Eric Dunstan's Farm - Oribi Gorge - 27 April 2023

Ralph Peckover was visiting was visiting and he was in search of  Ceropegias, which were also known as Bracystelmas.  It was our first visit to Eric Dunstan's farm in Oribi and its always exciting to explore new terrain. Our vehicles travelled in a dusty convoy which left us being seated inside for a while before getting out as one would have found oneself looking like a human sand pile with smiles of gritted teeth.  

It was lovely to see Anacampseros rufescens growing profusely and Huernia grew on the rocks and on the edge.  They were not in flower but interesting to note what was growing there.  We had caught Caputia medley-woodii flowering in magnificent yellow.  The aloes were in bud and about to burst open.  A reminder to us living on the coast that the whales and sardines are on their way.

Scadoxus puniceus grew in the shade as did Streptocarpus. The vulnerable Delosperma subpetiolatum flowered on hot rocks. We found two Cynanchum species.  Helichrysum populifolium were opening and the scent of honey filled the air.  One simply paused and breathed in. Ypsilopus erectus flowered in a crevice safely on the edge of the cliff.

We meandered back wishing we had found a Ceropegia for Ralph and Tracy and Gail noticed the different variantions of a Wahlenbergia that we found.  As we headed home both herons and vultures flew overhead.  It had been the most beautiful day out in nature

Anacampseros rufescens

ANACAMPSEROTACEAE

Breath-taking views from Oribi looking inland.

Possibly Huernia hystrix subsp. parvula
APOCYNACEAE

Caputia medley-woodii
ASTERACEAE

Haemanthus albiflos
AMARYLLIDACEAE

Delosperma tradescantioides
AIZOACEAE

Delosperma subpetiolatum
AIZOACEAE
Vulnerable B1ab(ii,iii)+2ab(ii,iii) 

Crassula perfoliata
CRASSULACEAE

Cynanchum gerrardii
APOCYNACEAE

Cynanchum viminale subsp. viminale
APOCYNACEAE

Helichrysum populifolium
ASTERACEAE

Aloe candelabrum
ASPHODELACEAE
Near Threatened B1ab(iii)

In search of Ceropegias.

Euryops brevipapposus 
ASTERACEAE

Ypsilopus erectus
ORCHIDACEAE

Dianthus sp.

Polygala refracta 
POLYGALACEAE

Osyridicarpos schimperianus
SANTALACEAE

Disparago tortilis
ASTERACEAE

Striga bilabata subsp. bilabiata
OROBANCHACEAE

A mixture of Wahlenbergia. 5 petals, 7 petals, White, Cream.

A confused Wahlenbergia in cream with 7 petals.

Wahlenbergia capillata. white.

Wahlenbergia capillata with pink tip hues.
CAMPANULACEAE

Pondoland C.R.E.W. with Ralph and Hillary's visiting "children".

Kalanchoe rotundifolia
CRASSULACEAE

Pavetta gracilifolia
Narrow-leaved Brides-bush 
RUBIACEAE

Plectranthus hadiensis
LAMIACEAE

Plectranthus spicatus
LAMIACEAE

Streptocarpus sp.
Photo credit:  Debbie

Streptocarpus sp.
GESNERIACEAE

Strychnos usambarensis
Blue Bitterberry
LOGANIACEAE

Abrus laevigatus
FABACEAE

Tracy bottleizing.

Debbie, Anne and Tracy.

Alf, Anne and Debbie.

  Schrebera alata
OLEACEAE

Guest:  Ralph Peckover
Pondoland C.R.E.W.