Flowers of South Africa's Drakensberg Mountains - Naturetrek

<strong>Flowers</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>Africa's</strong><br />

<strong>Drakensberg</strong> <strong>Mountains</strong><br />

<strong>Naturetrek</strong> Tour Report 8 - 21 January 2008<br />

<strong>Naturetrek</strong> Cheriton Mill Cheriton Alresford Hampshire SO24 0NG England<br />

T: +44 (0)1962 733051 F: +44 (0)1962 736426<br />

E: info@naturetrek.co.uk W: www.naturetrek.co.uk<br />

Report compiled by Maureen Ponting

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Tour Report <strong>Flowers</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>Africa's</strong> <strong>Drakensberg</strong> <strong>Mountains</strong><br />

Tour Leaders: Maureen Ponting<br />

Jeremy Exelby<br />

Participants: Helen Thompson<br />

Peter Miller<br />

Margaret Downton<br />

Mark Whitwell<br />

Dorothy Whitwell<br />

Eva Pirie<br />

Day 1 Tuesday 8th January<br />

Flight from Heathrow<br />

Day 2 Wednesday 9th January<br />

Heidelberg<br />

Arrive at Johannesberg and a warm welcome from Jeremy Exelby.<br />

A short drive to Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve for a picnic lunch and the afternoon spent botanising and<br />

watching birds and animals. Drive to our guest house in Heidelberg.<br />

Day 3 Thursday 10th January<br />

Tendele Royal Natal NP<br />

Drive to Royal Natal National Park, stopping for a picnic lunch and botanising at the Sterkfontein Dam.<br />

Evening walk from Tendele to see cave paintings.<br />

Day 4 Friday 11th January<br />

Tendele<br />

All-day walk along the Tugela River to the gorge and back afternoon, some <strong>of</strong> us were caught in a rainstorm in<br />

the afternoon<br />

Day 5 Saturday 12th January<br />

Oxbow Lodge<br />

Early start. Drive to Witsieshoek, first exploring a rich meadow and then walking up towards the Sentinel, a<br />

massive rocky mountain. After a picnic lunch, we drove through Lesotho to Oxbow.<br />

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<strong>Flowers</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>Africa's</strong> <strong>Drakensberg</strong> <strong>Mountains</strong> Tour Report<br />

Day 6 Sunday 13th January<br />

Oxbow Lodge<br />

Drove up to the Mahlasela Pass and walked down towards Oxbow botanising, stopping halfway down for a<br />

picnic lunch.<br />

Afternoon drive to just below the Moteng Pass where we walked along a track through a high valley below the<br />

Pass.<br />

Day 7 Monday 14th January<br />

Sani Pass Lodge<br />

Early morning departure for drive to Sani Top. Our first stop was looking towards cliffs on other side <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Orange River where Bald Ibises nest. Our next stop was a waterfall where we had our picnic lunch just before<br />

the climb to the Kotisephola Pass where we stopped look at alpine plants on the rocks. We then drove down to<br />

the Sani Lodge just in time before we were enveloped by a thick fog and thunderstorm which kept us indoors for<br />

the rest <strong>of</strong> the evening.<br />

Day 8 Tuesday 15th January<br />

Sani Hotel<br />

Drove over the Sani Pass, walking and driving down the steep road, with lots <strong>of</strong> botanical interest, to a picnic<br />

beside a rocky stream. Stopped to examine the fynbos below the <strong>South</strong> African Passport Control before arriving<br />

at our hotel.<br />

Day 9 Wednesday 16th January<br />

Howick<br />

In the morning, a short walk from the hotel led to the Mkhonazana River and Falls. Our first stop was at a<br />

bookshop in Underberg where some people bought field guides, then on to the Midmar Reserve for a picnic and<br />

to see mammals, birds and some spectacular orchids. We arrived at our hotel in Howick in time for dinner.<br />

Day 10 Thursday 17th January<br />

Howick<br />

We spent the morning walking in the Umgeni Nature reserve. Afterwards we walked on to the top <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Umgeni Gorge. After a picnic lunch we drove to bird hides nearby. Later in the afternoon we returned to see the<br />

Howick Falls and to shop in the town. We had an excellent dinner in a local restaurant.<br />

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<strong>Flowers</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>Africa's</strong> <strong>Drakensberg</strong> <strong>Mountains</strong> Tour Report<br />

Day 11 Friday 18th January<br />

Port Edward<br />

Leaving Howick, we drove to the coast. On the way we spent the morning at the Tala Game Reserve. After a<br />

picnic in a shady spot, we drove on to the Mpenjati Coast Reserve. We walked along the beach and through the<br />

dune forest before driving to the Estuary Hotel .<br />

Day 12 Saturday 19th January<br />

Port Edward<br />

We spent the morning at the nearby Umtamvuna Nature Reserve - botanically rich with many Pondoland<br />

endemics.<br />

After a picnic lunch we went back to our hotel for a siesta because <strong>of</strong> the heat. Later we returned to the Mpenjati<br />

Nature Reserve where we explored a different part and walked along a beautiful beach.<br />

Day 13 Sunday 20th January<br />

In flight<br />

We lwft our hotel for Durban Airport, stopping on the way at Oribi Gorge Reserve for a walk, then on to<br />

Durban.<br />

Day 14 Monday 21st January<br />

We left on our return journey and arrived in the UK early in the morning at Heathrow<br />

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<strong>Flowers</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>Africa's</strong> <strong>Drakensberg</strong> <strong>Mountains</strong> Tour Report<br />

Plant List<br />

Scientific name Common name/description Location<br />

Monocotyledons<br />

Agavaceae<br />

Dracena aletriformis Long Leaved Dragon Tree Umgeni gorge and coast<br />

Alliaceae<br />

Agapanthus campanulatus tall Agapanthus common<br />

Amaryllidaceae<br />

Brunsvigia natalensis Natal Candelabra Flower Witsieshoek<br />

B. radulosa Candelabra Flower Midmar and Umgeni<br />

Cyrtanthus epiphyticus red flowers Sani rocks<br />

C. contractus red flowers Umtamvuna<br />

Haemanthus humilis Rabbits' Ears Sani roadside<br />

Araceae<br />

Zantedeschia albomaculata Spotted Leaved Arum Royal Natal & Sani<br />

Z. aethiopica common<br />

Arecaceae<br />

Phoenix reclinata Wild Date Palm coast<br />

Hyphaene coriaceae Lala Palm coast<br />

Asphodelaceae<br />

Aloe boylei orange flowers Witsieshoek<br />

A. cooperi tall orange flowers Umgeni<br />

A. ecklonis orange flowers Midmar<br />

A. ferox Bitter Aloe Suikerbosrand<br />

A. maculata leaves only Suikerbosrand<br />

A. marlothii tree aloe, horiz. branches. Suikerbosrand<br />

A. thraskii tree aloe coast<br />

Bulbine sp. nov. yellow flowers Umtamvuna<br />

B. asphodeloides spreading, fls. coppery Umtamvuna<br />

B. abyssinica Bushy Bulbine Witsieshoek<br />

Kniph<strong>of</strong>ia buchananii ** Small White Poker Umgeni<br />

K. caulescens drifts along water courses Oxbow<br />

K. linearifolia Common Marsh Poker roadside, Day 3<br />

K. laxiflora Slender Poker Sani Hotel<br />

K. porphyrantha dwarf yellow Witsieshoek<br />

K. ritualis Solitary Poker Oxbow<br />

Trachyandra asperata inflorescence slender, white fls Witsieshoek<br />

Colchicaceae<br />

Androcymbium striatum ** Pyjama Plant Sani waterfall<br />

Gloriosa superba Flame Lily coast<br />

Littonia modesta yellow flowers Tugela<br />

Sandersonia aurantiaca Christmas Bells Sani roadside<br />

Commelinaceae<br />

Commelina africana yellow flowers common<br />

C. eckloniana blue flowers Oribi Gorge<br />

Cyanotis speciosa pink blue flowers common<br />

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<strong>Flowers</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>Africa's</strong> <strong>Drakensberg</strong> <strong>Mountains</strong> Tour Report<br />

Scientific name Common name/description Location<br />

Cyperaceae<br />

Cyperus sphaerocephalus Yellow Sedge Suikerbosrand etc<br />

C. rupestris Russet Rock Sedge Umtamvuna<br />

C. obtusiflorus White Flowered Sedge Umtamvuna<br />

C. albostriatus Umgeni Gorge<br />

Eriospermaceae<br />

Eriospermum mackenii Yellow Fluffy seed (lvs only) Umgeni<br />

Hyacinthaceae<br />

Albuca pachychlamys white erect flowers Sani<br />

A. setosa small white erect flowers Witsieshoek<br />

A. shawii nodding yellow flowers Sterkfontein<br />

Dipcardi marlothii green flowers Tugela<br />

Eucomis autumnalis Common Pineapple grasslands<br />

E. bicolor Tall Pineapple Tugela<br />

E. humilis Dwarf Pineapple Witsieshoek<br />

E. schijffii Dark Pineapple Sani rocks<br />

Galtonia candicans Common Berg Lily Tugela<br />

G. regalis Royal Berg Lily Oxbow<br />

G. viridiflora Green Berg Lily Witsieshoek<br />

Scilla natalensis Large Blue Scilla Tugela<br />

S. nervosa White Scilla Umgeni<br />

Ornithogallum graminifolium white flowers Tugela<br />

Urginea macrocentra tall, white flowers Sani<br />

Hypoxidaceae<br />

Hypoxis angustifolia Narrow leaved Star Flower Witsiieshoek<br />

H. argentia Small Star Flower roadside, etc<br />

H. colchicifolia Broad leaved Star Flower Midmar and Umgeni<br />

H. costata very leafy Witsieshoek<br />

H. filiformis Grass Star Flower Tugela<br />

H. hemerocallidae Star Flower Umgeni<br />

H. membranaceae ** white flowers Umgeni Gorge<br />

H. rigidula Silver leaved Star Flower Sterkfontein<br />

Rhodohypoxis baurii pink and white flowers Sani Top<br />

R. dreflexa flowers small, white/pink Lesotho marsh<br />

Iridaceae<br />

Aristea abyssinica Blue eyed Grass Tugela and Umtamvuna<br />

A. grandis large blue spike Sani<br />

A.woodii smaller blue spikes common<br />

Crocosmia paniculata tall, orange flowers Royal Natal<br />

C. pearsii orange flowers Witsieshoek<br />

Dierama dracomontana Mountain Dierama Sani top-bottom<br />

D. latifolium robust clump Witsieshoek<br />

D. robustum tall, pink flowers lge colony Lesotho rdside.<br />

Dietes grandiflora iris-like flowers Tendele<br />

D. iridioides small white iris Tugela forest<br />

Gladiolus dalenii orange form Suikerbosrand<br />

green form Umgeni<br />

G. ecklonii ** orange speckled flowers Sani Hotel<br />

G. flanaganii (lvs. only) Suicide Lily cliffs above Sani<br />

G. longicollis pale yellow Mahlasela Pass<br />

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<strong>Flowers</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>Africa's</strong> <strong>Drakensberg</strong> <strong>Mountains</strong> Tour Report<br />

Scientific name Common name/description Location<br />

G. lotoniensis ** Loteni Gladiolus Witsieshoek<br />

G. papillio Butterfly Gladiolus roadside stop<br />

G. parvulus small pink flowers Sani Hotel<br />

G. pubigerus small yellow flowers Sani<br />

Hesperantha sp. small red flowers Lesotho<br />

Moraea albicuspa white Witsieshoek<br />

M. alpina blue/white Mahlasela Pass<br />

M. alticola large yellow flowers Oxbow<br />

M. brevistyla white Witsieshoek, common<br />

M. inclinata blue Witsieshoek<br />

M. stricta blue Oxbow<br />

Romulea thodei red flowers Witsieshoek etc<br />

Tritonia disticha Red Tritonia Suikerbosrand & Umgeni<br />

T. lineata Yellow Tritonia Oribi Gorge<br />

Watsonia bachmannii ** yellow orange flowers Umtamvuna<br />

W. confusa Tall Watsonia Umtamvuna<br />

W. densiflora Natal Watsonia Umgeni<br />

W. lepida pink flowers Witsieshoek<br />

W. pillansii ** orange flowers Umtamvuna<br />

W. umtamvunae** small pale pink flowers Umtamvuna<br />

Orchidaceae<br />

Corycium dracomontanum green lip Witsieshoek and Sani<br />

C. nigrescens Black faced Orchid Witsieshoek etc<br />

Cyrtorchis arcuata epiphyte, lvs only Umtamvuna<br />

Disa dracomontana pink flowers Oxbow<br />

D. stachyiodes purple flowers Witsieshoek<br />

D. versicolor dense spike, red/pink fls Sani Hotel<br />

D. crassicornus large white/pink flowers Sani<br />

D. thodei white/pink flowers Lesotho<br />

Disperis fanninae Granny Bonnet Tugela Forest<br />

D. renibractea large bracts Witsieshoek<br />

Eulophia angolensis yellow flowers, tall Oribi<br />

E. ensata tall, glob. yellow flowerheads Midmar<br />

E. foliosa green flowers Sani Hotel<br />

E. ovalis sepals brown common<br />

E. welwitschii showy yellow fls Midmar<br />

E. zeyheriana green/brown flowers Tugela<br />

Habenaria clavata showy green/white flowers Umgeni<br />

H. dives small white flowers Sani waterfall<br />

H. epipactidea creamy green flowers Sani waterfall<br />

H. lithophyla green flowers Oribi<br />

Neobolusia tysonii tiny, broad white lip Royal Natal<br />

Polystachia ottoniana epiphytic on Podocarpus Tugela<br />

Rangaeris muscicola ephiphitic (lvs only) Umtamvuna<br />

Satyrium cristatum white blotched red Tugela<br />

S. hallackii robust, pink Sani<br />

S. longicauda white-pink flowers common<br />

S. neglectum Pink Candle common<br />

S. parviflorum green Tugela<br />

S. ligulatum white flowers, brown tips Tugela<br />

Schizochilus flexuosus small, white flowers Witsieshoek<br />

S. zeyheri bright yellow Umtamvuna<br />

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<strong>Flowers</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>Africa's</strong> <strong>Drakensberg</strong> <strong>Mountains</strong> Tour Report<br />

Scientific name Common name/description Location<br />

Poaceae<br />

Agrostis lachnantha Bent Grass Tugela<br />

Alloteropsis semialata Black Seed Grass roadside<br />

Brachiaria brizantha Common Signal Grass common<br />

Chloris virgata Featherhead Chlorus Suikerbosrand<br />

Cymbopogon excavatus Common Turpentine Grass Suikerbosrand<br />

Cynodon dactylon stoleniferous grass common on lawns<br />

Digitaria eriantha Common Finger Grass roadsides<br />

Eleusine coracana Goose Grass Heidelberg<br />

Eragrostis curvula Weeping Love Grass Suikerbosrand<br />

E. gummerifera Gum Grass roadside<br />

Harpochloa falx Caterpillar Grass Witsieshoek<br />

Hyparrhenia hirta Common Thatching Grass Natal grasslands<br />

Imperata cylindrica Cotton Wool Grass damp roadsides<br />

Melinis repens Natal Red Top Suikerbosrand<br />

Merxmuellera drakensbergensis forming tussocks dom. in alpine grassland<br />

Miscanthus capensis Daba Grass Tugela streamsides<br />

Panicum natalense Natal Panicum roadsides<br />

Phragmites australis Common Reed common<br />

Sorghum bicolor Common Wild Sorghum Suikerbosrand<br />

Sporobolus festivus Red Dropseed roadsides<br />

Stiburus alopecuroides red spikes roadsides<br />

Themeda triandra Red Grass dom. on much <strong>of</strong> <strong>Drakensberg</strong><br />

Thamnocalamus tessellates Berg Bamboo Tugela & Sani Hotel<br />

Strelitziaceae<br />

Strelitzia Nicolai Wild Banana coast and Umtamvuna<br />

Velloziaceae<br />

Xerophyta viscosa Small Black Stick Lily Witsieshoek<br />

Xyridaceae<br />

Xyris capensis ** Common Xyris, yellow fls. Umtamvuna<br />

Dicotyledons<br />

Acanthaceae<br />

Crabbea hirsuta Prickle Head Umgeni<br />

Ruttya ovata shrub, white flowers Umgeni<br />

Thunbergia atriplicifolia Natal Primrose Midmar and Umgeni<br />

T. neglecta yellow flowers Umgeni<br />

Aizoaceae<br />

Delosperma hirtum magenta, white centre Sani<br />

D. lavisiae Mountain Vygie Witsieshoek<br />

D. lineare ** white flowers Umtamvuna<br />

D. subpetiolatum Trailing Vygie, lvs. Red Umtamvuna<br />

Carpobrotus dimidiatus Natal Dune Vygie coast<br />

Anacardiaceae<br />

Rhus dentata Nana Berry common<br />

R. lancea Willow Rhus Suikerbosrand<br />

Apiaceae<br />

Alepidea amatymbica Giant Alepidea Umgeni<br />

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<strong>Flowers</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>Africa's</strong> <strong>Drakensberg</strong> <strong>Mountains</strong> Tour Report<br />

Scientific name Common name/description Location<br />

A. natalensis shorter than above common:Witsiehoek<br />

Bupleurum mundii yellow flowers common:Witsieshoek<br />

Polemannia simplicior round shrub Sani roadside<br />

Apocynaceae<br />

Carrisa bispinosa evergreen shrub Tugela Forest<br />

Araliaceae<br />

Cussonia paniculata Mountain Cabbage Tree Suikerbosrand<br />

C. spicata Common Cabbage Tree Umgeni<br />

Asclepiadaceae<br />

Asclepias gibba Humped Turret Flower Midmar<br />

Gomphocarpus physocarpus round inflated fruit Midmar: common<br />

Pachycarpus appendiculatus Soccer Ball Midmar & Oribi<br />

P. grandiflorus large speckled flowers Umtamvuna<br />

Riocreuxia torulosa climbing Dutchman's Pipe' Tugela<br />

Schizoglossum atropurpureum black flowers Tugela<br />

S. hamatum large dark flowers Tugela<br />

Xysmalobium stockenstromense green flowers Suikerbosrand<br />

Asteraceae<br />

Arctotheca populifolia Beach Pumpkin coastal sands<br />

Arctotis arctotoides yellow flowers, mat forming Mahlasela Pass<br />

Athrixia angustissima daisy like flowers common<br />

A. fontana white carpets in marshes Lieshoek<br />

Artemesia afra Wormwood common: roadsides etc<br />

Aster erucifolius prostrate, pink fls. Mahlasela Pass<br />

A. harveyanus pink flowers Suikerbosrand<br />

Berkheya cirsiifolia flowers yellow/white Witsieshoek<br />

B. echinacea straw coloured bristles Suikerbosrand<br />

B. multijuga Berg Thistle common in mountains<br />

B. purpurea ** flowers pale purple Witsieshoek & Lesotho<br />

B. rhapontica yellow flowers, felted leaves Tugela<br />

B. rosulata large clumps <strong>of</strong> yellow fls. Witsieshoek<br />

B. setifera prickly basal leaves,yellow fls. Tugela<br />

B. speciosa leaves basal, tall, yellow fls. Suikerbosrand<br />

Brachyleana discolor tree or shrub coastal dunes<br />

Chrysanthemoides monilifera shrub Tugela<br />

Chrysochoma ciliata dominant aromatic shrub Lesotho<br />

Cotula padulosa summit bogs Lesotho<br />

C. socialis summit bogs Lesotho<br />

Dimorphotheca jacunda magenta rays Tugela & Witsieshoek<br />

Eumorphia prostrata dominant on summit grassland Lesotho<br />

Euryops decumbens shrublet Kotisephola Pass<br />

E. evansii shrub, showy yellow flowers Sani Pass<br />

E. laxus ** perennial, showy yellow fls. Sani<br />

E. tysonii shrub, showy yellow fls. Sani Top and Bottom<br />

Felicia drakensbergensis shrub, intense blue flowers Mahlasela Pass<br />

F. filifolia fine leaves, shrub Witsieshoek<br />

F. rossulata solitary mauve flowers Witsieshoek<br />

F. quinquenervia herb, pink flowers Witsieshoek<br />

F. uliginosa dwarf, mat-forming Kotisephola Pass<br />

Gazania krebsiana yellow flowers Mah. Pass to Oxbow etc<br />

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<strong>Flowers</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>Africa's</strong> <strong>Drakensberg</strong> <strong>Mountains</strong> Tour Report<br />

Scientific name Common name/description Location<br />

G. ringens sand coloniser coast<br />

Haplocarpa scaposa solitary yellow flowers Tugela<br />

H. nevosa mats in marshy places Oxbow<br />

High Alpine Helichrysums forming mats or cushions<br />

Helichrysum albo-brunneum white flowers, dark tipped Mahlasela Pass<br />

H. album white, sol. flowers, red inside Kotisephola Pass<br />

H. bellum solitary white fls. Kotisephola Pass<br />

H. flanagannii grey, mats, yellow fls. Mahlasela & Kotisephola<br />

H. lineatum grey mats, yellow/brown fls. Mahlasela Pass<br />

H. marginatum mat-forming, lvs.white margin Witsiesnoek & Mahlasela Pass,<br />

H. milfordiae red rev. <strong>of</strong> white ray florets Kotisephola Pass<br />

H. pagophyllum hard cushion yellow fls. Kotisephola Pass<br />

H. sessilioides cushion forming, white fls. Malasela & Kotisephola<br />

H. sutherlandii grey foliage, white clust.<strong>of</strong> fls Sani roadside<br />

Herbaceous Helichrysums<br />

H. appendiculatum Sheep's Ears Everlasting Tugela and Umtamvuna<br />

H. aureum var. serotinum yellow flowers Witsieshoek<br />

H. auriceps inflor. tight golden ball Suikerbosrand<br />

H. ecklonis solitary white and pink fls Lesotho and Umtamvuna<br />

H. herbaceum Monkey Tail Everlasting Tugela and Umgeni<br />

H. mundtii covering hillside Umgeni<br />

H. spiralepis cudweed-like Witsieshoek<br />

H. subglomeratum yellow fls. Witsieshoek<br />

Helichrysum Shrubs<br />

Helichryum tenax sub-shrub, yellow fls. Sani<br />

H. trilineatum dom. arom. shrub, yellow fls. Lesotho<br />

Inulanthera thodei tall strg scented shrub, yellow fls Mahlasela Pass<br />

Phymasperma acerosum large shrub Lesotho<br />

Relhania pungens bushy herb, yellow flowers Umtamvuna<br />

Senecio barbata purple coltsfoot Witsieshoek<br />

S. decurrens grey leaves, tall Mahlasela Pass<br />

S. isatideus tall yellow fls. common: roadsides<br />

S. macrocephalus Mountain Senecio, magenta Lesotho marsh<br />

S. macrospermus lge.silver herb cov. hillsides Sani Pass<br />

S. polyodon magenta flowers marshes, Lesotho<br />

S. oxyriifolius peltate leaves Suikerbosrand<br />

Stoebe vulgaris Bankrupt Bush Suikerbosrand<br />

Ursinia tenuiloba yellow fls. reddish reverse Mahlasela Pass<br />

Vernonia hirsuta flat inflor., magenta Tugela<br />

V. natalensis Silver Vernonia Suikerbosrand<br />

Zinnia peruviana orange flowers Suikerbosrand<br />

Begoniaceae<br />

Begonia sutherlandia orange flowers Tugela and Umtamvuna<br />

Boraginaceae<br />

Afrotysonia glochidiata tall branched herb Tugela and Umgeni<br />

Myosotis semiamplexicaulis bright blue Forget me Not Lesotho roadside<br />

Brassicaceae<br />

Heliophila formosa pink flowers Witsieshoek<br />

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<strong>Flowers</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>Africa's</strong> <strong>Drakensberg</strong> <strong>Mountains</strong> Tour Report<br />

Scientific name Common name/description Location<br />

Balsaminaceae<br />

Impatiens hochstetteri pink flowers Tugela Forest<br />

Cactaceae<br />

Rhipsalis baccifera Mistletoe Cactus Umtamvuna<br />

Campanulaceae<br />

Craterocapsa congesta prostrate, blue term fls. Witsieshoek<br />

C. tarsodes prostrate, fls. in leaf axils Tugela<br />

Monopsis decipiens Butterfly monopsis Umtamvuna<br />

Wahlenbergia cuspidata blue flowers mountain grassland<br />

W. krebbsii blue fls., fine leaves Tugela<br />

Caryophyllaceae<br />

Cerastium arabidis white flowers Mahlasela Pass<br />

Dianthus basuticus Lesotho Dianthus Suikerbosrand & Oxbow<br />

D. zeyheri Wild Dianthus Umgeni<br />

Silene bellidioides white flowers Tugela and Sani<br />

Celastraceae<br />

Maytenus heterophylla Common Spike Thorn Umgeni<br />

Dalbergia obovata Flat bean, tree, Umgeni<br />

Convolvulaceae<br />

Ipomea crassipes large pink flowers Suikerbosrand and Umgeni<br />

I. pres caprae sand binder coast<br />

Crassulaceae<br />

Cotyledon orbiculata Pigs' Ears Lesotho<br />

Crassula dependens flat inflorescence, white common<br />

C. natalensis white-pink flat inflorescence Oxbow<br />

C. nudicaulis succulent leaves Suikerbosrand<br />

C. peploides prostrate in marshes Oxbow<br />

C. setulosa mat-forming common: mountain rocks<br />

C. vaginata yellow flowers Witsieshoek<br />

Dipsacaceae<br />

Cephalaria galpiniana white flowers Witsieshoek<br />

Scabiosa columbaria Wild Scabious common<br />

Droseraceae<br />

Drosera madagascariensis long petiole Umtamvuna<br />

D. natalensis Sundew Tugela & Umtamvuna<br />

Ebenaceae<br />

Diospyros whyteana evergreen shrub Tugela forest<br />

Euclea natalensis Dune Bush coast<br />

Ericaceae<br />

Erfica caffrorum white flowers Tugela<br />

E. cooperi pink flowers Oxbow<br />

E. woodii Pink Heath Tugela<br />

10 © <strong>Naturetrek</strong> January 09

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<strong>Flowers</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>Africa's</strong> <strong>Drakensberg</strong> <strong>Mountains</strong> Tour Report<br />

Scientific name Common name/description Location<br />

Euphorbiaceae<br />

Acalypher punctata leafy herb Tugela<br />

Euphorbia clavarioides** cushion, yellow flowers rocks above Sani<br />

E. epicyparissias shrub Tugela and Lesotho<br />

E. ericoides yellow-red flowers Suikerbosrand<br />

E. striata delicate herb roadside<br />

Fabaceae<br />

Acacia caffra Hook Thorn Umgeni<br />

A. karoo Sweet Thorn Suikerbosrand:common<br />

A. sieberana Paperbark Acacia Umgeni<br />

Aspelanthus chortophylla Tea Bush (blue pods) Umtamvuna<br />

Bauhinia galpinii Red Bauhinia (shrub) Umgeni and Midmar<br />

Calpurnia sericea shrub, yellow-red flowers Tugela<br />

Chamaecrista comosa Trailing Dwarf Cassia Umtamvuna<br />

Dalbergia obovata Flat-Bean Tree Umgeni<br />

Desmodium dregeanum shrubby, red flowers Umtamvuna<br />

Erythrena humeana ** Dwarf Coral Tree Umgeni<br />

Indig<strong>of</strong>era foliosa leafy shrublet Sani Hotel<br />

I. hedyantha shrub, red flowers Umgeni<br />

I. hilaris Red Indigo Bush common: grassland<br />

Indigastrum fastigiatum herb, pink flowers Umtamvuna<br />

Lessertia perennans shrub, pink flowers Sani<br />

Lotononis galpinii prostrate shrublet Witsieshoek & Oxbow<br />

L. lotonoides shrub, blue fls., yellow keel Sani roadside<br />

L. pulchella blue flowers Sani roadside<br />

L. sericophylla grey shrub, blue flowers Tugela<br />

Pearsonia sessifolia shrublet, yellow/brown fls. Umtamvuna<br />

Pseudarthria hookeri Bug Catcher Umgeni<br />

Rafnia elliptica shrub, yellow flowers Umtamvuna<br />

Sphenostylis angustifolia Wild Sweetpea Bush Umgeni<br />

Sutherlandia montana Mountain Balloon Pea Sani<br />

Trifolium burchellianum Clover common in grassland<br />

Vigna unguiculata trailing pink flowers Umgeni<br />

V. vexillata trailing pink flowers Midmar<br />

Fumariaceae<br />

Cysticarpnos pruinose Wild Fumaria Sani Pass<br />

Gentianaceae<br />

Chironia palustris pink flowers Suikerbosrand<br />

Sebaea sedoides yellow flowers Lesotho<br />

S. thodeana white flowers Mahlasela Pass<br />

Geraniaceae<br />

Geranium caffrum white/pale pink fls. Tugela<br />

G. drakensbergensis blue- purple flowers Sani Pass Road<br />

G. multisectum mat-forming Mahlasela Pass & Oxbow<br />

G. pulchrum silvery sub shrub Sanni roadside<br />

Monsonia attenuata white veined flowers common in grassland<br />

Pelargonium acraeum Horseshoe Pelargonium Sani Waterfall<br />

P. luridum Tall Pelargonium Suikerbosrand and Umgeni<br />

Gesneraceae<br />

© <strong>Naturetrek</strong> January 09 11

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<strong>Flowers</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>Africa's</strong> <strong>Drakensberg</strong> <strong>Mountains</strong> Tour Report<br />

Scientific name Common name/description Location<br />

Streptocarpus gardenii violet flowers Tugela forest<br />

S. polyanthus large leaf, pale violet fls. Umgeni Gorge.<br />

S. pusillus ** spike, many white fls Suikkerbosrand<br />

S. pentherianus ** small white-violet flowers Tugela Forest<br />

S. sp. small blue fls Oribi gorge<br />

Goodeniaceae<br />

Scaevola plumieri shrub coast<br />

Greyiaceae<br />

Greya sutherlandii Natal Bottlebrush Tree common<br />

Gunneraceae<br />

Gunnera purpensa Wild Rhubarb common: streamsides<br />

Hypericaceae<br />

Hypericum aethiopicum yellow flowers Tugela<br />

Lamiaceae<br />

Aeollanthus parvifolius prostrate on rocks Umtamvuna<br />

Ajuga ophrydis Bugle Suikerbosrand<br />

Mentha longifolia Horse Mint waterfall: Lesotho<br />

Leonotis intermedia Broad leaved Leonotis Suikerbosrand & Umgeni<br />

L. leonurus narrow leaves Umgeni<br />

Plectranthus calycinus fls. creamy, tipped purple Tugela<br />

P. grallatus white-pink flowers Tugela<br />

Stachys aethoiopica massed along path Witsieshoek<br />

Syncolostemon densiflorus Pink Plume Umgeni<br />

S. parviflorus flowers white-pinkish Umgeni<br />

Tinnea galpinii black flowers Umtamvuna<br />

Lentibulariaceae<br />

Genlisea hispidula blue flowers Umtamvuna<br />

Utricularia benjaminiana Bladderwort, white fls. Umtamvuna<br />

U. prehensilis Large Yellow Bladderwort Umtamvuna<br />

Lobeliaceae<br />

Cyphia elata erect perennial Umtamvuna<br />

C. tysonii twining herb Sani roadside<br />

Lobelia flaccida small blue flowers grassland<br />

L. galpinii carpets <strong>of</strong> bright blue fls. marsh: Lesotho<br />

L. presleii showy blue flowers Witsieshoek<br />

Monopsis unidentata orange flowers Umtamvuna<br />

Malvaceae<br />

Anisodontea julii ** shrub, pink flowers Suikerbosrand<br />

Hibiscus microcarpus large yellow flowers roadside stop<br />

H. tiliaceus tree coast<br />

H. trionum Bladder Hibiscus common<br />

Melastomataceae<br />

Dissotis princeps Purple Wild Tibouchina Tugela & Umtamvuna<br />

Meliaceae<br />

12 © <strong>Naturetrek</strong> January 09

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<strong>Flowers</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>Africa's</strong> <strong>Drakensberg</strong> <strong>Mountains</strong> Tour Report<br />

Scientific name Common name/description Location<br />

Turraea obtusifolia tree: white flowers coast<br />

Menispermaceae<br />

Cissampelos tortulosa yellow flowered climber Tugela Forest<br />

Moraceae<br />

Ficus natalensis Wild Fig Umgeni<br />

Myrsinaceae<br />

Rapanacea melanophloeos Cape Beech Umgeni<br />

Myrtaceae<br />

Eugenia capensis Dune Myrtle coast<br />

Syzygium cordatum Water Berry Umgeni and Umtamvuna<br />

Oleaceae<br />

Olea europaea subsp. Africana Wild Olive Suikerbosrand<br />

Oxalidaceae<br />

Oxalis obliquifolia Suikerbosrand and Tugela<br />

O. semiloba ** Sani Bottom<br />

O. smithiana ** Sani roadside<br />

Papaveraceae<br />

Papaver aculeatum orange flowers Oxbow and mtns.<strong>of</strong> Lesotho<br />

Polygalaceae<br />

Polygala gracilenta large purp. fls. Tugela<br />

P. hottentotta slender herb Suikerbosrand and Tugela<br />

P. myrtifolia dense shrub coast<br />

P. ohlendorfiana herb, bright red flowers Witsieshoek<br />

P. rhinostigma** tufted herb Suikerbosrand<br />

P. virgata slender shrub Drak. fynbos<br />

Polygonaceae<br />

Rumex woodii decorative red fruit Witsieshoek<br />

Proteaceae<br />

Leucodendron spissifolium Umtamvuna<br />

subsp. natalensis<br />

Protea caffra spread over hillsides common in fynbos<br />

P. dracomontana shrub Drak. fynbos<br />

P. ruppelliae Silver Sugarbush Tree Drak fynbos & Umtamvuna<br />

P. simplex dwarf shrub Sani Bottom & Umtamvuna<br />

P. subvestita narrow flower heads Drak. fynbos<br />

Ranunculaceae<br />

Ranunculus multifidus Common Buttercup Oxbow<br />

R. baurii round leaves common, wet grassland<br />

R. meyeri Bog Buttercup common<br />

Thalictrum rhynchocarpum Tugela Forest<br />

Rosaceae<br />

Alchemilla colura matt-forming Lesotho marsh<br />

© <strong>Naturetrek</strong> January 09 13

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<strong>Flowers</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>Africa's</strong> <strong>Drakensberg</strong> <strong>Mountains</strong> Tour Report<br />

Scientific name Common name/description Location<br />

Geum capensis yellow flowers Lesotho<br />

Leucosidea sericea shrub forms thickets in mtns.<br />

Rubus cuneifolius American Bramble: weed Sani Bottom<br />

R. ludwigii Silver Bramble Tugela<br />

R. x proteus spreading weed Umgeni<br />

Rubiaceae<br />

Burchellia bubaliana shrub Umtamvuna<br />

Pavetta gracilifolia ** prostrate shrub Umgeni<br />

Pentanisia angustifolia ** blue flowers Suikerbosrand<br />

P.prunelloides blue flowers common in grassland<br />

Rothmanniana capensis tree:strongly scented fls Umgeni<br />

.<br />

Rutaceae<br />

Clausena anisata Horsewood [strong scent] Tugela<br />

Calodendrum capense Cape Chestnut, pink fls. Tugela<br />

Sapotaceae<br />

Mimusops caffra Coast Milkwood common: dune forest<br />

Sideroxylon inerme tree dune forest<br />

Scrophulariaceae<br />

Alectra orobanchoides orange red flowers Umtamvuna<br />

Bucnera dura ** pink flowers Umtamvuna<br />

Cycnium racemosum pink showy flowers Tugela, Lesotho & Witsieshoek<br />

Diascia anastrepta trailing branched Sani<br />

D. barberaea large bright pink flowers Lesotho<br />

D. cordata ** sprawling herb Sani<br />

D. integerrima erect spikes rocky areas, Sani<br />

Glumicalyx goseloides Gooseneck Sani<br />

G. nutans smaller inflorescence Sani<br />

Halleria lucida Tree Fuschia Tugela<br />

Harveya. pulchra parasitic pink flowers Sani Road<br />

H. speciosa parasitic white flower Tugela<br />

Hebenstretia dura white spikes Mahlasela Pass<br />

Jamesbrittenia breviflora brick red fls. Sani<br />

J. jurassica prostrate, lilac flowers Kotisephola Pass<br />

J. pristisepala aromatic shrublet, blue fls. Witsieshoek and Lesotho<br />

Limosella vesiculosa white flowers, aquatic Mahlasela and Oxbow<br />

Lindernia conferta floating rosettes, white/purp.fls Lesotho<br />

Manulea platystigma yellow flowers Lesotho<br />

Nemesia caerulea blue flowers Lesotho<br />

N.rupicola pink flowers Lesotho<br />

Phygelius aequalis flower tubes straight Tugela<br />

P. capensis flower tubes curved Lesotho<br />

Selago densiflora branched herb, white flowers Suikerbosrand<br />

S. galpinii prostrate blue/violet fls Mahlasela & Kotisephola<br />

Sopubia cana Silvery Sopubia common<br />

S. simplex leafy stems, pink fls Suikerbosrand<br />

Striga bilabiata pink-red flowers common in grassland<br />

S. asiatica orange flowers Umgeni<br />

Zaluzianskya elongata long narrow inflor. mountain grassland<br />

Z. microsiphon pink buds, white flowers Tugela<br />

Z. natalensis terminal fls Witsieshoek and Oxbow<br />

14 © <strong>Naturetrek</strong> January 09

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<strong>Flowers</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>Africa's</strong> <strong>Drakensberg</strong> <strong>Mountains</strong> Tour Report<br />

Scientific name<br />

Common name/description Location<br />

Z. ovata shrublet Kotisephola roadside<br />

Solanaceae<br />

Solanum panduriforme shrublet, blue flowers Suikerbosrand<br />

S. retr<strong>of</strong>lexum white flowers common<br />

Sterculiaceae<br />

Dombeya rotundifolia Wild Pear Tree Royal Natal<br />

Hermannia lancifolia yellow flowers Suikerbosrand<br />

H. woodii red flowers Witsieshoek<br />

Thymelaceae<br />

Dais cotinifolia Pom pom Tree Tendele & Howick<br />

Gnidia anthylloides ** shrublet Umtamvuna<br />

G. caffra shrublet Suikerbosrand<br />

G. cuneata shrub Umtamvuna<br />

G. kraussiana Lesser Yellow Head Sterkfontein<br />

G. polyantha silky sub-shrub Sani<br />

G. triplinervis straggling shrub Umtamvuna<br />

Passerina filiformis shrub Umtamvuna<br />

Ulmaceae<br />

Celtis africana White Stinkwood Umgeni<br />

Verbenaceae<br />

Lippia javanica Lemon Bush Suikerbosrand<br />

Verbena aristigera Fine leaved Verbena roadside weed<br />

V.bonariensis Tall Verbena commonweed<br />

V. brasiliensis smaller Verbena common weed<br />

Valerianaceae<br />

Valeriana capensis Cape Valerian coast<br />

Violaceae<br />

Hybanthus enneaspermus large pink lower petal Umtamvuna<br />

Ferns<br />

Adiantum poiretii Fine Maidenhair Fern Tugela Forest<br />

Asplenium adiatum nigrumn Black Spleenwort Tugela<br />

Blechnum giganticum Tall Hard Fern Tugela<br />

Cheilanthes quadripinnata Tugela Gorge<br />

Cyanthea dregei Common Tree Fern Tugela and Umgeni<br />

Gleichenea unibractiflora creeping, climbing forked fern Tugela<br />

Mohria vestita Scented Fern v. common<br />

M. rigida upright fern Suikerbosrand<br />

Ophioglossum vulgatum Common Adder's Tongue Witsieshoek<br />

Pellaea calomelanos Blue Rock Fern common<br />

Pleopeltis macrocarpa Lance Fern epiphitic on trees<br />

Polystichum spp Shield Ferns<br />

Pteris catoptera Long tipped Pteris Tugela Forest<br />

P. cretica Avery Fern Tugela<br />

Lychopodium clavata Club Moss Tugela Forest<br />

© <strong>Naturetrek</strong> January 09 15

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<strong>Flowers</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>Africa's</strong> <strong>Drakensberg</strong> <strong>Mountains</strong> Tour Report<br />

Scientific name<br />

Zamiaceae<br />

Common name/description<br />

Location<br />

Encephalartos natalensis Natal Cycad Umgeni Gorge<br />

E. ghellinckii <strong>Drakensberg</strong> Cycad Tugela<br />

Stangeria eriopus Umtamvuna<br />

Conifers<br />

Podocarpaceae<br />

Podocarpus falcatus Outeniqua Yellowwood Umgeni<br />

P. henkelii Henkels Yellowwood Umgeni<br />

P. latifolius Real Yellowwood Umgeni<br />

Cupressaceae<br />

Widringtonia nodiflora Mountain Cypress common<br />

** seen in previous tours<br />

Main Field Guides Used<br />

Elsa Pooley A Field Guide to Wild <strong>Flowers</strong>: Kwazulu Natal and the Eastern Region<br />

Elsa Pooley Mountain <strong>Flowers</strong><br />

Elsa Pooley Trees <strong>of</strong> Natal<br />

Donald Killick The Flora <strong>of</strong> the Natal <strong>Drakensberg</strong><br />

Guide to Grasses <strong>of</strong> <strong>South</strong>ern Africa<br />

16 © <strong>Naturetrek</strong> January 09