Scorched earth at Manilkara Meander

As we were intending to concentrate on trees along the cliff edge, we were not too dismayed to find the grassland at Manilkara Meander had been burned only days before we got there. It certainly made the walking easier and there were no distractions from grassland plants. We found several trees in flower along the cliff edges, and several of them had us scratching our heads trying to identify them - some identities are still eluding us.

There were some beautifully twisted and weathered bits of dead shrubs lying exposed - this one looks distinctly like the head of one of our heavily besieged rhinos.

Interesting stump

The first flowering shrub we wrestled with was a Pterocelastrus tricuspidatus.

Pterocelastrus tricuspidatus

The snake-like vines of Petopentia natalensis were very evident with their shiny, red-veined leaves and delicate clusters of flowers.

Petopentia natalensis

One Acokanthera oppositiflora had a small spray of sweet scented white flowers, and there were several Ochna arborea with their bright yellow flowers.

Acokanthera oppositiflora

Ochna arborea fruit

Clausena anisata trees were producing a spring flush of pale green leaves and amongst these were scattered flowers.
 

Clausena anisata

Perched above the Umtamvuna River

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