Clusters of Crassulaceae, heaps of Helichrysums and a big python

On Thursday we once again visited the Oribi Flats area in search for Caputia oribiensis. This time we were joined by a CREW team from Durban, Suvarna, Hlengiwe, Sachin and Zama. With 12 pairs of eyes available we were hoping that this attempt at finding Caputia oribiensis would be successful, but unfortunately this was not the case - the only Caputia to be seen was Caputia medley-woodii. 

The first notable sighting was Gasteria croucheri growing in cracks in the vertical cliff faces.

Gasteria croucheri

Amongst the shrubs at the top edge of the cliffs we found Capparis fascicularis and Petopentia natalensis  in flower.

Capparis fascicularis

Petopentia natalensis

At one abrupt edge near the Oribi Gorge Hotel, drivers are warned of the dangerous edge. Anne demonstrated how to get across to the other side of the gorge.

Did anyone read the sign?

This is how you get across the gorge!

These south-facing cliffs are home to a surprisingly rich diversity of species in the family Crassulaceae. Apart from Cotyledon velutina which were flowering well, all of the following Crassula were also flowering: C.nemorosa, Crassula nudicaulis var. nudicaulis, C. orbicularis, C. perforata subsp. perforata, and C. sarmentosa.

Cotyledon velutina

Crassula nemorosa

Crassula nudicaulis

Crassula orbicularis

Crassula perforata subsp. perforata

Crassula sarmentosa

After stopping for lunch in the sun, we came across a large (about 4 metres long), somniferent python basking in the winter sun.

The lunch spot

The python hidden in the grass

The python's head

After a brief stop for a quick planning meeting al fresco, we headed to our trial plot to see what has sprouted since a management burn about 6 weeks ago.

The planing meeting

The trial plot was looking beautiful with many species of Berkheya and Helichrysum flowering profusely.

Helichrysum allioides

Helichrysum griseum

Helichrysum nudifolium var oxyphyllum

Participants: Anne S, Dorothy K, Debbie K, Graham G, Hlengi M, Kate G, Maggie A, Mervyn T, Sachin, Suvarna P, Uschi T, Zama.