What’s Under the Microscope? A Spider’s S...
What's under the microscope today? Are those hairy legs, we see?

This photo captures an opportunity! This bright green plant growth has sprouted since the wildfire swept through the Grootbos Reserve in November and December 2025 which shows how resilient nature is in this ancient fire-driven landscape. BUT these plants are tenacious invasive plants called stinkbeans and, if not kept in check, will grow to tower over the fynbos that will then be shaded or stunted. An additional threat would be that the presence of invasive stinkbeans would increase the risk of a hotter, more destructive fire in future.
The opportunity here is for a team of independent female contractors to clear the stinkbeans while they are small enough to be pulled out by hand. This creates jobs and ensures good land management for conservation while also ensuring good fire management practices.
We call this a win-win for conservation and community.

Gladiolus brevifolius

Disparago ericoides.

Aristea africana.
Grootbos Foundation is a registered non-profit organisation in Gansbaai dedicated to conserving the Cape Floral Kingdom while uplifting the communities that call it home. The foundation protects over 22,200 hectares of fynbos and biodiversity across Grootbos Private Nature Reserve and the Walker Bay...
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Read MoreWhat's under the microscope today? Are those hairy legs, we see?
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