With three weeks having passed since we last visited the burn at the Western Heights, we decided to return to see what progress there had been. At the edge of the Swamp forest we found a population of
Hibiscus diversifolius in flower and nearby were several
Tephrosia shiluwanensis. Close to the stream there were
Aristea ecklonis in flower.
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| Hibiscus diversifolius |
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| Tephrosia shiluwanensis |
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| Aristea ecklonis |
We crossed the stream into the wetland beyond to find several clumps of
Eriospermum cooperi just starting to flower. Surrounding these were many
Ledebouria cooperi huddled close to the ashy ground. There were one or two remaining
Cyrtanthus breviflorus and the
Merwilla plumbea flower stalks were about 750 mm tall and the flowers were close to opening.
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| Eriospermum cooperi |
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| Ledebouria cooperi |
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| Merwilla plumbea buds |
We crossed back to the drier side of the stream for easier going but soon crossed again where we found
Indigofera rubroglandulosa, Pentanisia prunelloides and some very hairy
Acalypha peduncularis emerging in the previously burnt grassland.
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| Pentanisia prunelloides |
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| Indigofera rubroglandulosa |
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| Acalypha peduncularis |
We reached a side stream where we found
Glenlisea hispidula, Utricularia prehensilis and
Drosera natalensis growing out of the damp moss. Here we found a
Disa tripetaloides with markedly pink flowers, far more so than its many pure white counterparts growing alongside the main stream.
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| Genlisea hispidula |
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| Disa tripetaloides |
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| Drosera natalensis with prey remains |
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| Eriocaulon dregei |
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| Utricularia prehensilis |
We walked over the next hillock where Alf found Euphorbia bupleurifolia with flower remnants. We than started finding more of these elusive plants, some bearing fruits. Also in this area were Euphorbia striata.
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| Euphorbia striata |
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| Euphorbia bupleurifolia fruits |
We found a sheltered spot next to a small forested gully where we had lunch. Tempted by the forest patch, we found a way into to the very rocky but mostly dry streambed and followed this downwards, passing a
Ficus craterostoma on the way. Without realising it we had found a fairly easy way (to canyon) into the rather deep gorge of the Swamp Forest stream, just below the Cascades swimming pool. This gave us a great opportunity to explore new territory and enjoy views of waterfalls, pools and narrow gorges. On the way down to the lower pools we passed a hanging vine of
Petopentia natalensis. This may be a route down to the Umtamvuna River, although it will not be possible to reach it without getting wet - a prospect for warmer weather later in the season!
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| Ficus craterostoma |
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| The bed of the Swamp Forest stream |
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| Gazing up at the gorge slopes above |
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| Heading downstream |
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| Petopentia natalensis |
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| The next pool down |
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| Looking down towards the final pool in the deep gorge |
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| Heading upstream |
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| Climbing above a waterfall |
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| A tempting pool |
We headed upstream, eventually reaching the bottom of the Cascades swimming pool. Here we clambered up the steep slope out of the gorge and back to our lunch spot where we collected our bags and turned our noses towards home. On this sun-baked slope out of the gorge we found several
Lasiosiphon kraussianus flowering.
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| The bottom of the Cascades swimming pool |
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| Lasiosiphon kraussianus |
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| Gail - one of the first out of the gorge |
Once above the steeper part of the stream bed, the stream was much more tranquil. We found a few of the first
Senecio caudatus in a wet spot and further along we came across a small population of
Aspalathus gerrardii, some of which were in flower.
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| A more tranquil part of the stream |
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| Senecio caudatus |
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| Aspalathus gerrardii |
Participants: Alf H, Anne S, Dorothy M, Gail B-W, Graham G, Kate G, Tracy T.
