Wildflowers, Fynbos and Wildlife: Discovering Nature on Grootbos

Some botanical beauties from the great outdoors: This is Trachyandra, commonly known as Cape spinach or veldkool. The young, unopened flower stalks are traditionally harvested and eaten as a cooked vegetable similar to asparagus.

This is Hebenstretia integrifolia (commonly known as the common slugwort or gewone slakblom)

This is Gladiolus bullatus, the Caledon bluebell, flowering on Lomond in an area the landowner has spent significant resources removing the aliens. Beautiful to see how the fynbos is thriving with the removal of the invasives.

This is the spectacular Leucadendron elimense flowering on Brown Dog just three years after a fire.

Nemesia babarta.

Geissorhiza ovata.

Sebaea exacoides.

From the Green Steward Project which supports small independent contractors in securing contracts to clear invasive plants, this is Sibongile, an independent team supervisor who is assessing the site. This stage is crucial before clearing begins because the team is expected to estimate how many person/ days it will take them to clear the site on invasive alien plants.

Our parting shot this week is from one of the motion sensor cameras on the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve where cameras give us the ability to witness nature as it goes about its daily business as it always has, regardless of human development. Enjoy the build-up of drama in the world of the wild things. From all of us at Grootbos Foundation, I wish you a wild weekend.