Returning to the Iron Crown—this time stopping short at the vulture roosts—we arrived on a day ruled by wind. Gusts swept across the grasslands, threatening to turn every photograph into a blur. Nearby, a herd of seventy cattle grazed illegally within the reserve, a stark reminder of the pressures facing this remarkable landscape. And yet, despite these intrusions, Umtamvuna remains a botanical sanctuary—quietly harbouring an extraordinary diversity of plant life.
Botanising along the cliffs above the river, with the Umtamvuna winding far below, the day’s first triumph came with Pachycarpus coronarius. Its presence, subtle yet striking, set the tone for what would unfold.
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Photo credit: Tracy
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| Lantana camara VERBENACEAE INVASIVE |
It was an unexpected moment of excitement to come across Lantana camara in the reserve today—not for its presence, but for what it carried. Nestled within the flower clusters was Aceria lantanae, a minute eriophyid mite better known as the lantana flower gall mite or bud mite.
This tiny biological control agent leaves a distinctive signature: dense, distorted galls that resemble miniature heads of broccoli, transforming the plant’s flowers into something quite remarkable. First released in 2007, it has since become well established in KwaZulu-Natal, spreading steadily—up to 40 km per year—by hitching rides on wind currents and even on visiting insects.
While its impact is promising, it is not without limitation. Aceria lantanae does not affect all forms of lantana, showing a clear preference for the pink-flowered varieties. Even so, its presence offers a quiet but hopeful sign in the ongoing effort to manage this invasive species—nature, once again, lending a hand in restoring balance.
Nearby, Schizoglossum bidens and Coleus calycinus or Rabsosiella calycina drew us into quieter moments of observation—reminding us that the smallest details often hold the greatest intrigue. Through a hand lens, entire worlds emerge, invisible to the naked eye.
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| Schizoglossum bidens APOCYNACEAE |
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| Rabdosiella calycina LAMIACEAE |
On the very edge, Helichrysum populifolium stood poised in bud, perfectly adapted to its precarious existence, where cool updrafts rise from the valley below.
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| Gail photographing plants that grow on the edge. Photo credit: Maggie |
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| Helichrysum populifolium ASTERACEAE South African endemic |
In these exposed conditions, resilience is everything. The Pondoland form of Bulbine latifolia, with its firmer, waxier leaves, spoke of adaptation—and of its long-standing role in traditional medicine. Classified as Bulbine latifolia subsp. latifolia, it holds an important place in traditional medicine, used to treat ailments ranging from skin conditions to digestive issues, diabetes, and rheumatism.
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| Bulbine latifolia Pondoland form ASPHODELACEAE |
From rock crevices emerged Delosperma vinaceum and Conostomium natalense, while Stachys nigricans threaded its way through the grassland.
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| Photo credit: Tracy |
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| Delosperma vinaceum Aizoaceae South African endemic
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| Conostomium natalense RUBIACEAE |
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Photo credit: Tracy Stachys nigrians LAMIACEAE |
Leaning over the cliff edge revealed another world entirely—cycads below, alongside Phoenix reclinata and Aloe candelabrum. Just within reach, Erica cubica softened the rugged terrain with its gentle pink flowers.
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| Gail looking at the view below and pondering at all that grows below which is unaccessible. |
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| Phoenix reclinata ARECACEAE |
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| Aloe candelabrum ASPHODELACEAE Near Threatened B1ab(iii) South African endemic |
Plants growing from rock never fail to astonish. Tricalysia capensis stood in full flower and seed, defying its harsh surroundings. Helichrysum adenocarpum added brilliance to the cliffs, while Schistostephium crataegifolium drew in butterflies in abundance.
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| Tricalysia capensis var. capensis RUBIAEAE |
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| Helichrysum adenocarpum subsp. adenocarpum ASTERACEAE |
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| Schistostephium crataegifolium ASTERACEAE |
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| Syncolostemon rotundifolius LAMIACEAE South African endemic |
In a narrow rock crevice, we encountered Ekebergia capensis. After some debate, Gail and Uschi bravely sampled the leaves. The intense bitterness confirmed its identity instantly. Uschi, ever the sport, dramatically “played dead” after tasting—proof enough that this is not a plant destined for the kitchen.
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| Ekebergia capensis MELIACEAE |
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| Uschi playing that she is fatally poisoned by the leaf she sampled. |
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| The rock tried the leaf too. |
A small koppie offered both respite and reward. Caputia medley-woodii was on the verge of flowering, while Ceropegia linearis subsp. woodii displayed delicate buds and seed.
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| An ureachable cave that is begging to be explored. |
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| Caputia medley-woodii ASTERACEAE |
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| Ceropegia linearis subsp. woodii APOCYNACEAE |
Among them, Rhipsalis baccifera subsp. mauritiana added a touch of intrigue, its fruit resembling tiny watchful eyes.
In the grasslands, beauty became more elusive. Asclepias praemorsa and Inulanthera leucoclada stood firm, while the delicate Psoralea abbottii revealed itself only briefly between gusts of wind.
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| Asclepias praemorsa APOCYNACEAE South African endemic |
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| Inulanthera leucoclada ASTERACEAE South African endemic |
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| Psoralea abbottii FABACEAE Pondo Fountain-bush Vulnerable B1ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v) South African endemic |
A swaying Habenaria woodii resisted all attempts at photography, while Exochaenium natalense thrived quietly in damp seepage zones.
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| Uschi and Hiliary |
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| Tracy photographing Erica's growing on the sheer cliff. |
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| Habenaria woodii ORCHIDACEAE Vulnerable B2ab(iii) South African endemic |
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| Exochaenium natalense GENTIANACEAE |
Along the cliffs, colour returned in force. Erica aspalathifolia and Erica cubica painted the slopes, while Alberta magna stood out in vivid coral brilliance. Below, a soft expanse of white Erica aspalathifolia created a striking contrast.
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| Erica cubica ERICACEAE South African endemic |
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| Alberta magna RUBIACEAE Near Threatened B2ab(ii,iii,v) South African endemic |
As the day drew to a close, Syncolostemon ramulosus and Exochaenium grande accompanied us on our return.
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| Syncolostemon ramulosus LAMIACEAE Vulnerable D2 Justification: Four known locations are potentially threatned by livestock grazing outside reserves. Well this one's in a reserve! Come on Ezemvelo Wildlife protect the Umtamvuna Reserve. South African endemic |
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| Uschi heading back to the car. |
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| Our dearest Maggie |
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| Tracy running to Maggie who was patiently waiting for our group to meet up with her. She had followed Tracy's directions to meet at the tree. |
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| Exochaenium grande GENTIANACEAE |
And in a quiet symmetry, the day ended as it began—with Pachycarpus, this time Pachycarpus grandiflorus subsp. grandiflorus.
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| Pachycarpus grandiflorus subsp. grandiflorus APOCYNACEAE South African endemic |
Umtamvuna is not a place that demands attention—it rewards it. Within its windswept cliffs and overlooked grasslands lies a quiet richness, revealed only to those willing to look closely.
We left with hearts full—grateful for a day shaped by discovery, laughter, and shared passion. These botanical excursions with the Pondoland CREW are more than outings; they are moments of connection, wonder, and a deep appreciation for the fragile beauty of places like Umtamvuna Nature Reserve.
A truly beautiful day, from beginning to end. For botanists, it is nothing short of extraordinary.
