8
SOME OF THE PLANTS AT FISANTEKRAAL April-December 2013
· = plastic-covered large index cards with text, photo, dried specimen already made, in Ruth’s index card box.
# = completed texts
## = to be added to CD (completed 2015)
Introduction
About 193ha Farm 567. ~110ha of which is of conservation value (Vlok Fisante study 2000, p.12) ?45 subdivisions.
The forest thicket/Woud Ruigtewoud (closed canopy) consists of dense plant growth (tree and shrub types typical of arid forest). Noteworthy of this plant community is the relatively high occurrence of thorny species which make the thicket impenetrable. Dune Thicket/Duine Ruigtewoud more open with shrub and herb plant types. Limestone Fynbos Thicket unlike that described by Rebelo et al for Riversdale district – nearest likeness to Reins NR (Vlok Fisante study 2000, p.11). Plants in Thicket and Limestone are slow-growing and therefore highly sensitive to physical disturbance and slow rehabilitation. Plants in Dune Thicket more resilient. Thicket may well prove to have a relevant ancient pre-history. PhD research and paper by Yvette van Wijk, Distinctive plant communities associate with archaeological sites in the southern Cape could be anthropogenic, found Thicket elements to be present at archeological sites:
Most taxa are spiny, thorny and densely branched, provide edible fruit and all are re- sprouters with deep roots that might be thousands of years old….The permeable green wall formed by the thicket growing immediately across the opening of a site, allows in air and light, filters hot sunlight, keeps out dust, rain, cold and wind, and provides fruit, leaves, bark, roots, medicine, poles, sticks, thorns, and hooks for household use, plus tinder and fuel for cooking and heating fires. The shrubby element supplies the height and structure while smaller herbs and climbers fill in the gaps between the lower branches. The thicket provides a dense thorny “wall” to keep predators out and children in. Thicket is not easily flammable, so except in extreme cases, it protects the interior from fire (pp.11-12).
Just need to re-introduce Dassies, which have been around for thousands of years, to complete the picture!
When building, look out for elephant, buffalo bones = earlier large herbivores who roamed the area. (Vlok Fisante study, 2000)
WARNING:
This record contains references to medicinal uses of plant. Author assumes no responsibility whatsoever for any sickness, death or other harmful effects resulting from the use of any plant in this record. Readers are advised to consult professionals. Any experimenting is done entirely at your own risk.
*Abutilon sonneratianum
BUTTER AND CHEESE/WILDEMALVA
MALVACEAE (Hibiscus and Jute Family)
Abutilon = the Arabic name for plants of this genus.
Soft scrambling perennial herb or subshrub with margins of the heart-shaped, velvety leaves toothed. Leaves have long leaf stems or petioles. Underside of the leaf is paler. Solitary yellow, orange or pinkish-yellow 5-petalled flowers in leaf axils NOV-JAN. Hairy round concertina-like fruit is divided into 10 ‘wedges’ which together with the butter-coloured flowers resulted in the common name.
Plants are rarely browsed by game or stock.
At Fisantekraal, in Ruth & Elaine’s driveway (GPS: S 34° 22’ “ E 21° 22’ “).
Widespread in disturbed bush and forest margins from Bredasdorp and Little Karoo to Zimbabwe.
Bohnen 55.18; Levyn’s guide, p.228; Moriarty, pp.138-9; Vlok Karoo bk, pp.448-9; Cape Plants, p.535..
?Acmadenia obtusata
DUNE BUCHU/PIENK VALSBOEGOE
RUTACEAE (Citrus and Buchu Family)
Gk acme = highest point; aden = a gland: glands on the anthers
Aromatic shrublet. Leaves close to the stem. Pink flowers mostly SEPT-NOV.
Very palatable to stock.
Widespread in limestone areas.
Bohnen 50.9, 51.11; Bohnen photo guide, pink section
?Adromischus caryophyllaceus (Vlok Fisante study 2000, p.11: Limestone)
#Agathosma dielsiana
BUCHU/BOEGOE
RUTACEAE (Citrus and Buchu Family)
Subfamily Diosmeae
Gk agothos = good; osmē = scent: reference to fragrant oils in the glands of leaves. The vernacular name derives from the original KhoiSan name for several species of the fragrant family – dried leaves were powdered and mixed with sheep fat to anoint the body.
Soft shrublet with striking white flowers in terminal clusters (umbels) and with red flowerstalks, lovely perfume JULY-OCT. Leaves are like those of Ericas (ericoid) to prevent dessication. This buchu was found on Jongensfontein hill and its ID confirmed by buchu expert Terry Trinder-Smith in May 2011. However this questioned the identity of the buchu with the same name in our Bohnen photo guide (white section): Dr AnneLise Schutte-Vlok verified its ID as A. apiculata (Aug 2013). Individual species can only be correctly identified by looking carefully at the leaf shape and the seed capsules of the tiny flowers. Sometimes a species can be identified by its very characteristic scent. Most species are readily browsed by game and stock, so this special species should be monitored (fixed point photography), especially on the N Limestone koppie where there are numerous Eland and buck trails. Since the days of the Khoi, several species have been used for medicinal (e.g. chest & stomach problems, urinary tract infections) and cosmetic purposes, as well as to flavour tea. Because this species is very localized, there is not much about it in the literature, which makes more thorough botanical assessments of this Hessequa region and their publication more pressing, before we lose what we never knew we had.
GPS: S 34° 22’ 13.4” E 21° 22’ 36.0” alt: 144m (Limestone on N. side, southfacing shade); S 34° 22’ 12.2” E 21° 22’ 38.8” alt: 150m (N Limestone koppie).
Endemic on dunes or limestone hills Bredasdorp to George.
Plants of the Greater CFR, p.711; Vlok Karoo bk, p.514; SOverberg, pp.162-3; Manning Fynbos Field Guide, p.196.
PRESS 4/10 & 9 Sept 2013 + photo
##Agathosma sp. cf A. riversdalensis
BUCHU/RIVERSDAL BOEGOE
RUTACEAE (Citrus and Buchu Family)
Subfamily Diosmeae
Gk agothos = good; osmē = smell;
Sprawling perennial shrublet with relatively widely spaced, upward pointing ericoid leaves and showy pink, white or purple flowers in terminal clustered umbels (flat-topped flowerheads) SEPT-APR. Ovary 3-chambered. The Agathosma flowers have 5 petals and stamens and a 2-5 chambered fruit, usually with a horn at the top of each chamber. This genus cannot be easily mistaken for another, but individual species can only be correctly identified by looking carefully at the leaf shape and seed capsules (Vlok Karoo bk, p. 514). Trees and shrubs of this family are often xerophytes with a heath-like habit. They have glands containing volatile oils and many are used medicinally (WCape Sandveld Flowers, p.142), e.g. treating chest and stomach problems and urinary tract infections. Most species are readily browsed by game and stock (Vlok Karoo bk, p. 514). Agathosma ± 150 species are restricted to South Africa and are a typical component of Fynbos vegetation. They are important in the cultural heritage of Cape people (People’s Plants, p. 216).
GPS: S 34° 22’ 13.2” E 21° 22’ 36.4” alt 146m (amongst mini riet, Limestone).
Endemic to Core Cape Subregion Bredasdorp to Still Bay on sandy limestone.
Plants of Greater CFR, 713; Hottentots Holland to Hermanus, p.124.
PRESS 4/10 & 9/9/13 x2 ID conf by AMagee PB357
*Agathosma serpyllacea
PURPLE BUCHU/PERSBOEGOE/IBUCHU (Xhosa)
RUTACEAE (Citrus and Buchu Family)
Subfamily Diosmeae
Gk agothos = good; osmē = smell; L serpula = small serpent (creeping thyme: Thymus serpyllum).
Common Khoikhoi name “buchu” can refer to several different species and genera, e.g. there are many species of Agathosma, Acmadenia, Adenandra, Diosma, Coleonema, all strongly aromatic shrubs. It can be problematic, especially medicinally, when deciding which plant is meant, e.g. in the latter part of the 19th century, Pappe wrote that buchu leaves were used “in chronic rheumatism, gout and other diseases … They have been prescribed also in cholera morbus and are very beneficial in disease of the bladder … also in haematuria, calculus and in suppuration of the vesica, urethra and prostate gland … buchu vinegar and buchu brandy are excellent embrocations in rheumatic pains, luxations, sugillations, sprains and contusions” (Ellis Wild Herbs).
A. serpyllacea is a small aromatic shrub with hairy grey-green leaves. Mauve-purple flower heads, consisting of small 5-petalled flowers with prominent stamens in MAY-OCT, are pollinated by the common Honeybee which is attracted to mauve flowers as well as to wavelengths in the ultra-violet part of the spectrum. Limestone endemic. Agathosma species are restricted to South Africa and are a typical component of Fynbos vegetation.
Buchus are natural insect repellants and deodorizers. Rubbed between hands, it removes fishy smell after working with fish. They are used in cosmetics, pot pourris and as food flavouring. Volatile oils are extracted from the tiny glands on the back of leaves (if you rub the leaves you smell their aroma). Indigenous buchus have been used for perfume for over a thousand years, e.g. by the Khoi and San first, followed by the French a hundred years ago. Use oil with care as it could cause skin to be sensitive to sunlight. Buchu plants are notoriously difficult to propagate. Buchus grown in the SW Cape mountains (e.g. A.betulina or round-leaf buchu) are poached and trucks carrying buchu harvests hijacked because of their high market value.
GPS: S 34° 22’ 33.1” E 21° 22’ 49.1” (S Limestone cleared plot).
PBohnen photo guide, purple section; P.Bohnen vol.1, 51.1; Floral treasures, p.46; Schwegler, p.8; People’s plants, pp.139-40.
*Pressing leaves 12/6; later with flowers. Photo PRESS 4/10 furry grey-green leaves
##Aizoon rigidum
SKAAPVYGIE/SPEKVYGIE
AIZOACEAE (Vygie and Ice Plant Family)
Subfamily AIZOOIDEAE
Gk aei = always; zoos = alive: plant can live under difficult conditions; L rigidus = stiff, rigid.
Sprawling grey-green subshrub, leaves covered with hairs. Solitary yellow, 5-petalled flowers in leaf axils SEPT-OCT. Vernacular name refers to the value of the plants as browsing for stock – often browsed by game and stock (Vlok, Karoo bk, p. 190).
GPS: S 34° 22’ 29.8” E 21° 22’ 50.5” alt: 111m (near S cnr Fisantestraat parking).
Occurs on dry, stony slopes, often near the sea Gansbaai & Little Karoo to East London.
Manning Fynbos Guide, pp. 320-1; Plants of the Greater CFR, p. 264; Bohnen 31.15.
Photo PRESS
##Albuca cooperi
SLIME LILY/CUP-AND-SAUCER/SNOTBLOM/TAMARAK/GELDBEURSIE
HYACINTHACEAE (Hyacinth Family)
L albucans = becoming white: some are partly white; species named after Thomas Cooper, a Victorian plant collector.
Albuca genus changed to Ornithogalum, but reversed in 2007. Bulbous geophyte. A few channeled, leathery leaves in winter with papery warty sheaths at the base. Ooze slimy sap when torn. Slightly fragrant yellow nodding flowers streaked with green SEPT-NOV. Three inner petals remain closed, hiding the filaments and style. The inner petals have a hinged flap at the tip. Buds tightly plaited. Fruit a capsule with flattened seeds.
GPS: S 34° 22’ 15.4” E 21° 22’ 51.1” alt: 128m (central road near Steve),
S 34° 22’ 10.7” E 21° 22’ 45.6” alt: 76m (sandveld near entrance); S 34° 22’ 14.8” E 21° 22’ 50.5” alt: 131m (central road westwards, near Steve).
Mostly sandy slopes and flats, sometimes limestone Richtersveld and W Karoo to Cape Peninsula to Willowmore and Great Karoo.
Bohnen 7.7; Manning Fynbos Guide, pp. 78-9 (Ornithogalum cooperi); Vlok Karoo bk, pp. 78-9; Plants of Greater CFR, p.100; Levyns Guide, p.104; Vlok Fisante study 2000, p.10.
Photo 18/9: 245 (bud), PRESS 9 Sept 2013 flower & bud; see Vlok photos
##Amellus strigosus
ASTERTJIE
ASTERACEAE (Daisy Family)
Subfamily ASTEROIDEAE
Tribe ASTEREAE Subtribe Asterinae
Amellus = the name given by Virgil to a similar blue daisy on the banks of river Mella; L striga = swath, furrow: the leaves, etc. having short hairs or scales, with short bristle-like hair.
Roughly hairy small soft annual with single terminal blue-mauve daisy AUG-DEC. Generally not much browsed and are most abundant in disturbed sites (Vlok Karoo bk, p. 248).
GPS: S 34° 22’ 10.7” E 21° 22’ 32.8” alt: 124m (near N fence); S 34° 22’ 30.5” E 21° 22’ 48.4” alt: 122m (along road to S Limestone near Louis); S 34° 22’ 13.4” E 21° 22’ 35.6” alt: 148m (N Limestone).
Sandy and stony slopes Riviersonderend to ECape and S Karoo.
Bohnen 72.3; Plants of Greater CFR, p. 350.
PRESS leaves & flowers 9 Sept 2013 + Photo
##Anagallis arvensis
SCARLET OR BLUE PIMPERNEL/BLOUSELBLOMMETJIE
PRIMULACEAE (Primrose Family)
Anagallis = Gk name for pimpernel, perhaps from anagelao = to laugh/sadness-removing; arvensis = pertaining to cultivated fields, i.e. reference to its disturbed soil habitat.
Small straggling cosmopolitan weed or annual with oval, stalkless leaves, found on disturbed soil. Introduced from Europe. Attractive blue flowers with red centre JUL-FEB. Red-orange form less common.
GPS: S 34° 21’ 48.9” E 21° 24’ 41.1” alt: 92m (S cnr Fisantestraat parking).
Widespread exotic
Bohnen photo flower guide, blue section; Greater Plants of CFR, p. 657; Cape Peninsula SA Wild Flower Guide 3, pp.154-5; Outeniqua Tsitsikamma & Eastern Little Karoo SA Wild Flower Guide 2, pp.146-7; Wild Flowers of the TMNP, pp. 226-7.
Photo PRESS Sept 2013 flower & leaves
#Anchusa capensis
CAPE FORGET-ME-NOT/VERGEET-MY-NIETJIE/OSSETONGBLAAR
BORAGINACEAE (Forget-me-not Family)
Gk anchousa = a cosmetic paint obtained from A. tinctoria; capensis = pertaining generally to the Cape of Good Hope/Cape Peninsula.
Sprawling, slightly hairy herb with dark bluish-purple stems and a basal rosette of leaves. Numerous unforgettable, deep-blue flowers SEPT-NOV. Striking garden plant: sow seed late summer for spring display or in spring for summer display, in a sunny position, in well-composted soil & cut back after flowering. In the veld, plants grow rapidly after good rains and die back quickly at the beginning of a drought. Readily browsed by game and stock when they are actively growing (Vlok Karoo bk, pp. 318-9).
GPS: S 34° 22’ 10.1” E 21° 23’ 16.1” alt: 111m (central road to back on LHS).
Widespread on disturbed soils (limestone with red sand cover) in Namibia, Lesotho and drier parts of SA to Mpumalanga.
Bohnen 66.10; Bohnen flower guide, blue section; Kirstenbosch seed catalogue 2014, p.11; Plants of the Greater CFR, p. 433.
Pressing, photo, herbarium spec 7093000 PB365 PRESS 9 Sept 2013 flower & leaves. see Kirst seedlist, p.11
##Anthospermum aethiopicum
RUBIACEAE (Gardenia Family)
Gk anthos = flower; spermum = seed: male flowers may carry a small ovary capable of carrying a seed; aethiopicus = Ethiopian: referring broadly to an African origin.
Upright shrub up to 1.5m tall which does not sprout after fire. Male and female plants are separate (dioecious) and dissimilar in appearance. Narrow dark-green, needle-like and rolled back leaves in whorls on red stems. Clusters of small cream-yellow flowers in leaf axil AUG-JAN. Male flower has 4 petal lobes and 4 stamens; female flower has 2 styles. Very well grazed (KAROO SA Wild Flower Guide 6, pp. 144-5). “It is often very common on abandoned ploughed lands, but is not a problem plant” (Vlok Karoo bk, pp. 508-9). “The scarcity of members of this family in the area is a striking feature of the local flora. Several plants of economic importance belong to the family”, e.g. Chinchona (quinine), Coffea (coffee) and garden plants such as Gardenia (Katjiepiering) – Levyns Guide, p. 290.