Sunday, September 30

More about spring in Kruger.....

I'm sorry to belabour the point, but here is a third posting on SPRING!

After the early rains the bush is absolutely spectacular. In the last week most of the winter bare trees have burst forth with fresh bright green leaf, the burnt grasslands are an intensely vivid green and the flowering trees are flowering like I have never witnessed them before!

Sadly they are not always easy to capture, especially on the breezy days we have been having recently, so the following pictures don't really capture the glory of the bush at the moment, but I've tried..........




Scattered across the open landscapes and in thick stands on some sodic areas are the Short-thorn Pomegranate.


This giraffe was certainly enjoying the delicate yellow flowers




Many marula trees are crowned with a pinkish fuzz. Close-up these tiny delicate flowers are exquisite






The Tree Wisteria (aka "Van Wyks Hout") is ablaze everywhere there is a little underground water....



Many Weeping Boer-bean Trees are intensely red and green. I just couldn't find an opportunity to really capture the splendour.











Also standing in wetter ground are the tall, slender, gracefully twisted Apple-leaf trees. Their delicate lilac blossom is only really visible close up, and carpeting the bare ground beneath their canopies....









The fibrous, dark stems of Baboons Tail is noticeable on stony ground in many places in South Africa, but this flowering "stand" on a rocky outcrop in the mountains was outstandingly beautiful.















PS I am dashing this off during a short 1 day break between safaris. I promise I will be a bit more "on-line" next weekend:)


4 comments:

Gaelyn said...

Love to see all this spring color.

Coral Wild said...

Thanks Gaelyn. This has definitely been the most colourful spring I have experienced in 5 years:)

Lonicera said...

Because it's rained more?
The wisteria close up doesn't look like a species I recognise. I bet it has a wonderful perfume.
Caroline

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Coral .. so pleased you've had some rains - must be a blessing to many. The photos are a delight to see .. Cheers Hilary