Renosterveld – Fynbos’ Little Known Sister

Renosterveld – Fynbos’ Little Known Sister

Renosterveld is an umbrella term that describes one of the major plant communities of the Cape Floristic Region located in the Western Cape province. It is also one of the most threatened habitats because little is left. 

WHAT IS RENOSTERVELD

It is part of the Fynbos biome, but it is very different from fynbos. The main difference is that these plants generally lack the three distinct fynbos elements like the Protea, Erica and Restio, and can survive relatively frequent fires. It occurs on fertile soils formed by the weathering of granite and shale and where rainfall is moderate. Nobody is sure how the vegetation got its name, but it was believed to be named after the Black Rhinoceros that lived in this habitat. The only animal that ate the unpleasant tasting bush, Elytropappus Rhinocerotis or Renosterbos, a common shrub species in Renosterveld. 

RENOSTERVELD PLANTS

These plants are famous for its spectacular, rare and endemic geophytes (bulbs) that flowers in spring and summer. This includes plants like the Amarylla belladonna (March Lily), orchids like Satyrium (trewwas), Disa bracteata, Moraea (tulpe), Geissorhiza (kelkiewyn), Gladiolus spp (kalkoentjie), and Watsonias, to name a few. Grasses are also typical renosterveld, with the C3 grasses that require a cool and wet environment. The C4 grasses require a tropical and dry climate. Cyperus spp, Eragrostis curvula, Eragrostis capensis, Aristida junciformis, Themeda triandra being the most well-known grasses. Shrubs and small trees include the Renosterbos, Stoebe plumosa, Eriocephalis africanus, Oftia africana, Anisodontea scabrosa, Olea africana, Searsia lucida and Selago canescens, to name just a few of the stunning plants. Succulents also occur in Renosterveld, showing how diverse and adapted these plants are. For example, Euphorbia mauritanica along the West Coast is stunning during spring when yellow flowers are all over the roadsides. Crassula muscosa, Crassula nudicaulis, Crassula perforata and Crassula rupestris are a few succulents that grows happy in renosterveld areas.

Renosterveld

VEGETATION AND ANIMALS

Koi and San used renosterveld plants for food, medicine and grazing. In addition, many of these trees and shrubs produce berries that attract fruit-eating birds. They also attract other animals like baboons and the critically endangered geometric tortoise. During spring, the flowers of various bulbs attract bees and varied beetles. 

THREATS

Because of the high fertility of the soil, most of the areas have been ploughed and converted to agriculture. However, the presence of abundant grasses is excellent for animal food, and therefore there is overgrazing and mismanagement of the veld, killing off some of the renosterveld plants. Another serious threat is alien plants, which infest large undisturbed mountains and flats. 

CONSERVING THE RENOSTERVELD

Today all types of Renosterveld are considered Critically Endangered or irreplaceable. With most on private farmland, it is up to the farm owners to help conserve this beautiful South African vegetation. With only 2% of Renosterveld vegetation types now formally preserved, a lot still needs to be done as some of the most threatened vegetation types occur in Renosterveld. The Swartland Renosterveld has the Tienie Versfeld Nature reserve donated by the Versfeld family. The Haarwegkloof farm and some neighbouring farms started a reserve in the Overberg. Many more farmers are also conserving parts of their farms with this vegetation. However, there is still a monumental amount of work to preserve this critically endangered vegetation.

Haarwegskloof Renosterveld Reserve
Haarwegskloof Renosterveld Reserve

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Wildflowers – The gem of the Western Cape

Wildflowers – The gem of the Western Cape

Growing up on a farm with names like “plakkie”, “bokhorinkies”, doll’s rose, “kalkoentjie” and “koekemakranka”, tickled my love and interest in these endemic plants. These wildflowers are unique and diverse and grow in areas with wet winters and hot, dry summers. The Western Cape is famous for its beautiful wildflowers, occurring from Vanrhynsdorp all along the coast of the Cape Peninsula and eastwards to Port Elizabeth. They are characterised by an enormous diversity of species from plant families like Rutaceae (buchu), Proteaceae (Proteas), Asteraceae (Felicias), and Iridaceae (Gladiolus).

These plant families fall within the Fynbos Biome of the Cape Floristic Region, and is the richest plant region on earth. The Fynbos Biome can be broken down into four categories.

  • Fynbos
  • Renosterveld
  • Strandveld
  • Succulent Karoo
Wildflowers
Fynbos

Fynbos

Fynbos occurs typically in the mountains and grows in nutrient-poor and sandy soil. Fynbos prefers acidic soil. Proteas, Ericas, Restios are part of the proper Cape fynbos plant growth. Fynbos is normally hard leafed, dense growth and with trees virtually absent.

Fire is a critical part of the plant’s life cycle. It rejuvenates old and overgrown vegetation, and some plant species only grow and flower after a fire. In addition, the smoke during a fire is a driver of fynbos seed germination.

Table Mountain is an excellent example of lush fynbos growth.

Renosterveld
Renosterveld

Renosterveld

The name Renosterveld is derived from “renoster” referring to the Black renoster historically in the Western Cape. Shrubs dominate Renosterveld from the Asteraceae (daisy) family and the lovely geophytic (bulbs) plant species and beautiful annuals. It occurs on relatively fertile soil, and Restios, Proteas and Ericas are mainly absent.

Like with fynbos, fire is also an essential part of Renosterveld and its conservation. 

Overberg and Darling are known for their Renosterveld reserves.

Strandveld
Strandveld

Strandveld

The sandy soil that is nutrient-rich all along the drier west coast and wetter south coast is known as Strandveld. Plant growth has many succulent elements on the west coast and forest plant growth on the south coast. Proteas are absent. 

Velddrif at the west coast is an excellent example of Strandveld.  

Succulent Karoo
Succulent Karoo

Succulent Karoo

Succulent karoo occupies low-lying land, mainly from Namaqualand to southern Namibia, covering about 7% of South Africa. The Winters have deficient rainfall and extreme summer heat. As a result, fog near the coast is common, and some plant species rely on it for survival. Soil is sandy and poor.

Low growing succulents like Crassula, Cotyledon, Euphorbia and Drosanthemum, with a wide variety of annuals, are common in the succulent karoo. These annuals are one of the reasons why Namaqualand is renowned for its spring wildflower displays.

South Africa is famous for the beauty of its native flowers, but many of these plants are declining or threatened. The general public needs to realise how necessary it is to preserve our wildflowers in their natural surroundings. The Cape Floristic Region is proudly South African and is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site for its rich and diverse flora.

The gardener who displays South African plants in his garden can pride himself on preserving his countries beauties for all to see.

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Patterson’s curse – The “beautiful” (not!) invasive alien

Patterson’s curse – The “beautiful” (not!) invasive alien

Not many people know that the beautiful fields of purple/pink flowers along our roadsides, in our gardens and on cultivated land is an invasive weed. Because of its beautiful flowers, they think it is harmless and beautiful. But it is not!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Echium plantagineum, commonly known as Patterson’s curse, is a deep-rooted biennial native to Europe, Northern Africa and Asia. It was initially introduced to South Africa as an ornamental plant, and it fell in love with our Mediterranean climate. This long flowering biennial likes dry, sunny sites with poor soil.

The plant starts as a flat rosette of leaves and will grow up to 1 metre tall. From October to April, purple, lavender, pink and even white flowers appear. It produces a terrifying amount of seed, and as soon as the winter rain starts, the seeds begin to germinate. Patterson’s curse has become naturalised and is capable of reproducing and spreading without the assistance of people. The seeds are primarily distributed by wind, and most seeds germinate in the first year, but the seed can survive for as long as five years.

This rapid spread of the weed in areas home to horses, sheep and cattle is a big problem for the owners of these animals. Patterson’s curse produces purrolizidine alkaloides, as a defence mechanism against insect herbivores (moths, weevils, gall wasps, etc.). When eaten by animals in large quantities, it can causes death due to liver damage. Because the alkaloids can be found in the nectar of the plants, the honey should be blended with other kinds of honey to dilute the toxins. They also poison the soil with the alkaloid preventing further growth by other plants except themselves. 

The leaves and stems are covered with coarse, white hairs that can irritate the skin of humans and animals.

Echium plantagineum
Echium plantagineum

Controlling Patterson’s curse:

According to Invasive Species of South Africa, Patterson’s curse is listed as a category one invader plant. Furthermore, according to the Conservation of Agriculture Resource Act of 1983, plants must be removed and destroyed immediately, and trading of the plant is prohibited. 

Controlling the plant is very difficult as it flowers and seeds from October to April. The most effective way to control the weed is a combination of mechanical and chemical methods. However, both methods are costly and not always possible to implement. Small infestations can be carried out by hand and is best to remove before it sets seed. Remember to wear gloves and long sleeves and use a weeder tool like a handheld fork.

Patterson’s curse is a wolf in sheep’s clothing because of its beautiful flowers. It must be controlled and eradicated where possible. Please help us spread awareness!!

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Moss – The green fuzz on your lawn

Moss – The green fuzz on your lawn

Moss may look nice on rocks and under trees, but on your lawn, it means trouble. The Western Cape winter is tough on properties. The grey, wet days and almost no (or slow) grass growth are ideal conditions for moss to grow and thrive in. 

What is Moss?

Moss is a mass of tiny plants. They have a shallow root system spread by spores and fill the spaces where the lawn is thin. Therefore, moss in your lawn is a good indicator that you have a deeper problem. However, the control of moss requires more than just the killing of existing moss. The best way to prevent moss from growing in your lawn is to correct the underlying reason the moss began growing in the first place.

Get out of the shade!

Poor drainage, shade, acidic soil, heavy traffic and lack of fertilizer are all reasons moss thrives on your lawn. Ridding lawn moss requires it first to remove the moss and, secondly, stop it from coming back.

Heat – the moss Killer!

The best time to kill moss is during late winter or early spring. It doesn’t die back in winter and also doesn’t release spores during cold weather. Take your rake and rake it off the ground with a little bit of muscle and elbow grease. It is best to rake in several directions to loosen the moss. First, discard the moss with your garbage – not on your compost heap! For larger areas, you may want to spray a moss killer. I don’t recommend using harsh chemical killers; it is not safe for your pets and kids. Instead, use two teaspoons of either baking soda or dishwashing liquid on 1 litre of water, and spray directly on the moss. This will keep it from developing further or returning after it dries up.

Good drainage is crucial!

Secondly, after removing the moss, start by correcting the area’s condition. Poor drainage can be rectified by aerating the soil using a garden fork or hand-operated spikers. Aerating the soil improves the flow of water, air and nutrients to the grassroots. Pay attention to areas where water is likely to gather. In areas with heavy traffic, also aerate the soil and divert traffic away for a week or two. If too much shade is the problem, thin the canopy under trees if you can, or plant or sow a shade loving grass. Also, remove dead leaves and other debris accumulating on your lawn surface. It prevents grass from receiving sunlight and moisture.

Moss

Healthy soil means a healthy lawn

Soil pH is essential to the health of plants and can also affect the nutrient uptake in plants. Lawn grass prefers a pH of 5 to 7. Moss prefers acidic soil. Use dolomitic lime to raise or “sweeten” the soil.   Fertilize the lawn in winter with a fertilizer high in phosphate to encourage root development and make lawn grass more competitive and tackle growth. Re-seed bare patches on your lawn.

Having a healthy lawn without moss or weeds can give you a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction and provide a beautiful personal space for you and your family.

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Groundcovers – Time and money savers in every garden

Groundcovers – Time and money savers in every garden

I firmly believe that a garden is for pleasure, to present a pretty picture when looking out from the house, and to provide a space for its occupants to relax and be one with nature. This can be hard to achieve, as we all (probably) suffer from a lack of time to deal with weeding, staking or watering in hot, dry weather. The cost of gardening is also something that concerns most of us. However, there is something easy to do if we want interest and colour in the garden during the different seasons of the year, and this can be achieved by planting groundcovers. 

What is a groundcover?

Groundcovers serve the same purpose in a garden as carpets do indoors. They are low growing plants with a spreading habit that provides a rapid and dense cover. These spreading plants add quick, attractive seasonal colour, provide a hiding place for tiny creatures, and are low on maintenance as they only need a trim after flowering.

A mulch of organic matter after flowering will keep plants healthy. Also, be on the lookout for slugs and snails as the very nature of the growth of groundcovers encourages slugs and snails to breed.

Value of groundcovers

∞ They are effective for covering the bare soil between newly planted trees and shrubs.

∞ They are essential in coastal gardens to bind sandy soil, especially during heavy rains and strong winds, preventing soil erosion. Groundcovers are also the best plants to plant on slopes. They help to slow water when it rains, enabling the soil to absorb more water.

∞ They cut down on maintenance by reducing weed re-growth.

∞ Increasing moisture retention in the root zone and help to keep the soil cool. Acting as a living mulch for plants in their vicinity.

∞ It can be planted between paving to soften the landscape and be more environmentally friendly.

∞ Shade-loving groundcovers are invaluable for ornamenting the ground under trees. Those with light variegated foliage lighten up dark shady areas.

∞ Groundcover can be planted in containers and hanging baskets.

How to choose a groundcover

When selecting plants for a groundcover, it is essential to consider the climate and the soil. Groundcover is planted to beautify the garden. Not for a season, but for as long as you wish to have them. Spending proper time on the soil preparation before planting will ensure healthy growth and reduce the time and money required for later maintenance. Remember to plant them in well-draining soil with compost added.

Choosing the correct ground cover for an area

The following lists have been compiled to assist gardeners in choosing the right groundcovers to suit their climatic conditions and introduce variety in form and colour from season to season.

Groundcovers for dry gardens in full sun:

Aptenia cordifolia

Arctotis species

Bulbine frutescens

Crassula species

Carpobrotus species

Delosperma species

Helichrysum cymosum

Osteospermum species

Gazania species

Portulacaria prostrata

Pelargonium species

Lampranthus species

Dymondia margaretae

Aptenia cordifolia
Aptenia cordifolia

Groundcovers for coastal gardens:

Aptenia cordifolia

Arctotis species

Bulbine frutescens

Carpobrotus species

Crassula species

Drosanthemum species

Felicia species

Geranium incanum

Osteospermum species

Pelargonium species

Tetragonia decumbens

Gazania species

Portulacaria prostrata

Gazania species
Gazania species

Groundcovers for shady places:

Asparagus densifloris ‘Mazeppa’ and Asparagus ‘Meyersii’

Crassula multicava

Plectranthus species

Rhiocicssus tomentosa

Chlorophytum comosum and Chlorophytum comosum Variegated

Sutera cordata (Chaenostoma cordatum)

Crassula spathulata and Crassula pellucida

Crassula multicava
Crassula multicava

Groundcovers that are selected carefully for texture or colour will:

  • tie the garden together, giving it an established and well-maintained look
  • linking the bigger shrubs and trees together
  • accent focal points
  • fill gaps
  • provide unity

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