Mac Eden - Umtamvuna Nature Reserve

 We met on a neighbouring farmer’s property, gaining access into the reserve, and decided that, even though we had visited this same spot the week before, there was so much to see that it was worth a second visit. After all, we had been chased away by the wind and rain, which had made botanising outdoors rather unpleasant.

Beautiful spring rain had fallen upon the burnt earth, and the flowers were once again on display for us to enjoy. The group was large, with visitors joining us, and we made our way back to see what was on display.

Watsonia mtumvunae and Disa baurii were the showstoppers as we entered through the gates. Lotononis bachmanniana was still flowering but was also beginning to set seed. Berkeya speciosa shone like little suns, attracting pollinators, while reed frogs called excitedly from the recent rains that had fallen. The Hypoxis were cheerful too, displaying their vibrant yellow flowers.

    Disa baurii 
ORCHIDACEAE

Lotononis bachmanniana

    Near Threatened A4c; B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii)

    South African endemic

                     Berkheya speciosa

 

Watsonia mtamvunae
South African endemic

The group had made their way down to the forest from various areas. Ushi was studying the grasses, while Tracy, Anne, Claire and Hillary ventured into the forest, where they found Bachmannia woodii flowering.

 

           Bachmannia woodii 
         South African endemic
             Photo credit:  Tracy

In the grasslands, we found Eriosema umtamvunense. Throughout the area Cassia contorta wove its way through the grasses like embroidery, illustrating blue stars on delicate threads. Their little flower heads pointed downwards rather than upwards, unlike many flowers that turn their faces towards the sun.

Eriosema umtamvunense
Endangered A2c
South African endemic

Dimorphotheca caulescens could be found with their pretty daisy-like flowers cheerfully on display. Acalypha peduncularis looked almost edible, like little strawberries, and when taking a close-up photograph of the male flowers, one appreciates them even more, for they are so easily overlooked.

             Dimorphotheca caulescens 

                             Male flowers                                  

Acalypha penducularis
Female flower

Lotononis meyeri was found with huge galls. We came across Senecio coronatus scattered throughout the grassland and confirmed its identity by observing that the stem was indeed hollow when cut.         

As we meandered out, Leobordea pulchra was spotted — what a wonderful button head of colour! Eulophia hians was also seen.

    Senecio coronatus

              Leobordea pulchra 

                                                Eulophia hians                                                  

How lovely it was to have the spring flowers awakening for us to enjoy.

We all went our separate ways at various times during the day and eventually left with full hearts, grateful for another day spent discovering and documenting the wonderful botanical treasures of the reserve.

                           Tricalysia capensis

Alf chatting to his brother who was visiting. 

Lunch on the rocks

Pondoland CREW