Endemics of the Bokkeveld Plateau

The Bokkeveld Plateau can truly claim to be one of the world's most exciting wild flower areas. The plateau covers an area some 100km by 75 km. The Bokkeveld was so named over 250 years ago by the first white settlers because of the vast herds of game that abounded there such as zebra, wildebeest, and springbok.  Nieuwoudtville is one of the many towns located in this area, and boasts the title of 'Bulb Capital of the World'. Some endemics that I saw and photographed on my recent trip represent a kaleidoscope of colour, and texture.

Lapeirousia oreogena



Bulbinella latifolia v. doleritica

Zaluzianskya violacea

Alonsoa unilabiata

Bulbinella eburnifolia

Romulea sabulosa

Sparaxis elegans

 

Sparaxis tricolor

Hesperantha vaginata

Glorious Gladiolus

On my recent trip to South Africa's Western Cape, we encountered several stunning winter-rainfall Gladiolus species. Many have beautiful colours and markings on the tepals, and many are scented, making this Genus very pleasant to encounter. There are close to 250 species with the highest concentration found in the Western Cape of South Africa.

G. bullatus- Overberg

G. gracilis- Overberg

G. debilis- Overberg



G. liliaceus- Overberg



G. virescens- Overberg

G. watermeyeri- Nieuwoudtville

G. venustus- Gifberg

G. alatus- Gifberg

G. orchidiflorus- Jakobsbaai

G. meliusculus- Darling