Rastafarian on Horseback

Rastafarian on Horseback
Outramps CREW Diaries
Tuesday
26th March 2019

Album 26th March 2019 - https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipMEd2Um4qOyf4-YbgEcP2iEUzwvhFl-3WbXWRY7rn4ZIcBLGz28NPYmoP6oosNoDQ?key=aUNOaXQ3YmtpX0VHdDZUbGw1LUgwelh5bUhGbk9B

For captions or info click on i on the top right-hand side. A good way to go - the Slideshow is found at the top of the page on the rt hand side by clicking on the 3 dots. Featured this week – Palmietdrift in the Langkloof, St Blaize Trail and Leucospermum winteri germinates in North Wales.

Palmietdrift Revisit
LOT decided to check out the deep ravine on the eastern part of the farm Palmiet Drift, as we had not explored this sufficiently on earlier occasions. While walking up to the ravine, we had to traverse the fields where Oom Sakkie is planting fruit trees. We were noting that in almost pure rock with little soil beneath it, this farmer produces tons of the most divine grapes, peaches, nectarines and others every year. Viva the farmers!

Every time we visit here we find different things flowering and this time it was a show of Brunsvigia striata (LC) in the very dry area that has had less than 10 mm of rain in the past month. The plants seem to prefer the lower reaches of a west slope.

Also present was the ubiquitous Aspalathus pedunculata (Rare) which we now call the trash plant. Yellow-flowering, Asteraceous plants seemed to dominate the landscape, but present in great numbers were Lotononis filiformis (EN) and Drosanthemum gracillimum (LC). Linum africanum (LC) was in full flower. Also spotted was a solifuge digging around furiously. Numerous Hermannia sp. nov. (Not evaluated) plants were also present (past their flowering time).

It was a lovely spot but getting back down was a challenge. I hope they get some solid, slow rain soon.

Priscilla

St Blaize Trail in Autumn
March 15th 2019
It was the perfect day to do the St Blaize Trail. It was slightly overcast, there was a pleasant cool breeze and there was a big sea running, with huge waves slamming themselves against the rocky coast-line and then rolling back in frustration at their lack of progress.

The land side of the trail is an abomination and Mossel Bay has no reason to congratulate itself. Huge, pretentious houses that are usually empty dominate the landscape. They used to be set back some distance, but they are creeping closer and closer to the coast. There is Golf Estate after Golf Estate and their irrigation overflow is destroying the vegetation. This is a criminal use of precious resources and land, in an area that should have been set aside as a Reserve for conservation. Posterity will not thank you for the dreadful legacy that you have left behind. The picture below the article, is taken below the Mossel Bay Golf Estate, where the whole surface is suppurating and the Proteioid Fynbos is completely destroyed, as Phragmites australis takes its place.

Heading east we kept our eyes on the ocean and the plants immediately around us, trying to ignore the degradation above. Acmadenia heterophylla remains a cheerful inhabitant along the trail. Brunsvigia orientalis was looking magnificent and there were lots of plants. Someone has done a brilliant job in the burnt area and lots of the Rooikrantz (Acacia cyclops) seedlings have been removed. The stunning Bobartia robusta show was over for the moment, but the plants were heavy with seed. Some Schotia afra remained in flower - a scarlet flash of colour in the green landscape.

Hypodiscus procurrens (Near Threatened) reflected the very dry conditions that persist in the Southern Cape. Surprisingly, Nicky managed to get an OK-ish pic of the plant, which is looking very un-photogenic. (?-ed). I also hope that the Metalasia seen along the way further towards the Lighthouse is going to turn out to be Metalasia erectifolia (Near Threatened).

By the time we reached the St Blaize Lighthouse, we were footsore and weary, after being on our feet for over 7 hours. A drink and delicious fish and chips at the unpretentious restaurant at the Point provided a fitting end to the day.

But it wasn't quite the end. Driving home on the N2, we approached the overhead bridge, which leads to Thembalethu. I very nearly crashed the car at the sight of a Rastafarian riding a horse at a spanking trot across it, weaving his way through pedestrians on the sidewalk. His hair, which was enclosed in typical Rastafarian style was bobbing vigorously at the same cadence as the trot. it made our day. ONLY IN AFRICA!

tanniedi

Leucospermum winteri
germinates in North Wales
As part of the 'Proteas With Altitude' project, we have just had our first germination of seeds of Leucospermum winteri. We think this may be the first time that seeds of this species have been germinated ex-situ, but would obviously be interested to know of others who have also had success in growing this species from seed. The altitudinal distribution of this species seems to be bimodal.

In 2017, we visited the lower population in Kristalkloof to collect seed after having failed to find plants of this species in 2015. We would be interested to know if there have been any recent obervations of this species at the top end of its documented altitudinal range, which is meant to be about 1300m.
Best Wishes
Robert Blackhall-Miles FLS

Fossil Plants

A New Lease of Life
The Garden Route Branch of the Botanical Society received a huge injection of vitality and enthusiasm at the AGM on Saturday 16th March 2019. There was an excellent turnout, with members coming from as far afield as Plett, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Mossel Bay and of course George. A new committee was elected with the average age probably coming in at under 40. A couple of youngsters elected are under 30.

Jo-Anne King was elected Chairman and she did an excellent job of running the meeting. Understandably, she was a little nervous with all the experienced members looking on. The new Committee has lots of very good ideas and soon we will get Jo-Anne to give us an update on what they are planning for the rest of 2019.

Our very best wishes go out to new committee.

tanniedi

Field Trips
We will report on our Meijersrust trip to the southern side of Bloupunt (2066m) just above Meiringspoort in the Swartberg in our Diaries on 2nd April (that is, if ESKOM and its load-shedding allow it). This magnificent photo of the area was taken by Peter Ribton in the middle of Winter. We are rather hoping not to be hit by a snowstorm of those proportions. (becoming WOESS's - ed!)

It is that time of the year again - Mimetes chrysanthus will be in bloom. SIM will have to decide which site takes precedence this year. We will be monitoring one of the sites on the western head of Perdepoort in the Langkloof.on Friday 29th. We will work out details closer to the time

Some of the Outramps visited Die Groote Kosyn near Plett on Sunday and a few will be joining the MCSA on a trip to Baviaanskloof from the 20th to the 24th March. Reports on these will filter through into the Diaries ITFOT.
Hamba Kahle
Groete en dankie
Di Turner
Outramps CREW Group
Southern Cape

All id’s subject to confirmation by Doc Annelise and Jan Vlok, Steven Molteno, Dr Tony Rebelo, Nick Helme, Prof Charlie Stirton, Dr Robert Archer, Dr Robert McKenzie, Dr Ted Oliver, Dr Christopher Whitehouse, Adriaan Grobler, Prix Burgoyne, Dr Kenneth Oberlander, Dr Pieter Winter, Dr David Gwynne-Evans, Malthinus and Mattmatt on iNat. Thank you all for your ongoing help and support.

Outramps Places on iNaturalist – You can browse through the observations or refer to the checklist which is in alphabetical order eg. Animals, birds etc.
Area covered by Southern Cape Herbarium - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/southern-cape-aoi
Cola Conservancy - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/cola-conservancy
Dune Molerat Trail - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/dune-molerat-trails
Featherbed Nature Reserve - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/featherbed-nature-reserve
Gamkaberg - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/gamkaberg
Gerickes Punt - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/gerickes-punt#/places/gerickes-punt
Gouriqua - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/gouriqua-private-nature-reserve
Gouritzmond - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/the-gouritsmond-commonage
Heaven in the Langkloof - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/heaven-in-the-langkloof
Herolds Bay - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/outramps-crew-herolds-bay
Kammanassie - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/outramps-crew-kammanassie-reserve
Klein Swartberg - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/klein-swartberg
Knysna - Westford Bridge https://www.inaturalist.org/places/westford-bridge-estate-knysna
Kouga Mountains Kliphuis - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/outramps-crew-kouga-mountains
Kranshoek - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/outramps-crew-kranshoek-
Langeberg Grootvadersbosch - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/grootvadersbosch-nature-reserve
Masons Rust - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/masons-rust-32-ptn-4-gezwinds-kraal-41-ptn-0
Mons Ruber and surrounds - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/mons-ruber-and-surrounds
Mossel Bay Aalwyndal - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/aalwyndal
Mossel Bay Diosma Reserve - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/diosma-reserve
Mossel Bay - :https://www.inaturalist.org/places/hartenbos-heuwels

Mossel Bay - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/erf-14072
Mossel Bay - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/erf-19201
Mossel Bay St Blaize Trail - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/st-blaize-trail
Natures Valley - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/nature-s-valley-south-cape-south-africa
Outeniquas Bobbejaanberg - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/outramps-crew-bobbejanberg-in-the-outeniquas
Outeniquas Camferskloof - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/outramps-crew-camferskloof
Outeniquas, Collinshoek and the Big Tree - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/outenoquas-collinshoek-and-the-big-tree
Outeniquas - Cradock and George Peak Trail - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/cradock-peak-trail
Outeniquas Doringrivier East - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/outramps-crew-doringrivier-east-in-the-outeniquas
Outeniquas East - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/outramps-crew-eastern-outeniquas-from-bergplaas-to-gouna
Outeniquas Eseljagt - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/ezeljagt-eseljagt-and-surrounds
Outeniquas Eseljagtpoort - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/ezeljagts-poort-72-ptn-0-eseljagt-poort
Outeniquas Flanagans Rock - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/flanagans-rock-rsa
Outeniquas Lange Berg - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/lange-berg-112
Outeniquas Montagu Pass North - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/outramps-crew-montagu-pass-north
Outeniquas Paardekop - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/paardekop-13
Outeniquas Paardepoort East - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/outramps-crew-paardepoort-east
Outeniquas Paardepoort West - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/outramps-crew-paardepoort-wes
Outeniquas Pizza Ridge - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/outramps-crew-pizza-ridge
Outeniquas Southern Traverse - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/outramps-crew-outeniqua-southern-traverse
Robberg Corridor - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/robberg-coastal-corridor-krans-hoek-432-ptn-5
Robberg Corridor - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/robberg-coastal-corridor-e8267c6b-9263-4a87-a721-a24619be6dc8
Rooiberg - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/outramps-crew-rooiberg-reserve
Spioenkop - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/ruigtevlei-plantations
Strawberry Hill - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/strawberry-hill-7-passes-road-wilderness-south-africa
Swartberg Bloupunt - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/outramps-crew-bloupunt-swartberg
Swartberg Spitskop - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/outramps-crew-spitskop-to-meiringspoort-swartberg
Swartberg, Swartberg Pass to Bothashoek high and low - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/swartberg-pass-to-bothashoek-jeep-track-and-crag-route
Swartberg Waboomsberg - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/waboomsberg-in-the-swartberg
Uitzicht Portion 39 - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/uitzigt-216-portion-39
Uitzicht - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/uitzigt-216-ptn-65
Western Head - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/walker-s-point-215-portion-1-buffalo-bay
Western Head – https://www.inaturalist.org/places/walker-s-point-215-portion-2-buffalo-bay
Western Head - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/walker-s-point-215-portion-3-buffalo-bay
Western Head - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/western-head-knysna
White Heather - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/white-heather
Wilderness Brown Hooded Kingfisher Trail – https://www.inaturalist.org/places/brown-hooded-kingfisher-trail
Wilderness Kingfisher Trail - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/kingfisher-trails
Witteberg Kromme Rivier - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/kromme-rivier-72-ptn-0-willowmore

Outramps CREW Stellenbosch HAT node
Jonkershoek created by Vynbos - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/jonkershoek-cv
Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/mont-rochelle-nature-reserve
Papegaaiberg - https://www.inaturalist.org/places/papegaaiberg

Outramps Projects on iNaturalist
Ericas of the Southern Cape - https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/ericas-of-the-southern-cape
Fungi of the Southern Cape - https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/fungi-of-the-southern-cape
Lianes and Creepers in the Southern Cape and Little Karoo - https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/lianes-and-creepers-of-the-southern-cape-and-little-karoo
Veg Types of South Africa - https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/vegetation-types-of-south-africa

Flowers of the High Drakensberg - https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/flowers-of-the-high-kzn-drakensberg

Abbreviations Glossary

MCSA – Mountain Club of South Africa
MSB - Millenium Seed Bank based at Kew in the UK
WIP – Work in Progress
HAT – High Altitude Team
LOT – Lowland Team
SIM – Somewhere in the Middle Team
WAGS – Wednesday Adventure Group
VB – Vlok Boekie “Plants of the Klein Karoo” and our Plant Bible
ITRTOL – Another thread “In The Rich Tapestry Of Life”(It describes a challenging situation, usually to do with the Buchu Bus)
ITFOT – In the fullness of time
WOESS – Fair Weather Hiker
FMC and JW – too vulgar to translate, but the equivalent is “Strike me Dead” - An expression of surprise and delight on finding a new “Rare”
Kambro – same as above
Fossick – A meter per minute, scratching around looking for rares
SIDB – Skrop in die Bos – Another name for a field trip, this one coined by Prix
BAFFING – Running round like a blue-arsed fly
SYT – Sweet Young Thing - Anyone under the age of 40
TOMB – Get a move on
Mayhem - Needless or willful damage or violence
SESKRYNG – “Sit en staan kry niks gedaan” ,with thanks to Brian
SOS – Skelms on Scramblers
FW – Idiot
BOB – Another name for the Buchu Bus when she’s misbehaving.
CRAFT – A symptom of Old Age
DDD - Metalasia tricolor (Damned Diabolical Daisy)
VP – Vrekplek – Retirement Village
Qàq – Self-explanatory Inuit word describing some of our local problems
Mr Fab – Our Fabaceae specialist, Brian Du Preez – originally Boy 1
Muisvoel -The Mathematician – Peter Thompson
Boy 2 – Kyle Underwood who works on Orchids and is still at school
Sharkie – Finn Rautenbach – Our latest SYT is a surfer in his spare time and is now the Curator of the Garden Route Botanical Garden
Sicko – Someone who suffers from Car Sickness. With 4 in the Group, allocating seating in the Buchu Bus is tricky
VAG – Virgin Active Garage, which is our meeting place when we head north
MATMUE – Meet At The Mall Under E - Meeting place when we head West
WG – Waves Garage in Wilderness East. - Meeting place when we’re going east.
VU- Vulnerable
DDT – Data Deficient and Taxonomically ?
NT – Near Threatened
EN – Endangered
CR – Critically Endangered
PE – Presumed extinct
LC – Least Concern
TBC – To be Confirmed
TLC – Tender loving care
JMS – An expression of absolute disdain
FOMO – Fear of Missing Out
Milk – the fruit of the vine
Condensed Milk – Scotland’s finest export
Full Cream Milk or Fat Milk – Any product of Humulus lupulus eg. Milk Stout
Milk of the Gods – Rooibos and Brandy
Milk Shake - Sparkling Wine
NS – Species of conservation concern new to the Outramps
PS -Priority Species allocated to the Outramps by our CREW Cape Co-ordinator , Ismail Ebrahim
iNatFD – iNaturalist for Dummies as compiled by Sally
Mizzle – Mist and drizzle combined. A regular feature of George in the ”good old days”.
FE – Fire Ephemeral – only appears immediately or after a couple of years after fire
Squirrel – aka President Ramaphosa
WOG – Wrath of God – eg. incurred when you put a young Pine tree on iNat as Leucadendron album
Skedonk - A banger - old, battered motor car more than 30 years old
Hoedown - redneck gathering, usually involves shouting catchy phrases like "yee-haw" and "the south will rise again"
VHF - Vat Hom Fluffie - our nickname for furry or woolly plants
SA - Stay Attractive is Google's translation of "Mooi Bly"
OTL - Out To Lunch is used to describe the Buchu Bus when she's taking a break after she's behaved badly
DFKIAA - A very funny video in Afrikaans is doing the rounds. It refers to the current power outages.

Publicado el marzo 26, 2019 04:13 MAÑANA por outramps-tanniedi outramps-tanniedi

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