South Africa - September 30, 2002 September 30, 2002
Posted by Lawrence in : Haworthia, Travelog , trackbackSunday 29 September: Port Elizabeth - Coega - over Alexandria to Ghio Bridge - Kariega River - Charlwood - Bathurst - Bloukrans – Grahamstown
Just outside of Port Elizabeth is Motherwell where the miniture Aloe bowiea (syn: Chamaeloe bowiea) is ever more threatened by urban sprawl. This plant is considered endanged due to its limited range and habitat distruction. Development of a new ocean port at Coega is likely to disrupt ever more of this unique area. Also in the area of flat lands and scrub brush are a number of medusoid Euphorbias that Gerhard is fond of (Euphorbia meloformis, E. gorgonis, E. stellata, E. globosa, E. clava, E. ledienii, E. polygona), and also some Gasteria bicolor, and several species of Aloe.
Near by we found Haworthia arachnoidea var. xiphiophylla growing in large numbers.
At Kariega River Horseshoe we found large clumps of Hawortha cymbiformis and Haworthia coartctata growing right along side of the road. The cymbiformis growing on the cliff face seem to get a lot of wind coming up from the river valley.
At Charlwood, west of Kasouga Crossing, near Port Alfred we made a visit with the mysterious and hairy Haworthia cooperi var. venusta. As far as I know this and another population near by are the only locations for this variety. With all of the people who know it’s whereabouts I hope it doesn’t get collected out. At Bloukrans, north of Bathurst we took a look at the very large growing Gasteria excelsa.
While in Grahamstown Gretchen and I stayed at a bed and breakfast on Henry Street, near the center of town and Rhodes University. The historic home and has been beautifully restored to its original English Settler style. The back gradens were very beautiful. Our hosts, with Pip and Nan Townshend were warm and made us feel very welcomed.
| Arthur’s Seat 6 Henry Street, Grahamstown, 6139 Tel/Fax : 046 622 7516 Cell : 072 341 7027Email: townshend@telkomsa.net Website: www.grahamstown.co.za/arthursseat |
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Monday 30 September: Grahamstown - Glen Craig - Ecca Pass - Fort Brown - Hell’s Poort - Dikkop Flats - Willow Fountain - Riebeeck East - Grahamstown
The next day we took a loop west and north of Grahamstown. Some 23 km east of Grahamstown toward Peddie we found Hawothia angustifolia. This would be as far east as we would go for the rest of the tour. Coming back west we stopped at Govenour’s Kloof and took a look at Haworthia cymbiformis growing on the cliff side. Next stop was Glen Craig, north of Grahamstown on the way to Ecca Pass. Here the Haworthia cooperi var. pilifera where just starting to come up out of the hard pack mud, near by we found Haworthia gracilis.
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