We met at Beacon Hill, where Anne’s Jimny was protesting against going any further due to petrol fumes. The safest option was to leave it where it was and meander down the slopes to see what treasures we could find.
Even when walking slowly along a familiar path,
there is always something new to discover. Seasons change, flowers fade to
seed, and other plants begin their awakening. Gail had been walking with
Dorothy and Alf when, in the distance, she thought she saw a tree in flower.
She ventured through the long grass for a closer look and was astonished by
what she found peeking out beneath her feet.
Her heart skipped a beat as she dropped to her
knees to examine Euphorbia
bupleurifolia, a critically rare endemic species. She carefully
scanned the surrounding area, hoping to find more plants hidden amongst the
grass, but none were to be seen.
Finding
Euphorbia bupleurifolia was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the
day. This remarkable dwarf succulent, often referred to as the Pineapple
Euphorbia because of its distinctive form, is endemic to parts of KwaZulu-Natal
and the Eastern Cape. Growing low to the ground and often concealed amongst
grasses, it is easy to walk straight past without noticing it.
Although once considered relatively widespread, recent research has revealed a dramatic decline in wild populations. The species is now regarded as Critically Endangered due to habitat loss, degradation of suitable grassland habitat, inappropriate fire regimes, and extensive harvesting from the wild for both the traditional medicine trade and the international succulent collector market. As a slow-growing species, populations recover very slowly once plants have been removed.
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| Euphorbia bupleurifolia EUPHORBIACEAE Cycad Spurge Critically Endangered A2acd+4acd South African endemic |
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| Across at Western Heights, cattle herders had illegally set fire to the reserve, sending plumes of smoke into the winter sky. |
The gentle winter sun made for a day of slow
appreciation, allowing us to absorb nature’s splendour. Across at Western
Heights, cattle herders had set fire to part of the reserve. Staff stood on the
balcony, mesmerised by the plumes of smoke rising into the sky, seemingly
unconcerned by the spectacle. The grazing should be particularly good in the
park this year.
The endangered and endemic Helichrysum pannosum
was nearing the end of its flowering season, yet its golden blooms remained
striking. I could think of no other flower quite so reminiscent of precious
metal in both colour and brilliance.
The flower of the day—apart from the remarkable Euphorbia bupleurifolia—was
Moraea spathulata.
Its cheerful acid-yellow flowers rose above the grasses, while its long upright
leaf seemed almost like a happy tail waving in the breeze.
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| Helichrysum pannosum ASTERACEAE Endangered A2c South African endemic .jpeg) |
.jpeg) |
| Moraea spathulata IRIDACEAE Large Yellow Tulp |
A little further along, and just after Maggie’s
lunchtime, we came across a sheltered forested area leading to the edge of the
gorge. Gail and Tracy decided to explore while the rest of the group settled
down for lunch.
Here
we found Mystroxylon aethiopicum subsp. aethiopicum in flower.
The leaves were wonderfully textured and inviting to touch. Further down,
amongst stunted Strelitzia nicolai, Tracy and Gail became intrigued by a
tree specimen that had conveniently dropped to the ground in front of them.
Deciding that it warranted further investigation, we took a "takkie"
back to the group for identification.
The
two samples we collected were surprisingly variable, a characteristic that
proved to be an important clue. We crushed the leaves and immediately
recognised their distinctive aromatic scent. After much discussion and
comparison, our mystery tree was identified as Clausena anisata var. anisata,
a species well known for its un-fragrant foliage.
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| Clausena anisata var. anisata RUTACEAE Perdepis |
 CREW having a closer look at the "takkies" Gail and Tracy brought back from the forest. |
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| Tricalysia capensis var. capensis RUBIACEAE Forest Jackal-coffee |
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| Anastrabe integerrima STILBACEAE South African endemic |
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| Mystroxylon aethiopicum subsp. aethiopicum CELASTRACEAE South African endemic |
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| Bersama tysoniana Melianthaveae Wild Quinine Tree |
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| Anne and Tracy looking at the gorge down below. |
As we made our way back up the slopes, Rhoicissus tridentata
was laden with fruit. Gail and Tracy decided that, since it is commonly known
as the Baboon Grape, it deserved a taste test. Let's just say we'll happily
leave that delicacy to the baboons. It was horrible!
Approaching the vehicles, we were greeted by Syzygium cordatum in
full fruit. What a magnificent sight. This truly is a spectacular tree,
supporting a remarkable diversity of insects, butterflies, birds, and other
wildlife.
There is never a Thursday that isn't fulfilling,
and it is the people within this group who make these botanising days so
special. The discoveries are wonderful, but it is the shared enthusiasm,
laughter, and companionship that make each outing memorable.
Until
we meet again.
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| Syzygium cordatum subsp. cordatum MYRTACEAE Water Berry |
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| Pondoland CREW Gail Bowers-Winters, Alf Hayter, Ushi Teicher, Hiliary Henderson, Dorothy McIntyre, Anne Skelton and Tracy Taylor |
“From the ashes of fire rise new beginnings, and among the smoke, nature prepares its next generation.”
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