We headed cautiously through the grassy community land, the road barely visible, as we made our way toward Western Heights. We encountered a few challenges along the way—a plantation was being felled, and logs lay scattered across the dirt track. We jumped in and out of the Jimny, clearing the path, and pushed forward—driving past cattle and dogs—before finally entering the reserve. The gate, long neglected, now stood permanently open, allowing the herdsmen’s cattle to enter the reserve freely.
Not long after arriving, we spotted a herd of cattle being driven in. It’s hard not to feel disheartened when this happens. So little pristine grassland remains, and this reserve is a haven for researchers and plant lovers alike. Anne gently spoke to the herdsman, reminding him that grazing inside the reserve was not permitted. To our relief, he began guiding the cattle back out. Sadly, we knew they’d likely return as soon as we left—this area is no longer monitored, and enforcement is scarce.
We meandered through the rocky outcrops—always fascinating places to find plants. Like pages in a book, they reveal something new every time. We came across Cassipourea gummiflua verticillata. It wasn’t in flower, but still worth noting as it’s classified as “Vulnerable.” This tree holds traditional medicinal value in rural communities, particularly in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. Extracts are used cosmetically to maintain healthy skin, improve complexion, aid in depigmentation, and promote healing and restoration.
A CREW member asked why it’s called “Onion Wood,” since crushing the leaves doesn’t produce any onion-like smell. After a bit of digging—thank you to Richard Boon—we learned the name comes from the freshly sawn wood, which releases a distinct onion-like aroma. The tree is also used for charcoal, crates, and poles.
In the grassland, we spotted a single Psoralea abbottii—a fragile, threadlike plant with a tiny purple pea-flower peeking through the grass. It had nearly been trampled by the cattle. We all gathered around to study it more closely. The name Psoralea is derived from the Greek word psoraleos, meaning “itchy” or “leprous”—a reference to the psoralen naturally found in the seeds.
Psoralea abbottii was named in honour of the late Tony Abbott (1936–2013), who discovered it. Tony was a remarkable figure in South African botany, having collected over 8,500 herbarium specimens and founded the Umtamvuna Herbarium. His legacy lives on in every plant he helped to protect and preserve.
Finally, we found Ficus burtt-davyi, also known as the scrambling fig, growing around the rocks. Sarel pointed out its characteristic features: simple, alternate, glossy green leaves with a recurved tip and three veins at the base. The small, spotted figs ripen into a rich purple-brown.
Despite the beastly easterly wind, we thoroughly enjoyed our day—made all the more special by Tracy’s return after a recent health scare. It felt like a reunion, and our spirits were lifted by the sense of togetherness. We’re deeply grateful to all the passionate teachers who so generously share their knowledge. Days like these remind us why we do this work and how much richer it is when shared.
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Psoralea abbottii
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Cassipourea gummiflua verticillata
Large-leaved Onionwood
Vulnerable* A4acd |
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Crassula perfoliata var. heterotricha
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Hi Gail. Gosh. Those cattle really are pesky. It's amazing that any of those little flowers have survived... Oh, and super pic of the Psoralea abbottii
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