With caution, we proceeded slowly through long grass along a road that was no longer maintained. Parts of it had to be driven almost blindly—relying on memory to trace where the road once ran, and luck to avoid hidden dongas or protruding rocks that could turn a good day bad.
Of course, we came across a seriously neglected fence, clearly sabotaged. Much like the state of politics in Africa, the fence had collapsed. Sadly, even if repaired, cattle herdsmen would likely burn the poles and raise their fists in the air—land claim. Their cattle now roamed freely through what was once a pristine nature reserve in Western Heights. As they tended their herds, they also set snares along the forest edge. The area we visited showed clear signs of poaching. Under the waning full moon, poachers and their large-pawed dogs had hunted reedbuck, using smoldering logs that had since turned to ash. Not the best way to start a botanising day—but this is how it is.
Along the forest edge, among the rocks, we found Kalanchoe rotundifolia, Clutia virgata, Helichrysum adenocarpum, Delosperma subpetiolatum, and Crassula obovata obovata. Erica cerinthoides was ablaze—what a spectacular colour! Sarel explained the flower structure of Lopholaena dregeana and a species of Protea—absolutely fascinating. Schistostephium crataegifolium, also known as the Golden Flat-Flower, bloomed like a tiny sun. Our endemic Syncolostemon ramulosus was flowering prolifically, drawing in all kinds of pollinators. Morea spathulata, the Large Yellow Tulip—well, I never!
Gail spotted a tiny flower on Rhoicissus tridentata, and of course, just as she tried to photograph it, the wind picked up. Patience is essential in these moments. The plant had fruit capsules, and beautiful new leaves were bursting forth. Circling the shrub, two more flowers were discovered. How they were missed at first is a mystery—but then again, they’re so tiny, they’re easily overlooked.
Clutia virgata and Clutia pulchella were both flowering along the forest edge.
We made our way into Foster’s Folly—indeed, a very special place. One could easily spend hours here. The plant life is so varied, it's like an oasis on the edge of a cliff, protected by trees where orchids thrive. Treading carefully is vital—one wishes for wings, just to avoid stepping on something precious.
Lauridia tetragona, Cassinopsis tinifolia, and Bracyleana glabra were in bloom. Bracyleana glabra’s flowers were like satin, curling under—absolutely beautiful. Pelargonium capitatum had a single bloom, and its leaves felt soft, almost comforting. Just stroking a leaf could ease the soul. Cussonia nicholsonii was preparing to push forth its flowers. Trichocladus ellipticus subsp. ellipticus had a new flush of autumn-coloured leaves—eye-catching and lovely.
As the sun began its descent, we too made our way back to the vehicles, joyful. It had been several months since we were last here, with the abundant rainfall having made the area inaccessible. It was truly wonderful to return and see all that was flowering at Western Heights.
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| Foster's Folly |
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| Crassula obovata var. obovata |
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| Cussonia nicholsonii ARALIACEAE South Coast Cabbage-tree South African endemic |
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| Clutia pulchella EUPHORBIACEAE South African endemic |
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| Trichocladus ellipticus subsp. ellipticus Splendid Witch-hazel HAMAMELIDACEAE South African endemic  |
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| Brachylaena glabra ASTERACEAE South African endemic |
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| Rhoicissus tridentata subsp. tridentata |
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| Lopholaena dregeana ASTERACEAE Blue Fluff-bush South African endemic |
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| Gnidia coriacea THYMELAEACEAE South African endemic |
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| Schistostephium crataegifolium ASTERACEAE Golden Flat-flower |
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| Syncolostemon ramulosus LAMIACEAE Vulnerable D2 South African endemic |
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| Clutia virgata EUPHORBIACEAE |
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| Erica cerinthoides ERICACEAE Fire Heath |
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| Helichrysum adenocarpum ASTERACEAE |
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| Syncolostemon ramulosus LAMIACEAE Vulnerable D2 South African endemic |
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| Delosperma subpetiolatum AIZOACEAE Vulnerable B1ab(ii,iii)+2ab(ii,iii) South African endemic |
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| Cassinopsis tinifolia ICACINACEAE |
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| Moraea spathulata IRIDACEAE Large Yellow Tulip |
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| Exochaenium natalense GENTIANACEAE |
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| Simon on the edge of a cliff trying to see what tree it is. It's a sheer drop below and a trunk which is too thin to climb. What bends, will break. Wings are required, or a mighty lens. |
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| The mystery tree which requires a large lens. |
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| The view from Fosters Folly from the right. |
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| Pondoland CREW Gail Bowers-Winters, Alf Hayter, Anne Skelton, Simon Hicks, Sarel Cilliers, Maggie Abbott and Ushi Tercher |
