South Africa

I have finished South Africa and I will have to think about which visit to what city, country or area I post next.  I am off to Louisiana for a few days ......

Protea's such as this were growing wild in this region, it was beautiful and brightened the countryside.

We visit the (Harold Nixon Porter) Botanic Gardens, a spectacular stop along the Garden Route drive.

Asteraceae (Daisy Family) Felicia aethiopica, Garden Felicia (E) - The Garden Felicia is used as a dye.

Rutaceae (Rue/Buchu/Citrus Family), Agathosma ovata, Falso Boegoe (E), Basterbogoe (A).  A tea of False Buchu, blue gum, and bokboegoe relieves indiegstion, colic, cramps, asthma, colds and coughs.

Geraniaceae (Geranium Family), Pelargonium 'Fragrans' - has small grey-green strong aromatic leaves and planted in sandy soil.

Gentianaceae (Gentian Family), Orphium frutescens, Sea Rose (E), Teringboa (A).  The Sea Rose pollen is released through holes at the top of the twisted anthers by the buzzing of insects.

Asteraceae (Daisy Family), Helichrysum petiolare, Curry Bush (E), Kooigoed (A).  The Curry Bush is aromatic herbs or shrubs with densely hairy or woolly leaves and persistent flower heads.

Asphodelaceae (Asphodel Family), Bulbine frutescens, Stalked Bulbine (E), Balsemkopieva (A), Intelezi (X).  Stalked Bulbine can be used in the treatment of wounds, rashes and sores.

Iridaceae (Iris Family), Aristea major, Blue Sceptre (E), Blousuurkanol (A).  The Blue Sceptre has attractive flowers that open in the morning and close by midday.

Geraniaceae (Geranium Family), Pelargonium cordifolium, Heart-leaved Pelargonium (E), Wildemalva (A).  The deep green, aromatic leaves of the Heart-leaved Pelargonium can vary from smooth to hairy.

Geraniaceae (Geranium Family), Pelargonium cucullatum, Hooded-Leaf Pelargonium (E), Wildemalva (A).  Hooded-Leaf Pelargonium can be used to treat colic and diarrhea.

A protea with no name plate at the gardens ..... must be common.

Oxalidaceae (Wood Sorrel Family), Oxalis incarnata.  Very occasionally you might be lucky enough to find  a double flowered form of Oxalis incarnata.

This gal/guy was walking freely around the gardens, slowly but surely :))

Proteaceae (Protea Family), Leucadendron discolor, Piketberg Conebush (E), Rooitolbos (A).  The Piketberg Conebush responds well to cultivation and is a good cut flower.

Polygalaceae (Milkwort Family), Polygala fruticosa, Heart-leaved Pelargonium (E) - roots form part of blood-purifying decoctions and help improve sinusitis.

These last two photos were in the wetlands section at the gardens.

I hope you have enjoyed South Africa.  Ah, where next .....?