Powered By Blogger

Friday, 18 April 2025

G - GREWIA OCCIDENTALIS

Good morning

It has been a few days. I was concerned that this would happen. Happily, I can report that there have been further important developments in our plans to emigrate and that is what has kept me busy for the past week. That and I have a bit of a cold, which does tend to drain my energy. I’m feeling much better today and can try to catch up with my A-Z of South African indigenous plants. 

‘G’ brings us a beautiful bush/tree, which is found across Southern Africa.


GREWIA OCCIDENTALIS 

Cross-berry (english) Kruisbessie (afrikaans) Mulembu (venda) Mokukutu (Tswana )Iklolo (zulu)

 


Grewia occidentalis, (common name: Crossberry or Lavender Star Flower) is a scrambling, deciduous shrub or a small tree of the family Malvaceæ, with attractive, rough, glossy, quite dark green leaves and trailing stems which grows wild in Limpopo, North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu Natal, Free State, Eastern Cape, Western Cape. It is found in fynbos, thicket, and savanna biomes, and also often in disturbed areas like roadsides or forest margins.

 


One reason for Grewia occidentalis’ survival is that it is highly adaptable, growing in both sandy and clay soils, and tolerates a range of rainfall conditions, from semi-arid to wetter climates. These areas are ideal for the plant with their evergreen forests as well as in the bushveld and thickets. However, it is an adaptable plant which easily grows in either sandy and clay soils and tolerates a range of rainfall conditions, from semi-arid to wetter climates. Ecologically, in the wild, its sprawling nature can stabilise soil in eroded areas.

 


The plant is best known for its striking star-shaped flowers, which are pinkish-purple to lavender, blooming from spring to early summer (September to January in South Africa). These are followed by distinctive four-lobed, orange-red berries, hence the name "crossberry." The dense growth of the many shoots and branches provides shelter for smaller wildlife. The red-mauve fruit grows up to 2cm in diameter. 




Grewia occidentalis grows up to 3 metres tall with rather slender glabrescent branchlets. Glabrescent was a completely new word for me, so I had to look it up. It’s an interesting process: According to Collins Dictionary, “the term is commonly used in botany to describe the development of plant parts, where initially hairy or downy surfaces may become smooth over time. For example, a stem might start with fine hairs but eventually become glabrous as it matures.”

 

CLASSIFICATION – NOT ENDANGERED

I’m happy to report that it has a very wide distribution and large population, and is, therefore, not currently experiencing any major threats with no significant future threats identified. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2018)[338].

 

GARDENING

Grewia occidentalis  bears gorgeous star-like lilac-pink flowers with a cluster of prominent, bright yellow stamens from October to January. It also bears distinctive, edible fruits which cluster together in a square or cross shape, making it a must for a natural wildlife garden. It is easy to either prune or use as a wall feature on a trellis. An important factor for smaller gardens is that the root system is not aggressive and can therefore be planted near buildings and paving.

The plant grows well in both sun and shade attracts birds and butterflies. 

SPECIALISED GARDENING

Here is something new and interesting which I found for those who find this type of thing as fascinating as I do – a demonstration on Instagram on how to bonsai the Grewia occidentalis.

 

https://www.instagram.com/davideasterbrookbonsai/




MEDICINAL

The Grewia species are valued in many traditional cultures for their medicinal virtues and magics. While scientific studies on Grewia occidentalis specifically are limited, related Grewia species contain flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids, which likely contribute to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. Traditional uses align with these properties, although modern validation is sparse. The main medicinal action appears to come from the mucilage that is found in the leaves, stems and roots, which have soothing and healing properties.

Pain Relief: Some communities use root or bark preparations to alleviate pain, including headaches or body aches, often consumed as a tea or extract.

 

Fertility and Reproductive Health: In certain traditions, parts of the plant, particularly the roots, are used in remedies to support fertility or treat gynaecological issues, although specifics vary by community.

 

Wound Healing: The leaves and bark are often used to treat wounds and skin ailments where the mucilage can be extracted by maceration. A common practice involves crushing fresh leaves or preparing a bark decoction to apply as a poultice or wash, believed to promote healing and reduce infection due to its astringent properties.

 

Digestive Issues: Infusions made from the roots or leaves have been used to address stomach complaints, such as diarrhoea or indigestion. The plant’s compounds are thought to have mild soothing or anti-inflammatory effects.

 

General Health: The pounded bark, when used regularly as a shampoo, is believed to prevent the hair from turning grey

 

Cultural Context: These uses are primarily documented among groups like the Xhosa, Zulu, and Khoisan peoples, where Grewia occidentalis is valued not just for medicine but also for its spiritual significance in some rituals. Knowledge of its preparation is often passed down orally, with exact recipes or methods differing by region and healer.

 

EDIBLES

The fruit is quite pleasant to eat raw. In certain areas where the sugar content of the fruits is high, they are collected and dried for later use. The ripe fruit is used in certain areas to brew a potent beer. The dried fruits are sometimes boiled in milk to make a delicious bush milkshake!

Crossberries

 

OTHER USES

The wood is used, among others, for making bows, walking sticks, and spear shafts.


 

Zulu Iklwa - Stabbing Spear

 

SOURCES:

https://randomharvest.co.za

https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Grewia+occidentalis

https://plantmaster.com

https://www.instagram.com/davideasterbrookbonsai/  

https://en.wikipedia.org/  

https://x.com/i/grok

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday, 10 April 2025

NO 'G'O TODAY

Good evening

So go the vagiaries of life in South Africa. Today's episode may give you an idea of why leaving South Africa is not a whim but a serious life-decision. Crime is out of control and we are vulnerable at all times. Very sad. I will have to try and make up for my inability to do justice to 'G' on our alphabetical sojourn into South African indigenous flora. 

Our power went off at 06:00 this morning and came back at 17:00. This doesn't leave me with enough time to put out a reasonable blog today. I haven't even decided on which plant to showcase, let alone doing all the research that needs to be done. Sigh.

Apart from the entire suburb having no power, we have something which is, unfortunately, all too commonplace. The copper was stolen at 01:00-ish from one of the electrical poles on our street. 

Cable theft in Johannesburg generated by Grok xAI

We have avoided such incidents previously because a group of neighbours in our street had cameras installed with a security company for online monitoring. Needless to say, they failed. An alarm should be triggered if there is any unusual activity in the street. This would have armed guards mobilised and on site within a few minutes—well, that was the sales pitch, in any event. Clearly, criminals are neither threatened nor deterred by the presence of cameras. I think they may have been testing response times by the security company, which have been way too long in most cases, and work within those timeframes to do whatever they wish.

Grok, created by xAI, defines the issue thus:

Electrical cable theft, particularly copper cable theft, is a significant and ongoing problem in Gauteng, South Africa, and across the country more broadly. Here's what I can tell you based on the information available up to April 10, 2025:

Gauteng, as South Africa's economic hub, has been heavily impacted by cable theft due to the high demand for copper on illicit markets. Criminals target electrical infrastructure like power cables, transformers, and substations because copper is valuable, relatively easy to steal, and has a high resale value, often sold to scrap metal dealers or exported. This crime affects multiple sectors, including electricity providers like Eskom and City Power, telecommunications companies, and transportation networks.

In Gauteng specifically, the problem has led to widespread disruptions. For instance, Johannesburg's City Power reported over 2,000 incidents of cable theft and vandalism in a single year (as noted in mid-2023), costing millions of rands in repairs and security measures. Eskom, the national power utility, has also highlighted losses of billions annually due to cable theft, with Gauteng being a hotspot. A notable effort to combat this was reported in early 2025, where Gauteng authorities shut down over 1,500 businesses linked to copper theft, arresting hundreds in the process. Despite these crackdowns, the issue persists, often exacerbated during load shedding when criminals take advantage of power outages to strike.

The consequences are severe: prolonged power outages, disrupted traffic signals (with a quarter of Johannesburg’s traffic lights affected over four years), and downtime for mobile networks like Vodacom and MTN, which lose hundreds of millions annually to theft and vandalism. Eskom has even started replacing stolen copper cables with less desirable materials to deter thieves. Communities suffer too, with outages leaving homes and businesses in the dark, sometimes for days, and posing safety risks from live wires left exposed.

Theft isn’t just a petty crime here—it’s often organized, with syndicates involved, and has been labeled economic sabotage by officials. New laws, like the Energy Regulation Amendment Bill signed in 2024, now impose harsh penalties: up to 10 years in prison or fines of R5 million for those caught damaging infrastructure or receiving stolen goods. Yet, enforcement remains a challenge given the scale and the involvement of desperate individuals, drug addicts, and sophisticated gangs.

"What does the security company have to say for itself?" I hear you ask. Good question with a very sad answer—absolutely nothing. They’re quite happy to take our money every month, but ‘accountability’? No. They’re never to blame for non-response—because this is far from the first incident where they’ve failed to provide the service for which we pay.

Ah, well! Another fine day in South Africa.

I cannot pray hard enough for this really lengthy process to be over and for us to be in Portugal where we will feel safe and will enjoy utilities and facilities which actually work.




Wednesday, 9 April 2025

F - FREYLINIA VISSERI - CRITICALLY ENDANGERED

Good evening

I have, sadly, found another beautiful indigenous South African plant which is on the verge of extinction in the wild. Although I'm thoroughly going through the alphabet of indigenous South African flora, it doesn't do my heart any good to find so many beautiful specimens nearing extinction and, once again, have to thank those with the foresight to cultivate it for domestic enjoyment. Without their intervention, we would have lost this magnificent plant entirely.

Watercolour drawing by Ellaphie Ward-Hilhorst

The sources which I have provided at the end of this post – from the initial research and investigations to gardening tips should you wish to adorn your garden with this lovely plant - give so much more information than I have space for on this Blog and are all well worth a visit.

CONSERVATION STATUS

 

Freylinia visseri is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) on the Red List of South African Plants (http://redlist.sanbi.org). In 1954 the owner of Volstruisvlei, a wheat farm in the Hermanuskraal area, enlarged his wheat field and in the process destroyed that whole population of plants. Mr Visser, who realized the rarity of this species, quickly collected four of the ploughed up plants and planted them in his garden at Grootklipfontein (Aurora), where two survived. This species might have been extinct if it weren't for the efforts of Mr Floors Visser. 

 


FREYLINIA VISSERI – CRITICALLY ENDANGERED


Higher Classification            Dicotyledons

Family                                     SCROPHULARIACEAE

Common Names                    Sandveld Honey-bells (e)

 

DERIVATION OF NAME AND HISTORICAL ASPECTS

The genus Freylinia was named after Count L. de Freylino. The Count was the owner of a famous garden in Buttigliera near Marengo in Italy in the early 19th century. The species name refers to Mr Floors Visser, who through his insight and actions, saved the plant from possible extinction. There are nine species of Freylinia in South Africa of which F. tropica, F. lanceolata and F. undulata make beautiful garden plants. It is interesting to note that long before Mr Visser sent a specimen to Prof Compton, Carl Thunberg (1743-1828) had collected a specimen of this Freylinia on his travels in South Africa which is in the herbarium in Uppsala, Sweden, but he never named this plant or noted exactly where it he collected it.

A 1983 report by Ernst van Jaarsveld and Graham Duncan (included below) seems to have unfortunately not had the desired effect and the update by Ernst van Jaarsveld in 2023, gives the status and criteria for Freylinia-visseri as: Critically Endangered B1ab(ii,iii,iv,v)+2ab(ii,iii,iv,v); C2a(i,ii); D - Assessment Date 2021/01/21.

FREYLINIA VISSERI GROWING IN THE WILD - A Search and Rescue Report by Aleka Beaumont, researcher for the Flora Conservation Committee.


 
An article by Ernst van Jaarsveld and Graham Duncan of Kirstenbosch in the March 1983 edition of Veld Sr Flora, spoke of Freylinia visseri, a plant which had apparently become extinct in the wild but had been saved from total obliteration through cultivation. The species was originally collected by Mr Floris Visser who, in 1954, rescued some green sticks from a ploughed field on his uncle’s farm in the Velddrift district and planted them at his home in Aurora. Two of the plants survived and grew into large shrubs. In 1983 cuttings taken from these original plants were cultivated at Kirstenbosch and in March 1992 the Search and Rescue team planted approximately twenty samples of Freylinia visseri on the farm of their origin outside Velddrif. The plants were enclosed by a fence to prevent cattle grazing. Thus far eighteen have survived, a notable achievement considering the dry summer months gone by. Our exciting news is the recent discovery by Geoff Hemm (a nursery owner from Franschhoek) of a large population of FREYLINIA VISSERI GROWING IN THE WILD A Search and Rescue Report by Aleka Beaumont, researcher for the Flora Conservation Committee. Freylinia visseri growing in the wild on a farm near Hopefield. The population is extremely healthy, growing a few hundred metres from the northern banks of the Great Berg River and consists of approximately fifty adult plants on a 5 ha area of strandveld, surrounded by ploughed land. The Search and Rescue team is in the process of contacting the landowner in the hope of ensuring the continued survival of the population. Freylinia visseri is a very attractive multi-stemmed shrub which grows to approximately 3 m in height. Beautiful bell-shaped, purple flowers are carried on the tips of the branches in late spring and summer. The plant grows easily from cuttings or suckers in well-prepared sandy soil and is an ideal garden shrub for difficult and dry, sandy gardens and seaside gardens in both the southwestern and southern Cape. 

In situ and in danger from Rooibos trees

This 2023 update from Ernst van Jaarsveld, while including some encouraging developments, sadly details the demise of Freylinia-visseri in the wild due, not as Eucomis comosa (my previous post) to traditional medicines but to the encroachment of commercial farming as outlined below.

JUSTIFICATION   

A very rare, long-lived resprouter historically known from two localities. One subpopulation was lost to wheat cultivation in 1954. The other known subpopulation was ploughed in 2016 for Rooibos (Red Bush) tea cultivation. Only 15 mature individuals are left in the wild. The number of mature individuals has declined from 50 plants in 1992 to 15 plants in 2020. It therefore qualifies as Critically Endangered under criteria B, C and D.

DISTRIBUTION

Endemism -South African endemic

Provincial distribution - Western Cape

Range - This species occurs in Velddrif and Hopefield in the Western Cape, South Africa.

 

HABITAT AND ECOLOGY

Major system - Terrestrial

Major habitats - Saldanha Flats Strandveld, Hopefield Sand Fynbos

Description - Plants grow in deep coastal sands in Sandveld vegetation.

THREATS

Agriculture (wheat farming and potato farming) is a severe past and present threat. Only one of two known historical subpopulations remains. Wegloopersheuwel is a historic record which has now been ploughed. The only known subpopulation at Steenboksfontein was ploughed in 2016 for Rooibos tea cultivation. It had a population of less than 50 individuals, on an island patch between wheat fields and cattle pasture. The farmer had intentions to plough the site to plant potatoes (D. Raimondo pers. comm. with farmer 2005). The future of the species at this site is uncertain. CREW visited the Steenboksfontein site in 2020 and 15 plants had resprouted but occur in a rooibos tea cultivated field. Several surveys have been done on neighbouring farms and no other subpopulations have been found thus far.

POPULATION

The only known subpopulation is currently at the Steenboksfontein farm where it was ploughed up in 2016. 15 plants have resprouted and this species is at high risk of extinction. Several surveys have been conducted in adjacent areas with similar habitats. In the past CREW has monitored this population several times and it has declined from ± 50 plants in 2006 when it was first monitored to between 26 and 30 plants in 2009. When it was ploughed in 2016 we suspected that the population was extinct but fortunately 15 plants resprouted. A second historically known subpopulation was lost to ploughing 1954, it was reintroduced at this site and while 12 plants survive from the reintroduction monitoring in 2023 indicate that no plants have yet recruited and so this reintroduced subpopulation is not considered when calculating population size. The population trend is declining and has become extinct in the wild.

GARDENING

On to the saviours of Freylinia visseri, not in its natural habitat, to be sure but saved from extinction in gardens around the world.

LIFESPAN AND FLOWERING PERIOD

Freylinia visseri has a fascinating lifecycle that spans approximately 1-2 years from seed or cutting to maturity. This timeframe allows the plant to develop its full size and establish a robust presence in your garden. It can live for several years and reaches a height of 1 to 2 metres (3 to 6 feet). Its moderate growth rate means it reaches mature dimensions in about 2-3 years. Flowering typically occurs in late spring to summer, showcasing the plant's beauty. After flowering, seed production begins, allowing for natural propagation and the continuation of the species.

WILDLIFE

Pollinators: Nectar filled flowers attract Sunbirds and insects to the garden. It is a magnet for bees and butterflies, enhancing your garden's biodiversity.

BENEFITS

Drought-Tolerant: It thrives in dry conditions, so is perfect for that often-neglected corner of your garden.

Perennial: It retains foliage throughout the seasons, adding visual interest no matter the time of year.

Privacy: Since they are easy to prune, Freylinia visseri planted as a hedge create a beautiful, natural barrier.

Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care while still delivering stunning results.

___________________________________________________________________

Sources:

http://redlist.sanbi.org/species.php?species=1050-9

https://journals.co.za/doi/pdf/10.10520/AJA00423203_1246

https://journals.co.za/doi/pdf/10.10520/AJA00423203_2496

https://af.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freylinia_visseri

https://greg.app/freylinia-visseri-overview/

https://strangewonderfulthings.com/470.htm

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/586046-Freylinia-visseri

https://pza.sanbi.org/freylinia-visseri

https://www.randomharvest.co.za/


 

Tuesday, 8 April 2025

E - EUCOMIS-COMOSA - ENDANGERED

Good evening

This is a bit of a different post today. It is less about my experiences and more about the classifications, distribution and habitats of the Eucomis-comosa which is on the seriously endangered list of South African wild plants. A lot of the information has been included as it is in the source documents, rather than my trying to include my own perspectives. Luckily the plant is now being cultivated for domestic garden use, otherwise this beautiful plant would disappear. All sources for the material are included at the end of the post.


ENDANGERED

Slender Pineapple Flower (English)Krulkoppie (Afrikaans)

The Eucomis comosa is on the ‘Red List’ of endangered plant species.




Eucomis comosa, commonly known as the pineapple Flower or Lily, is native to the grassland on the hillsides of KwaZulu Natal and the Eastern Cape of South Africa. It features a basal rosette of strap-shaped, linear, wavy-edged, purple-spotted, dark green leaves which spread upward and outward to 24". The genus name also comes from the tuft of foliage, but in this case, the name compares it to a tuft of hair: "Eucomis" combines the Greek words “eu,” meaning good, and “come,” meaning hair.

Family - Asparagus
Order - Asparagus and allies
Class - Monocotyledons

TRADITIONAL MEDICINE

Eucomis comosa has been recorded in the Durban traditional medicine markets (e.g. von Ahlefeldt et al. 2003) and it may occur sporadically in the Johannesburg markets (it hasn't been positively identified there yet). It is, however, commonly traded in the Eastern Cape and not much of it can be found in the wild (A.P. Dold pers. comm., 2008).

Dold and Cocks (2002) list it as the 58th most common species in the Eastern Cape markets, but it is sold in small quantities. Some decline has probably occurred, but the extent and time frames aren't clear as the plant is being used for traditional medicines.

Traditional Medicine Benefits of Pineapple Lily

Although the bulb is toxic, traditional healers use decoctions in water or milk as enemas for lower back pain, stomach aches, colic and flatulence. It can also help relieve hangovers, treat syphilis, break fevers and induce birth. Compounds (flavonoids) found in the pineapple lily have antispasmodic actions and is anti-inflammatory and antifungal.

Research by the University of Natal found that the pineapple lily leaves of young plants and the bulbs and root extracts of older plants exhibited higher anti-inflammatory activity, with levels increasing towards the end of the growing season.

This further validates the use of both leaves and bulbs of the pineapple lily in treating fever and pain associated with inflammation. In addition, E. autumnalis is the most commonly used herbal remedy for post-operative recovery and the treatment of bone fractures in South Africa.

The pineapple lily bulb is one of the most popular medicines used by traditional healers and extensive wild harvesting has put the plant under threat of over-exploitation and extinction. A study showed that the average size of the bulbs sold for medicine decreased significantly between 1995 and 2001. This was believed to be an indication of overexploitation.

Medical Disclaimer

Information is for educational and informational purposes only and may not be construed as medical advice. The information is not intended to replace medical advice or treatment offered by healthcare professionals.

 


GARDENING

Domestic gardening will most likely be the saviour of this beautiful indigenous plant so I have added a lot of information for those who wish to cultivate it.

It grows best in full sun in either damp or dry spots. An excellent garden plant that looks particularly good amongst grasses. It also makes a good, long lasting cut flower. The spikes of sweetly scented, pink or maroon star-shaped flowers with attractive purple ovaries are borne from October to February.

Growth Rate: Fast Growing
Evergreen or Deciduous: Deciduous
Hardiness - Frost: Frost Hardy
Plant Type: Bulbs and Rhizomes
Position: Semi-shade, Sun - Afternoon, Sun - Full, Sun - Morning
Soil: Loamy - Compost rich Soil, well-drained
Garden Uses: Bird and bee friendly
Garden Uses: Container Plant, Cut Flower, Groundcover, Long Flowering, Small Gardens
Hardiness - Drought: Drought Hardy
Flower colour: Pink shades, Red shades
Garden type: Grassland Garden, Wildlife Garden

Garden Soil and Soil Type

Water: Originating from South Africa, pineapple lily thrives in well-drained, semi-arid conditions and is drought-tolerant. Water weekly during growth, with a dry rest post-flowering. Adequate sunlight and warmth support its unique flower spikes, which require proper water management for optimal blooming.

Fertilise: For optimal growth and flowering of pineapple lily, use balanced nutrition fertilizers monthly during active growth and switch to high-phosphorus formulas pre-bloom. Apply quarter-strength doses, avoiding over-fertilization. Cease fertilization in dormancy and adjust practices seasonally to align with pineapple lily's growth cycle.

Pruning: Pineapple lily, with its unique pineapple-like flowers, needs minimal pruning. Trim faded flower stalks in early to late spring for better health and growth. Removing dead or yellow leaves improves appearance and reduces pests. Proper timing is key to prevent disease and encourage new growth.

Propagation: Pineapple lily is propagated mainly through division by separating offsets from the parent bulb. Maintain root integrity when teasing out the smaller bulbs. Plant them in well-draining soil at the right depth to encourage successful establishment and root growth.

Propagation is by separating out the bulb-shoots when the bulb multiplies, seed or leaf cuttings. The pineapple lily is a beautiful garden plant, which is often planted in profusion in rockeries where they  tolerate poor soil and winter rain. They also do well in rich soil.


Sources:

http://redlist.sanbi.org/species.php?species=3790-4002

https://wildflowernursery.co.za/indigenous-plant-database/eucomis-comosa/

https://www.randomharvest.co.za/South-African-Indigenous-Plants/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eucomis_comosa

https://pza.sanbi.org/eucomis-comosa

https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=117930743

https://southafrica.co.za/

https://trecanna.com/

https://www.picturethisai.com/wiki/Eucomis_comosa.html

Monday, 7 April 2025

D - DELOSPERMA-LAVISIÆ

Good afternoon

For today’s blog, I’m going to concentrate on one species in the Delosperma genus – that of Delosperma-lavisiæ. This little plant seems to be so nondescript but when one sees a profusion of purple dressing a mountain, it can take one's breath away.


Delosperma (common name – Vygie)


That said, I need to include some information about the genus itself. In summer months in South Africa, many mountainsides in the Free State and Kwazulu Natal are adorned with carpets of tiny flowers, known locally as vygies, which glisten in the sunshine. These are Delosperma plants which, with their succulent, fleshy leaves, serve as water reservoirs, enabling them to thrive in dry conditions. The leaves come in various shapes, including cylindrical, linear, and those forming rosettes. The stems, like the leaves, are often fleshy and succulent, contributing to the plant's drought tolerance. While typically green, the leaves may take on reddish hues in the fall or under specific environmental conditions.

A prominent feature of Delosperma is its daisy-like flowers, which have numerous petals in a wide array of colours, ranging from pink, purple, orange, yellow, to white. There are also bi- or multi-coloured flowers, adding to their visual appeal. The flowering season is typically summer months, from late Spring to Autumn. The flowers close at night or on cloudy days, a fascinating behaviour which few other plants have adds to the plant's unique character.

Most Delosperma species are mat-forming, ground-hugging growth, which spreads to form a dense ground-cover. However as the genus includes many varieties some of which are slightly more upright or clustered.

An interesting and distinctive feature which sets Delosperma apart from other succulents is its unique seed capsules. Unlike most members of the Aizoaceae family, Delosperma seeds are exposed when the capsules open, and are not covered by a protective membrane..

Delosperma-lavisiæ (common name – Drakensberg Ice)

Drakensberg Mountains, Kwazulu Natal, South Africa

There are generally good reasons why I do or say certain things – I call it my ‘madness in my method’. This is one. I have many endearing and enduring memories which I have from my childhood. My parents were wonderful and engaged us in so many different aspects of life. My father, particularly, loved to engage us in adventures where we could often learn about different types of geography and flora. My parents would often pack up the family car and drive out somewhere in Natal for another weekend adventure.

The Drakensberg was always a favourite and we’d travel the few hundred miles overnight on a Friday to land up somewhere exciting for the weekend. During winter, we went to experience the snow – Durban has a warm coastal climate and wintertime meant wearing a cardigan so we didn’t often get to experience it. In summer months, we’d travel to be greeted by range upon range adorned with the beautiful purple flowers of Drakensberg Ice - Delosperma-lavisiæ.

Physical Characteristics of Delosperma-lavisiæ

 


Distribution: Eastern Cape, Kwazulu Natal

Natural Habitat: Rock sheets and on rocky outcrops and in stony places - growing as high as 2,650 m (8,700 ft) up in the Drakensberg mountains.

 


The Drakensberg boasts cosy inns, characterful hotels and wonderful wayside pubs which offer an ambience of comfort and country homeliness in the shadow of the High Berg. The nearest major city to the Drakensberg is Pietermaritzburg and Durban is a drive of only a few hours away. It is also a popular hiking destination. There are lots of lovely day walks and the more energetic could hike out for a few days or even a few weeks. The Drakensberg Traverse is quite difficult, but for those who have the time, inclination, energy and equipment, this 300km (180 mile) hike is a challenge and a delight.

 


Delosperma lavisiæ is an extremely hardy, mat forming succulent plant from high altitude areas of the Drakensburg. The small succulent leaves range from grey-green with brown tips in dry conditions to deep green when watered regularly. Purple-pink flowers which glisten in the sunlight bloom from November to March and attract a whole host of insects and are important ‘guardians’ of the ecosystem. They have succulent leaves and stems, which help them retain water in arid environments and grow close to the ground, forming mats that can spread up to three feet wide. It grows to a height of 5 to 10cm. An interesting snippet is that the high salt content of the leaves is said to reduce frost damage even in the coldest of conditions.


WILDLIFE

Plants for Pollinators: Honey bees and other insects readily visit the flowers to collect pollen.

Uses

Traditional: Used in traditional medicine

The plant is believed to have antibacterial and antifungal properties and is used to treat a range of ailments, including coughs, colds, and headaches.

GARDENING

Landscaping: Colourful groundcover for very hot, arid areas.

Plant in full sun, in very well drained soil, and do not overwater. It also does well as a showy container plant.

It makes a good spreading groundcover and does well planted in well-drained soil in a garden bed or rockery, where it will thrive under the harshest of conditions and be a lovely addition to a rockery, rocky outcrop or retaining block garden.

TRADITIONAL AND MEDICAL USES

Parts of the plant have been used in local communities as traditional medicine for treating skin conditions and digestive issues.

It also forms part of a group of plants called "intelezi" in Zulu, used to bring good luck.

Some species are used as magical plants to give those in possession of them powers to know in advance what their enemies are planning.

 ____________________________________________________________________

Sources – photographs and data:

https://www.randomharvest.co.za/South-African-Indigenous-Plants/Show-Plant/PlantId/1669?Plant=Delosperma-lavisiæ?Filter=All

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delosperma_lavisiæ

https://www.robsplants.com/plants/DelosLavis

https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:361510-1

https://www.bloomindesigns.com/brands/Delosperma.html

https://asucculent.com/18-types-of-popular-delosperma-pictorial-guide/

Bonus source: https://www.nature-reserve.co.za/south-africa-info-drakensberg.html