Bush Violet (Aptosimum elongatum)

Family Scrophulariaceae  

 A very small flower of about 1cm in length.

 Used as a ground cover. This one was found in the Polokwane region. As no information is available, I am not sure where else it grows.

Paintbrush Lily (Scadoxus puniceus)

Family Amaryllidaceae

Growing naturally in shady areas in coastal bush, ravines and forest, it can be found in the northern provinces, Free State, KwaZulu Natal and the Eastern Cape; with its distribution extending to Tropical Africa. This species is quite variable and a number of different forms occur throughout its distribution range.

In spring and early summer the Scadoxus puniceus bears large dense heads (inflorescences) up to 15cm across consisting of numerous smaller scarlet flowers with bright yellow anthers. The flower stalk may reach up to 50-60cm and is often spotted with purple near the base. The inflorescences are borne within bracts which may be large and dark purplish red in colour. Sunbirds, weavers and other nectivorous birds feed on the nectar produced by the flowers.

The young inflorescence, protected by bracts and borne on the red/purple spotted flower stalk, appears first, followed by the stem which bears 6-8 leaves. The leaves are glossy green, reach 30-40cm in length and have wavy margins. They are held erect clasping at the base to form a pseudostem (false stem) which has red/purple speckled scale leaves at the base.

The large underground bulbs may be up to 10cm across and have a short thick stem at the base from which numerous fleshy roots arise. The plants are dormant in winter and use the large bulbs and roots to store moisture during this period.

The fruits are fleshy, round, shiny red berries up to ±1cm in diameter. They bear single soft pearl-like seeds inside. Ripe berries eaten by birds / monkeys

As within many of the closely related amaryllids, this bulb is poisonous and deaths have been reported following the ingestion of the bulb. However this species is widely used in traditional medicine to treat coughs and gastro-intestinal problems. It has also traditionally been used as part of a medicine taken regularly during pregnancy to ensure a safe delivery

Info: http://www.plantzafrica.com

Three-thorn (Rhigozum trichotomum)

Family Bignoniaceae  

 A very colourful bush as the green leaves turn into autum shades. Found in the arid regions around Upington.

 It has a light pink flower which I was unfortunately not able to get pictures of at the time.

Greater Periwinkle (Vinca major)

Family Apocynaceae

 An invasive species from the Mediterranean.

It grows on vines which creep along the ground and can be up to about 20cm in height.

Common Grielum (Grielum humifusum)

Family Rosaceae

 This plant grows in a flat, spreading carpet.

 It is common in the arid regions around Uppington.

 The flowers are on small stalks and about 1cm in diameter.

Pronkbos (Dyerophytum africanum)

Family Plumbaginaceae

 A small bush growing in the arid regions of SA. About 40cm in height.

 No further information available on it.

Coastal Drumsticks (Zaluzianskya maritima)

Family Scrophulariaceae

 There are 55 species of Zaluzianskya native to southern Africa. They are either annuals or perennial herbs. The annuals seem to be more restricted to the Western Cape, whereas the perennials are more common in the eastern southern Africa.