could there be a better lunch spot?

Walking back up to the top of the cliffs we came across some bright splashes of magenta Lampranthus fuigitans.

Lampranthus fuigitans at the cliff edge

And finally we found a few brave flowers on the Craterostigma sp.nov. These plants have obviously been stimulated by the recent good rains and there will probably be more flowers in the days to come.

Looking up the Umtamvuna River gorge

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