A search for members of the Coca family

We were joined by a student from the University of Pretoria, Sewes Alberts, and his dad Paul, with the objective of finding Erythroxylaceae species for his postgraduate research project. Sewes is investigating the chemical compounds, DNA and medicinal properties of Erythroxylum and Nectaropetalum. 

We started at Beacon Hill where we did not have to go far to find several Erythroxylum pictum and with many hands, the task of collecting leaves was completed quickly. 
 

Erythroxylum pictum fruit

The next destination was the Pont entrance to the reserve where we walked along the Fish Eagle trail that runs parallel to the Umtamvuna river. There are literally hundreds of Nectaropetalum zuluense along the trail but we could not find anything that matched the description of N. capense. There is some doubt as to whether these two are in fact separate species and we hope Sewes will be able to solve this problem for us with DNA work. 

At this time of year and with very dry conditions, there was very little in flower but we did find Quisqualis parviflora and Canavallia bonariensis in the canopy and Hypoestes aristata, Dicliptera extenta and Desmodium repandum along the paths. 
 

Quisqualis parviflora

We enjoyed lunch in the forest shade while admiring the many magnificent old trees, some with spectacular buttresses. 

Leaving the Umtamvuna, the next stop was the Mpenjati reserve where we found Erythroxylum emarginatum along the trail on the south bank. Finding three of the four target species made for a good day in the field.

 Participants: Anne S, Dorothy M, Kate G, Mervyn T, Paul A, Sewes A, Uschi T.