Calodendrum capense, umemezi omhlophe The Midlands forests are splashed with pink at the moment as the tall Cape Chestnut trees bloom in the canopy. Often, it is hard to get up close to the actual flowers, but if you are fortunate enough to do so, they are delicately spectacular. Swallowtail butterfly species breed on this…
Category: Flowers
Nkosi Nursery
The first tree name Alex March learned when studying horticulture was Erythrina lysistemon. The second was Citharexylum quadrangulare (a.k.a Fiddlewood). Fortunately, the indigenous coral tree had more appeal, and in a short time Alex became, by his own admission, an ‘indigenous nut’. Part of the course requirements was to learn the names of 2000 plants….
Red Hot Poker
The vleis and riverbanks of the Midlands are dotted with lovely orange wands at the moment, commonly called red hot pokers. Making the most of the abundant rain and watery wetlands. Two species of Kniphofia flower at this time of the year. In the midlands, K. linearifolia is common, whereas, in the Drakensberg, you will…
Senecio polyodon
Zulu name: ihubo Many marshy areas in the Midlands are a mass of mauve right now as this dainty Senecio blooms. Clearly the early rains this season suit the plant, as I have never seen it flowering quite so profusely. There are two species of this purple-headed Senecio growing together, so it is a little…
River Lily
Crinum bulbispermum Common name: Orange River Lily, Afrikaans name: Vleilielie, Sotho Name: lelutla, Zulu name: umnduze Found naturally on river banks, in wetlands and seasonal pans, this large bulb produces big pink and white striped flowers in springtime. Up to 16 trumpet-shaped flowers form one inflorescence on the tall stalk, opening in succession to reveal…
Natal crocus
Apodolirion buchananii, icukudwane. This enchanting little bulb (part of the Amaryllidaceae family) is one of the first grassland flowers to bloom in Spring. Usually, it is very obvious when fields have been burnt, but the small, solitary, white flowers are also easy to spot in dry, unburnt grass, as in the picture – the little…
An Impendle Summer
Plant enthusiasts find floral treasures wherever they wander. Sharp eyes spot interesting things along roadsides, on working farms and in residential areas – often in unexpected places. The Impendle area is rich in special flora. Kniphofia laxiflora are particularly spectacular, Plenty of Kniphofia buchananii . The altitude in Impendle is much higher than the surrounding midlands, so it…
Dainty Bauhinia
Bauhinia natalensis This pretty little Bauhinia has been flowering profusely in so many Midlands gardens this summer that it deserves a mention. It occurs naturally in Valley Bushveld in the Eastern Cape and on the Southern KZN coast. Bauhinia natalensis grows quickly to reach about 3m, needs little attention and is easily propagated from seed….
Ursinia tenuiloba
umuthi wezifuba Burnt grassland is dotted with cheerful clumps of this little daisy which open their faces to the sun each day. Each flower is on a single stalk, but the clump produces many flowers. The yellow petals are pinkish red underneath and it looks completely different when the flowers start to droop. The leaves…
Forest Pink Hibiscus
Hibiscus penduncularis, indola ebomvu This dainty Hibiscus is flowering profusely pink on these glorious autumn days. Naturally found in coastal forests, it thrives in semi-shade and is fast-growing, making it a must for a frost-free garden. The bright pink flowers, shaped like bells, produce a lot of pollen attracting many butterflies including Charaxes, nymphs, commodores…
Midlands Mosaic 