Blog Posts under "Plants"

Over the last few years my interest in the 'little veld flowers' that we seldom see as we speed along the highways, has been aroused.  They vary from sub-shrubs to succulents, bulbs, annuals, perennials and creepers. As the demand for indigenous plants increases, some of these species can now be found at indigenous nurseries.

I recently had an opportunity to visit Kwandwe Private Game Reserve for a couple of days and was overwhelmed not only by the prime condition of the wild life, but also by the rich variety of plants in the veld. The reserve is situated between Grahamstown and Fort Beaufort in the Eastern Cape, where the climate is semi-Karoid; very hot and dry in summer and very cold and dry during winter.

I have often read about the medicinal properties of Bulbine latifolia (Natalensis), but I have never really made the effort to investigate them.  However, yesterday two events occurred that impressed upon me how important it is to keep this plant close at hand.

...there's a way!

Spotted these desperate plants fighting the odds.

This strange plant is called Sarcocaulon vanderietiae (or Bushman’s Candle) and belongs to the geranium family. 

Plants with grey foliage are often very hardy and are ideal for low water zones. The light coloured foliage reflects the sun’s rays away from the plant, thereby keeping the plant cooler, which in turn reduces transpiration.