Mpumalanga sojourn #2: Waterval Onder

We spent two weeks on the farm "Ntsinini" - a place on which Kate and I have been botanising for many years and where we have steadily been adding to the plant species list. This trip was no exception as we could add a few species which we had not previously encountered. We had some great sightings of game and birds and, when our Gauteng guests arrived, we had a good time catching up socially.

The bottom waterfall

Bushwillow cottage across the weir

Watchful giraffe

Half-collared kingfisher

Cape clawless otter

The Sphedamnocarpus pruriens were flowering profusely during this trip, their lemon-yellow flowers catching the eye. Tetraselago wilmsii pushed their lilac flowers above the grass and Pseudarthria hookeri towered over them.

Sphedamnocarpus pruriens

Tetraselago wilmsii

Pseudarthria hookeri

In the tall grass we were lucky to find for the first time Aspidoglossum araneiferum with its intricate flowers. This was one of the species added to our already substantial list.

Aspidoglossum araneiferum

Another Asclepiad we found near the cottage was Pentarrhinum insipidum. This was the more common red-tinged form of the white form of the species recently found at Ngele.

Pentarrhinum insipidum

The scenery on the farm is most conducive to recharging the batteries.

Late afternoon walk

Evening view up the Swartkoppies Spruit

Participants: Gerrit G, Gill C, Graham G, Kate G.