A small but eager group gathered at Beacon Hill for a gentle meander into the Umtamvuna Nature Reserve. The stone path, winding its way down into the forest, offered a tranquil beginning to the day.
The reserve had recently experienced a controlled burn, and with the charred earth still fresh, we were delighted to find Cyrtanthus breviflorus already in flower. This remarkable fire lily is well known for its rapid response to fire—typically blooming just three days after a burn. Its delicate yellow trumpets stood out vividly against the blackened soil, a hopeful sign of renewal and resilience.
Following the course of a clear forest stream, we came across Persicaria decipiens in bloom, its soft pink flower spikes nodding gracefully above the water. On nearby wet rock faces, the tiny carnivorous Utricularia sandersonii revealed its charming, almost rabbit-eared flowers—a delight for those who know where to look.
The highlight of the morning was undoubtedly the discovery of Brunia trigyna, a species with a limited distribution and always an exciting find. Growing along the forest edge, the shrub was laden with buds, promising a dramatic floral display in the coming weeks. Encountering it at this early stage of flowering made for a particularly rewarding moment.
The day was both joyful and fulfilling, reminding us once again of the quiet magic found in these wild spaces—especially for those who take the time to look closely.
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| Brunia trigyna BRUNIACEAE Pondo Ghost-bush Critically Endangered B1ab(v)+2ab(v); C2a(i); D Photo credit: Alf
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| Persicaria decipiens POLYGONACEAE Photo credit: Uschi
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| A happy Pondoland group. Hilliary, Anne and Alf heading down to see the if the Brunia trigyna is flowering. Photo credit: Uschi |
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| The old stone path that leads one down past Brunia trigyna and into the forest. Alf, Hilliary and Anne. Photo credit: Uschi |
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| Pondoland CREW Hilliary Henderson, Anne Skelton, Ushchi Tercher and Alf Hayter "To study a flower is to hold the entire ecosystem
in your hand." —Carl Linnaeus |
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