Beacon Hill's forest (Thursday 25 April 2019)

Text and photos by Tracy Taylor

After meeting up at Beacon Hill we set off across the spectacular grasslands of Umtamvuna Nature Reserve along the Nkonka trail. The ground was spongy and waterlogged after the torrential rains. We were greated by Helichrysum herbaceum and Helichrysum adenocarpum scattered through the grass. The Brunsvigia grandiflora were in various stages of flowering.

Helichrysum herbaceum

Helichrysum adenocarpum

Brunsvigia grandiflora

 As we walked along we spotted a lone Pelargonium luridum in flower and Sopubia simplex. The grass along the path had been combed flat by the force of the water. We reached the Raspalia stream that was flowing strongly after the rain and stopped to look at the fruit of the Erythroxylum pictum and the large Syzigium cordatum that hangs over the stream. We made our way along the rather slippery path towards the coolness of the forest.

Pelargonium luridum

Sopubia simplex

A venerable Syzygium cordatum sprawling over the Raspalia stream

At the base of a large Harpephyllum caffrum we spotted Corymborkis corymbis, unfortunately not in flower. These orchids are often found growing at the base of these magestic trees. The top soil in the forest had been washed away exposing a vast network of fine, interconnected roots. There were fungi of all shapes and sizes growing on almost every tree. We admired a Margaritaria discoidea with its peeling bark and Gail was in awe of the size of the Chaetacme aristata. 

A collage of fungi

Once we reached the site of the plots previously laid out by Rob Scott-Shaw to conduct a study on how species developed over time, we stopped for lunch sitting quietly and absorbing the beauty and serenity of the forest. With time running out we packed up and headed back up out of the forest onto the grassland. The Helichrysum populifolium is always a favourite with their large silvery leaves and honey scent.

Helichrysum populifolium

Participants: Anne S, Gail B-W, Maggie A, Mark G, Tracy T.