Sneaking in a Rennie's walk before it rained (Thursday 6 September 2018)

With an expectation that the Watsonia pillansii we saw in bud two weeks earlier would be flowering, we returned to Rennie's Beach to see the display. We entered from the R61 side and could immediately see that there was quite a show. With heavily overcast conditions and a forecast of rain to come, we set off in a light drizzle, following the track of firebreaks. 

One of the first flowers we encountered was a small group of Kniphofia littoralis and a short distance further we found the first of the spring Acrolophia cochlearis, a delicate orchid that from a distance appears to be a burned tuft of grass. Other flowers in this vicinity were Cyperus obtusiflorus, Cyanotis speciosa, and Xysmalobium involucratum with its clusters of honey-scented flowers.

Acrolophia cochlearis

Cyperus obtusiflorus

Cyanotis speciosa

Xysmalobium involucratum

We crossed a track and found several small Lasiosiphon kraussianus plants with raindrops perched on the buds. There were also some similarly decorated Eulophia hians var inaequalis proudly showing their yellow flowers.  Not far away was the purple and white flowered Eulophia hians var hians. We also found several Lotus discolor, one of which had open flowers.

A raindrop decorated Lasiosiphon kraussianus

Eulophia hians var inaequalis

Eulophia hians var hians (Photo: Gail B-W)

Lotus discolor

We finally reached the very impressive wide expanse of orange-flowered Watsonia pillansii. While this show was remarkable, it has yet to reach its peak as there are many unopened buds. 

The display of Watsonia pillansii

Orange flowers everywhere

Watsonia pillansii

A panorama of Watsonia pillansii

Watsonia pillansii in the background

After enjoying this amazing display for a while, we pressed on towards the sea, coming across some Linum thunbergii. These together with Xyris capensis prefer a damp habitat, as is the case with the Watsonia pillansii.

Linum thunbergii

Xyris capensis

In a slightly drier area we found buds on some Argyrolobium amplexicaule accompanied by an Argyrolobium harveyanum. A short distance away was Aspilia natalensis and Cycnium tuberosum as well as Disa similis.

Argyrolobium amplexicaule

Argyrolobium harveyanum

Aspilia natalensis

Cycnium tuberosum

Disa similis

Back into a wetland, the tussocks making it difficult to navigate, there were swathes of Ledebouria cooperii. A bit further along on the edge of this part of the wetland there was a large colony of Senecio caudatus.

Ledebouria cooperii

Senecio caudatus

Senecio caudatus (Photo: Gail B-W)

Further along we turned southwards to walk parallel to the coast, finding a very early Harveya speciosa bud and several clumps of Tulbaghia ludwigiana.

Harveya speciosa

Tulbaghia ludwigiana

A bit higher up the slope we encountered many Eriosema dregei and Eugenia albanensis in flower. Here we also found an Endangered Oxygonum dregeanum subsp. streyi. There was little to see in the long, unburned grass at the top of the rise but on a narrow burned strip near a house we found some Indigofera herrstreyi (ined.), Polygala refracta and Thesium cupressoides.

Eriosema dregei

Eugenia albanensis

Oxygonum dregeanum subsp streyi

Polygala refracta

Indigofera herrstreyi

Thesium cupressoides

Gail caught this impromptu pose just as the rain started coming down with more intent and we scattered back to the vehicles.

Part of the group - just before the rain started (Photo: Gail B-W)

Participants: Alex V, Anne S, Dorothy M, Elaine L, Gail B-W, Graham G, Kate G, Maggie A, Tracy T.