Diameter approx. 5 mm. The flower is of an Aviona specie originating from Southern Africa and locally known as ‘Goose Manure’
southern africa
Fockea edulis
(caudiciform plant from Southern Africa)
Cycad Leaf
Cycads date back a few hundred million years and survived the Dino- and other Saurussen. In Southern Africa alone there are 65 species; in our garden we have seven (all with an official permit) of which two species are threatened with extinction. There is a lively ‘trade’ in cycads; i.e. poaching in nature and exporting them as ferns or palms (what do customs know?). Seemingly economics are prioritised above nature by government officials and that is sad. Anyway yesterday I pictured a leaf of one of those pre-historic plants.
Bulbine natalensis
Also named ‘Red Carrot” after its roots which serve as one of the main ingredients in medicins prescribed by traditional healers in Southern Africa. Some years ago a previous minister of health of South Africa launched this plant as THE cure for HIV-AIDS during a conference in Canada and we all had a good laugh. However the pharmaceutical industry is experimenting with this plant for blood purifying purposes. Rasta people in South Africa daily drink tea of dried and granulated roots…
We keep it in our garden for decorative purposes as you can see.
The Osprey
The Osprey (Pandion haiaëtus. Fam.Aquilidae) has his habitat along lakes, sea shores and rivers throughout Southern Africa except in the dry areas. I survives purely on fish. But when I was picturing this one he could not find any prey; the fishermen on the beach were also complaining…
African potato in flower
The bulb of the ‘African potato’ is one of the three main ingredients traditional healers in Southern Africa use in their medicin recipes. Even a des-integrating flower has its charm!
Another fatty
Recently I posted a picture of the purple colored Adenia Spinosa. A close relative is the Adenia Glauca; also originating from Southern Africa.Both fatties (caudex) in our garden!
It’s purple and in our garden
This Adenia (origin Southern Africa) has a diameter of about 75 cm. In an optimal environment the caudex can grow to a height and with of 2.5 meter. It survived our garden (the very South of South Africa) for the last 23 months but let’s see a day, a week, a month and a year at the time. Our expectations are high!!! 🙂
It’s only late afternoon that I open my heart and spread my love
(Fenestraria specie; a succulent plant from Southern Africa which flowers spreads a wonderful fragrance)
What you don’t see is the fragrance …..
….. a bit fruity with hints of cinnamon and honey.
These two flowering Fenestraria species originate from Southern Africa and around this time of the year they spread their sweetness.
