With Steenbok joining the many South Africans for the Nation wide Lockdown, today’s post will be a virtual tour along a natural pathway in the Reserve. This time of the year one is rewarded with a panoramic display of the brightly coloured Helichrysum foetidum and Hypoestes aristata. Take a closer look at the images below to find an example of the different types of insects that visit these colourful flowers everyday.
Helichrysum foetidum
yellow everlasting (Eng.); muishondblaar (Afr.)
A biennial covered with gland-tipped hairs, with oblong to lance-shaped leaves that are roughly hairy above and grey-woolly beneath. It bears leafy clusters of flattened flowerheads 15-25 mm diam. with cream to yellow bracts.
The name Helichrysum is derived from the Greek helios meaning sun, and chrysos meaning gold, referring to the bright yellow colour of the flower heads. Foetidum in Latin means evil smell.
Hypoestes aristata
Ribbon bush (Eng.); seeroogblommetjie (Afr.)
This fast growing erect shrub is very common in Steenbok. Its big, oval leaves are soft, hairy and dark green. The flowers are produced in axillary clusters and have two lips which curl back like a miniature florist’s ribbon (hence the common name). H. aristata is frequently found in the shade and flowers just before winter when most other plants are past their prime.
This shrub is visited by bees, flies and other small insects providing a source of food for many insectivorous birds.
SOMETHING TO DO DURING THE LOCKDOWN
Please send us your photos of indigenous flowers and birds species you find in your own gardens to news@steenboknaturereserve.org.za
We have followers from all over the world so please also include the country you are from.
House plants for our friends living in apartments.
We will then post them on our Facebook page for others to enjoy.
Tip: You can use the flora or fauna section of our website to help you identify the plants or animals that you find.
CLICK BELOW TO ACCESSES INFORMATION ABOUT OUR FLORA AND FAUNA
FLORA
https://www.steenboknaturereserve.org.za/floratype/plants/
FAUNA