During early August and September, as if by magic, a tapestry of brilliant colours unfolds along the winding roads of the Namaqua National Park. Butterflies, birds and long-tongued flies dart around among the flowers, seemingly overwhelmed by the abundance and diversity. Every turn in the road paints an unforgettable picture: valleys filled with Namaqualand daisies and other spring flowers that pulse with energy and joy.With its winter rainfall, Namaqualand is home to the richest bulb flora of any arid region in the world and more than a 1 000 of its estimated 3 500 plant species are found nowhere else on earth.
The Skilpad area had good rains since April 2007, with 190mm measured up to the end of June 2007. This has resulted in quite soggy and wet areas, where Oxalis sp are now growing in large numbers. Various daisy species are also emerging in large numbers on the open plains. There seem to be more gansogies (Cotula sp) than the previous year on these plains, but this may be as a result of the heavy rains. In the natural veldt areas bobbejaantjies (Babiana sp) are particularly noticable.
The best areas for flowers in Namaqua National Park for the coming week is the area around Soebatsfontein,where the daisies are already standing in large tracks; and the road between Skilpad and Soebatsfontein along the Swartlintjies river. The coastal areas between the Groen/ Spoeg river is also producing beautiful vygies at this stage. All these areas are only accessible by 4x4 vehicle.
It is difficult to predict the season, but the start seems excellent, and with sufficient follow-up rains the season can be spectacular.
Please do send us your pictures either via the SANParks forum, or e-mail them to our photo editor.
You can of course enjoy Daisy's Annual Flower Report, which is a wonderful online diary of the season as it progresses...
