tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56495938102960014822024-02-19T03:47:18.971+02:00The Succulent and Cactus Lady 🌿 I am a naturalist and gardener living on my little piece of African soil on the lush and tropical North Coast of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. This is a record of my love affair and obsession with cacti and succulents.Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comBlogger117125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5649593810296001482.post-52915802294484128122024-02-16T16:52:00.002+02:002024-02-16T17:03:08.228+02:00Aloe vera splendour<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">I’m a succulent-lover </span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYR4e6s5eeGoLrkRDSJewsfiMu7ek9tTJJhL5KUyCXJzo9hk_M280xsOEtUd8mXtQQFcxYa_vSG2uIIqBkQts54c4asLHhaD6bYn6y-hNJlLzkhhAKNfDyXqp1zp1WThue2c4HGtfVA22Aeme1IMeP15lVH42pOP58UuOCdT4xQOp9ZQPm8srTxeSW3PY/s4032/IMG_0984.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYR4e6s5eeGoLrkRDSJewsfiMu7ek9tTJJhL5KUyCXJzo9hk_M280xsOEtUd8mXtQQFcxYa_vSG2uIIqBkQts54c4asLHhaD6bYn6y-hNJlLzkhhAKNfDyXqp1zp1WThue2c4HGtfVA22Aeme1IMeP15lVH42pOP58UuOCdT4xQOp9ZQPm8srTxeSW3PY/w300-h400/IMG_0984.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As Winter slowly approaches (Autumn is definitely in the early-morning air and leaves are also slowly starting to flutter down), the Aloes will now start flowering all over the world, even during summer in Europe and the USA. Their internal clock is set to ‘Winter South Africa’, which is actually from May to July, but this Aloe vera has decided that it’s cool enough in the mornings to start wearing her Winter finery. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">🧡</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Most Aloes are indigenous to South Africa and I do think that Aloe vera, well-known for its medicinal properties, is one of the better-known of all Aloe species. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9UdJHWgLMRu1V1nfj7IoR8GnQUnupF4YKGnkRM9opfUi242yqog15sXMUKDBlxUyWC6e0E_0iyzVUIhU3mKTHVoF18orqsHSC5fIfNZJgerbBsxtxWEkhH_2d5hiFf0pNsrheK5F7kMkQXyg2CHL84s7uUEqXUcSyPh2JGNfj_UoIyQkD_lQjV6P3eI/s4032/IMG_0983.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9UdJHWgLMRu1V1nfj7IoR8GnQUnupF4YKGnkRM9opfUi242yqog15sXMUKDBlxUyWC6e0E_0iyzVUIhU3mKTHVoF18orqsHSC5fIfNZJgerbBsxtxWEkhH_2d5hiFf0pNsrheK5F7kMkQXyg2CHL84s7uUEqXUcSyPh2JGNfj_UoIyQkD_lQjV6P3eI/w300-h400/IMG_0983.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">::</span></div></div><p></p>Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5649593810296001482.post-14848195619287228902023-06-16T09:51:00.001+02:002023-06-16T09:51:18.208+02:00Fairy Crassula<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgneOZTHzf19c7QBuQD7D0SNlcy5L5TxAHfHIkl9Fw1Mdo9gEnTWgKM32ZtDg4uAfV4FKE5wc5XTUmFVnzqbR6v1lutRvsDcwY9QyMv92_9tQJ0mzQdmSiRdWQiOoMtbbvUMdFGgLzb3ystNRTIfsVL5kLFL5V8A3xKGrfYN1jgvrjidJNPSzQunj2b/s4032/IMG_6673.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgneOZTHzf19c7QBuQD7D0SNlcy5L5TxAHfHIkl9Fw1Mdo9gEnTWgKM32ZtDg4uAfV4FKE5wc5XTUmFVnzqbR6v1lutRvsDcwY9QyMv92_9tQJ0mzQdmSiRdWQiOoMtbbvUMdFGgLzb3ystNRTIfsVL5kLFL5V8A3xKGrfYN1jgvrjidJNPSzQunj2b/w480-h640/IMG_6673.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p>My Crassula multicava (Fairy Crassula) is in full bloom. It is a neatly-growing evergreen low-growing plant that rarely exceeds a foot tall in the landscape and is even lower when grown in dry shade.</p><p>Indigenous to South Africa, this Crassula occurs naturally along forest margins, riparian areas and within coastal vegetation from Mpumulanga (Eastern Transvaal), Natal to the Eastern and southern Cape provinces.</p><p>The beautiful petite flowers, which are pink in bud and then open to charming little white stars that are very showy as a spray above the foliage on reddish stems, appear in Winter. </p><p>Read more <a href="https://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=3770" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </p><p><br /></p>Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5649593810296001482.post-59912368457198863502023-05-01T05:49:00.003+02:002023-05-01T05:49:00.150+02:00Eve's Needle (Looking back)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmqeZY1wbvqjwDd-I59c1n1rp3lifTa2pDP3p8UBnlgHrUe0enZXjXly2au7M8zJ4ivgmyiN8Ol5tEkPsdlXY7UsS90fs6KyQOqtTaJDilRMzUynCUEsacz6E4FiosyJpfdSDcDaAy1HQ/s1600/Austrocylindropuntia+subulataEvesNeedle5435a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmqeZY1wbvqjwDd-I59c1n1rp3lifTa2pDP3p8UBnlgHrUe0enZXjXly2au7M8zJ4ivgmyiN8Ol5tEkPsdlXY7UsS90fs6KyQOqtTaJDilRMzUynCUEsacz6E4FiosyJpfdSDcDaAy1HQ/s1600/Austrocylindropuntia+subulataEvesNeedle5435a.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
(Austrocylindropuntia subulata)<br />
<span style="color: white;">.</span><br />
Family: Cactaceae <b>(kak-TAY-see-ee)</b> <br />
Genus: Austrocylindropuntia <b>(oss-troh-sil-in-droh-PUN-tee-uh)</b> <br />
Species: subulata <b>(sub-yoo-LAH-tuh)</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBWWXK_1pVAeGxgyTVilE99e_WyeyEDu9BD9pgXaNut4IHB4Yf2TQtKwu7w-ik8dXeZxaGHd1zNA0gJODqozLHRvY3LhLAHLa4MjGTSPBoqRtr1435_wm2BTtQurIPnUs0h7Ec7mkGq-A/s1600/Austrocylindropuntia+subulata+(Eve%27s%2BNeedle%2BCactus%2C%2BLong%2BSpine%2BCactus)4045a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBWWXK_1pVAeGxgyTVilE99e_WyeyEDu9BD9pgXaNut4IHB4Yf2TQtKwu7w-ik8dXeZxaGHd1zNA0gJODqozLHRvY3LhLAHLa4MjGTSPBoqRtr1435_wm2BTtQurIPnUs0h7Ec7mkGq-A/s1600/Austrocylindropuntia+subulata+(Eve's%2BNeedle%2BCactus%2C%2BLong%2BSpine%2BCactus)4045a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><span style="color: white;">.</span> </b><br />
In February 2014, my dear friend <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/happyart">Elizabeth Kendall</a>
sent me a tiny piece of this Eve’s Needle through the post. Unknown to
us, the Post Office was on strike and after a month of being missing in
action, the parcel finally arrived with the poor little Eve’s Needle
definitely looking worse for the wear. I immediately prepared a pot with
some good soil, ample drainage and carefully transplanted her to her
new home. Now, almost 8 months later, she has transformed into a
beautiful specimen, standing almost 40cm (15") tall.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4OKpjTrT_ssoXqIdEq3_pUsE5RbRCWxqvLCbEFS-sID1KbVudT-QQaxsWuSv8CTPMuKjpUPXjy8xeDIgRAMhc9fj8GWXJZRTnlNm1gTOi9WMh0sme73wkMYiLNBTpwHxEOar_txLJLiM/s1600/pp,550x550.u13.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4OKpjTrT_ssoXqIdEq3_pUsE5RbRCWxqvLCbEFS-sID1KbVudT-QQaxsWuSv8CTPMuKjpUPXjy8xeDIgRAMhc9fj8GWXJZRTnlNm1gTOi9WMh0sme73wkMYiLNBTpwHxEOar_txLJLiM/s1600/pp,550x550.u13.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: white;">. </span><br />
Austrocylindropuntia subulata is a large tree-like cactus, up to 13
feet (4 m) tall with round cylindrical joints, up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall
and 1.5 – 2.5 inches (4 – 6.5 cm) thick. The green leaves are nearly
cylindrical, up to 5 inches (13 cm) long. The spines are light yellow, 1
– 2 per areole, up to 3 inches (8 cm) long. The flowers are red, 2 – 4
inches (5 – 10 cm) long, followed by reddish to red fruits up to 4
inches (10 cm) long.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrUpNaDn02YlPfad-zaDBA2CZHsMoLKnbSrVwR2jcCt1gu2I6BBY8GBqCtNIVQYmy1HxznVTgZJCT6_nvxF9VApZ_E2ShdGLi_xWUb54-Bwxw2MZIcJ31Zr4UB65AgUoRq94exKKlRn08/s1600/Austrocylindropuntia+subulataEvesNeedle5434a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrUpNaDn02YlPfad-zaDBA2CZHsMoLKnbSrVwR2jcCt1gu2I6BBY8GBqCtNIVQYmy1HxznVTgZJCT6_nvxF9VApZ_E2ShdGLi_xWUb54-Bwxw2MZIcJ31Zr4UB65AgUoRq94exKKlRn08/s1600/Austrocylindropuntia+subulataEvesNeedle5434a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: white;">. </span><br />
This plant is suitable for growing indoors or in containers, is
drought-tolerant and produces beautiful red blooms. Needs regular
watering but be careful not to over-water.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZiZJQx8s36nITjq1oj-l3s2FQUR7mTAs8jeuJ3AWskX1t-z1ITTcK05BQBTqD9OMxjn4ccO0ws25mM7rLBmpo2AM7M3m9g1yazOKZmnCJDkFpfLkWU70yVtZuZgRqrgtbgG1VJBDB9k/s1600/Austrocylindropuntia+subulataEvesNeedle5433a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZiZJQx8s36nITjq1oj-l3s2FQUR7mTAs8jeuJ3AWskX1t-z1ITTcK05BQBTqD9OMxjn4ccO0ws25mM7rLBmpo2AM7M3m9g1yazOKZmnCJDkFpfLkWU70yVtZuZgRqrgtbgG1VJBDB9k/s1600/Austrocylindropuntia+subulataEvesNeedle5433a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Eve spent a couple of days under cover as we had a lot of rain over the past two days</div>
<span style="color: white;"> .</span><br />
Native to the higher elevations of Ecuador and Peru, this plant was
originally introduced to South Africa for the biological control of
Opuntia ficus-indica, Eve’s Needle has been declared a Category 1 weed
in South Africa as it is a great invader. When the plant gets top-heavy,
pieces break off and take root where they fall, soon forming a dense
wall of cactus killing anything that grows in its path. So I will be
very careful to contain Eve in her pot, trimming regularly and keeping
an eye out for any fallen leaves, needles or little pieces that might
break off.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpypMDAmQLGIUJzQ_54dFQPT2UtXzwQ7X0OSfjr0r8ZyfizUJWt8-LGW7OEud6Y2zOHd4-1otpKJ82EksRH8N0zN7CyylS5sFkFWkAsHUK4baghPDjbsDn1LxFYhWfV9-6MDX-K1SgF4g/s1600/AustrocylindropuntiaEvesNeedle_2924a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="891" data-original-width="1188" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpypMDAmQLGIUJzQ_54dFQPT2UtXzwQ7X0OSfjr0r8ZyfizUJWt8-LGW7OEud6Y2zOHd4-1otpKJ82EksRH8N0zN7CyylS5sFkFWkAsHUK4baghPDjbsDn1LxFYhWfV9-6MDX-K1SgF4g/s640/AustrocylindropuntiaEvesNeedle_2924a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
<b><span style="color: #990000;">UPDATE : My Eve's Needle in March 2016, ready to be planted into a suitable spot in the garden where it will be easily controlled so that it doesn't spread as it is regarded as a bit of a pest here in South Africa. I also found this information that <span class="st">The <i>Eve's needle</i> will rarely bloom in
cultivation, but when it does, it produces long, coppery red, showy
blooms. Its fruit is oblong with small spines.</span></span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">. </span>Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5649593810296001482.post-43063635994495885482023-04-26T05:54:00.001+02:002023-04-26T05:54:00.143+02:00Close friends<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyrJq67WxMgIvwDqkkr4Zix9qCrwZMUcFP7M-JsZHeIVrjn1buPAzO3w7lkUQ6OgTyVWIbWCoX72gk3u7FOpriRGLZqGB4H1Ir4U3MHbd3d_bKaYZgJkufEBngGmsGv0dtpF7gg_bzGLLYOtZPIuduAzZI84mpUtp6zz0xOYE-OrrOTBWSxzAp-6zf/s4032/DuneAloeTradescantia.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyrJq67WxMgIvwDqkkr4Zix9qCrwZMUcFP7M-JsZHeIVrjn1buPAzO3w7lkUQ6OgTyVWIbWCoX72gk3u7FOpriRGLZqGB4H1Ir4U3MHbd3d_bKaYZgJkufEBngGmsGv0dtpF7gg_bzGLLYOtZPIuduAzZI84mpUtp6zz0xOYE-OrrOTBWSxzAp-6zf/w480-h640/DuneAloeTradescantia.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Close friends--Dune Aloe and Tradescantia.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Actually, Tradescantia can be friends with ANYBODY or anything! - it has no compunction about climbing up or over on under or through anything, so be careful as to where you plant it. I always say, it actually needs a garden all to itself!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5649593810296001482.post-71138413941281288232023-04-21T11:25:00.005+02:002023-04-21T11:37:40.808+02:00Sweeping your mind<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_mTpfhxFJhemfsfWWes5glC9oKkjm_EjTBddo3RUitS8jXLEF9o5Bj86vnmf-8UW8qo03plr347nz5GzOdy1httbxvj63-lALErLoavykVkZQEsfwpPo5gbkTQSdvjQ9SWWnmevfRmVnTZyV00uzqbEuOLiYv-DA8ViPbpF9ppDkciRKWqz_NM97W/s1024/46BB6CC4-60DB-4206-895C-6E7435F8174E_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_mTpfhxFJhemfsfWWes5glC9oKkjm_EjTBddo3RUitS8jXLEF9o5Bj86vnmf-8UW8qo03plr347nz5GzOdy1httbxvj63-lALErLoavykVkZQEsfwpPo5gbkTQSdvjQ9SWWnmevfRmVnTZyV00uzqbEuOLiYv-DA8ViPbpF9ppDkciRKWqz_NM97W/w480-h640/46BB6CC4-60DB-4206-895C-6E7435F8174E_1_105_c.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"When you sweep the garden, you are sweeping your mind."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A daily chore, sweeping the garden, as feeding my feathered friends leaves a big mess of left-over seeds and husks. But the Sansevieria (Mother-in-Law's Tongue) doesn't seem to mind all the husks and the Callisia repens is absolutely flourishing! And all the left-over seeds that blow into the garden germinate and come up all over, providing extra sustenance for the birds as they absolutely love all the fresh greenery! So unless you don't mind some "untidy" looking beds, better to feed your birds further away from your prized beds.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div></div><div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLoPwAV8gJXifCzKRi8Za3WmHfmPfvQGQd-nAWTsH7XAAExBRe5wXp7fNkunTJC3doKws9sLNLkhl1Uyy6uR9Z7jKFQMXE2jk7z9YNp12q-bbPypjJWRpvXBMGkIW1M33EqZMQwZxlOwA-M-B72YCWPd2smu776cZQeZ31yYwCu2AeXowdOJXRl65H/s1024/40BCF675-62A0-43F7-8E56-C0FC02C26BD2_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLoPwAV8gJXifCzKRi8Za3WmHfmPfvQGQd-nAWTsH7XAAExBRe5wXp7fNkunTJC3doKws9sLNLkhl1Uyy6uR9Z7jKFQMXE2jk7z9YNp12q-bbPypjJWRpvXBMGkIW1M33EqZMQwZxlOwA-M-B72YCWPd2smu776cZQeZ31yYwCu2AeXowdOJXRl65H/w480-h640/40BCF675-62A0-43F7-8E56-C0FC02C26BD2_1_105_c.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A few imperceptible seeds peeking through between the paving.</div><br /></span><div><br /></div></div>Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5649593810296001482.post-28191455017641138902022-12-11T21:41:00.007+02:002023-04-21T11:07:55.953+02:00Spekboom splendour<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2nZw4HHzj9YQIAob8gSPCLmweGGEQwXMXF-fDBIiB1490YIX_rQuiwxjLUpLeytC5J6WZEma_nqHtzeJKbFLnvau9y9nqz7DRahuTehLZjGj7B_fyrdr-yUM15U-6gtWt1Rw1Rxh6DT7DmAFyDMTGVZ6JcxFtVtVTBA7vAWSm3bMsozd_pHxh1urY/s1024/B828CFD9-B7C0-44AD-9AD7-949F02727236_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2nZw4HHzj9YQIAob8gSPCLmweGGEQwXMXF-fDBIiB1490YIX_rQuiwxjLUpLeytC5J6WZEma_nqHtzeJKbFLnvau9y9nqz7DRahuTehLZjGj7B_fyrdr-yUM15U-6gtWt1Rw1Rxh6DT7DmAFyDMTGVZ6JcxFtVtVTBA7vAWSm3bMsozd_pHxh1urY/w300-h400/B828CFD9-B7C0-44AD-9AD7-949F02727236_1_105_c.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Tonight all my Spekbooms (Portulacaria afra) look spectacular after a few days of rain - they actually do much better with more water than less, but they are absolute die-hards and will just go into rest-mode during a severe drought.</span></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6D-z6sHvf_-wATZEfVT03wSXD6BaKu1Mo-NWhIST6NROVszWzZpoXL0pEYe82hC9SplLpZuT2kwzmqqVp6qYjTdgwvp14HMu0TnqdjWu7-PoVBwCrEtnHUXymbsIkoZU9ot6gCBnK3-vuXNXitughVH_HXj_a7gVaC8h_7Pt7iVtFuxrlZyUpryGy/s1024/C452E548-5755-4FC9-812D-5C25D571C50C_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6D-z6sHvf_-wATZEfVT03wSXD6BaKu1Mo-NWhIST6NROVszWzZpoXL0pEYe82hC9SplLpZuT2kwzmqqVp6qYjTdgwvp14HMu0TnqdjWu7-PoVBwCrEtnHUXymbsIkoZU9ot6gCBnK3-vuXNXitughVH_HXj_a7gVaC8h_7Pt7iVtFuxrlZyUpryGy/w300-h400/C452E548-5755-4FC9-812D-5C25D571C50C_1_105_c.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6vYhwVFF-uhLTWkuLhrCRe1wW7XfnfW-jT1INtzqcfPcMju63zE_rq6PDb97m1yMXZSUxCS90D3wYkDz5pGZ7-9nGtwONw86qGqT-cXBN13u6SVff7pSx_asbjV_YEa4PuGPNr8-lNDkNozqSSdPED_T7MF5g33XV-OeSpVjMrUI1yn1PP9zfORBo/s1024/FE77F9F0-9463-4885-AD2F-6C820DB4C5AB_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6vYhwVFF-uhLTWkuLhrCRe1wW7XfnfW-jT1INtzqcfPcMju63zE_rq6PDb97m1yMXZSUxCS90D3wYkDz5pGZ7-9nGtwONw86qGqT-cXBN13u6SVff7pSx_asbjV_YEa4PuGPNr8-lNDkNozqSSdPED_T7MF5g33XV-OeSpVjMrUI1yn1PP9zfORBo/w300-h400/FE77F9F0-9463-4885-AD2F-6C820DB4C5AB_1_105_c.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And just in case you wondered, these pics were really taken tonight. The iPhone 11 Pro actually has quite a spectacular camera.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH4XYAcdRv1qyZwbkeHyzz_iHooD_3HM_JsYjxsUCJyDLlKUXIh33AodSCi8NxW0uJ60Dn_qeZfFgICw0hENDThQABzz2eEWyjwGGHZ3eBVT0-BV0V38VMafVqzOTDV0B6Y0c090oUIIAuHrYkXv91mbnQjav51ABi5CFZmYOiOTTE9YRevblij7gX/s1024/163F2266-2294-40D2-BF21-E76BA377A763_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH4XYAcdRv1qyZwbkeHyzz_iHooD_3HM_JsYjxsUCJyDLlKUXIh33AodSCi8NxW0uJ60Dn_qeZfFgICw0hENDThQABzz2eEWyjwGGHZ3eBVT0-BV0V38VMafVqzOTDV0B6Y0c090oUIIAuHrYkXv91mbnQjav51ABi5CFZmYOiOTTE9YRevblij7gX/w300-h400/163F2266-2294-40D2-BF21-E76BA377A763_1_105_c.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This pic was taken this morning through my bedroom blinds, if you look closely, you can see the raindrops on the leaves.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Also known as the elephant bush, porkbush and purslane tree, the ecological significance of this tree is well-known all over the world as it helps to fight climate change and air pollution.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face="sans-serif" style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); color: #202122; text-align: left;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face="sans-serif" style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); color: #202122; text-align: left;">The Spekboom flowers are nectar-rich and provide food for many insects - endangered bees and birds love them! Larvae of the Duadem butterfly also feed on the Portulacaria species. If you do happen to see this large, green caterpillar on your Spekboom, don't be alarmed. Although it may seem to be harming the plant, it in fact is helping the tree to produce new leaves, similar to what pruning a tree does.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">::</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5649593810296001482.post-35042295120177308982022-05-08T11:48:00.005+02:002022-12-11T21:18:56.167+02:00Waiting for the rain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTMQk2qQreW9D6AIFu7Z_1wRPvIjM15ipBC0byKUbXNOClcmtuLsI85BYEOHO0rmvOrECqs8g_mqredhViHO8yZrtj2fhkGVpUhqn-bHYlW9LW7tbhyv2NGS99Ro50Od16Q_Ts0CntD6Gw0XbpwkmJDpWny7PWmYuykm8z0cHAje-E-n1NmGWBsrF4/s2048/85168373-A90A-4AF1-86C8-6632E007B2B1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTMQk2qQreW9D6AIFu7Z_1wRPvIjM15ipBC0byKUbXNOClcmtuLsI85BYEOHO0rmvOrECqs8g_mqredhViHO8yZrtj2fhkGVpUhqn-bHYlW9LW7tbhyv2NGS99Ro50Od16Q_Ts0CntD6Gw0XbpwkmJDpWny7PWmYuykm8z0cHAje-E-n1NmGWBsrF4/w300-h400/85168373-A90A-4AF1-86C8-6632E007B2B1.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p>I never thought I’d be saying, ‘waiting for the rain’ so soon after the massive floods we had here on the Dolphin Coast a mere three or four weeks ago (we had 244mm in less than 23 hours), but if I don’t bring out the hosepipe soon, I’m going to have a very grumpy succulent garden on my hands. Under the Tradescantia (above), the Callisia repens is dry and brittle and I have actually removed huge patches of it (they spread like a wild-fire anyway) to make way for new growth. Provided I water it. All the plants here at the coast are used to regular rain, at least twice a week, so no rain for the past month is not good.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAEKuYfhERye3smEx2tb_fSSOO7GuVfdSmkvSMUTmrIT1zX2t-3dDuj49BJ-o4HbgvRMrVTUBNXqbptBgrchqwAeC-eYAtX_JPCcGjZxA7S03aWOfMhzZtcxpFVN1YowwpwekG1JHW7ZFKWA8eLoU7glQqZu3CiGh6KcSX2czSb9cTCtO9raamjyqa/s2048/6756E93B-DA24-4193-968E-4C975192BF29.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAEKuYfhERye3smEx2tb_fSSOO7GuVfdSmkvSMUTmrIT1zX2t-3dDuj49BJ-o4HbgvRMrVTUBNXqbptBgrchqwAeC-eYAtX_JPCcGjZxA7S03aWOfMhzZtcxpFVN1YowwpwekG1JHW7ZFKWA8eLoU7glQqZu3CiGh6KcSX2czSb9cTCtO9raamjyqa/w300-h400/6756E93B-DA24-4193-968E-4C975192BF29.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>My (new) rain gauge is also waiting patiently, he hasn’t seen a drop since I installed him 3 weeks ago.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBO-Dow2QNMoB_iYysb8M92kdyACn7DTOaysR_iyg4Y050ln2mAUsVxrkMFDZYssWLF3ilCk5ofgvwsyh3Xotf-rKvLHMzMiDRiXnzh69FUxseHk55-4dC7r95m2uKWYXOH9fb_NnZh9S4PIIW7tbw43RaoWYsuYjM6talwXw5cKcJVcUDonUZW_w5/s4032/A9C3F768-B4DB-4A57-8B0F-827A13EAEA8B.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBO-Dow2QNMoB_iYysb8M92kdyACn7DTOaysR_iyg4Y050ln2mAUsVxrkMFDZYssWLF3ilCk5ofgvwsyh3Xotf-rKvLHMzMiDRiXnzh69FUxseHk55-4dC7r95m2uKWYXOH9fb_NnZh9S4PIIW7tbw43RaoWYsuYjM6talwXw5cKcJVcUDonUZW_w5/w300-h400/A9C3F768-B4DB-4A57-8B0F-827A13EAEA8B.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div>The succulents I do have in pots, like the Graptoveria and Sedum above, are easier to water and to keep an eye on and they don’t need that much water anyway.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-x9X65cx9fAcsDW5WIRH6IjdM5VR46ixl1KdIbMejNlZtvLoSMmFK37fpnUoE9u7yuRazuXFgoUIEpg1rxoLAgzfnhRg21g891WnzeuXEl7nT26y5_hMcZGlTl05uAwnycOUzUJFzjL2zQquaQaziWuOJRnVVLzgqoBwoO1gNDKp7_MYdrAuJHGSq/s4032/CAED85AD-922B-41CB-9DDF-763912CD34A1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-x9X65cx9fAcsDW5WIRH6IjdM5VR46ixl1KdIbMejNlZtvLoSMmFK37fpnUoE9u7yuRazuXFgoUIEpg1rxoLAgzfnhRg21g891WnzeuXEl7nT26y5_hMcZGlTl05uAwnycOUzUJFzjL2zQquaQaziWuOJRnVVLzgqoBwoO1gNDKp7_MYdrAuJHGSq/w300-h400/CAED85AD-922B-41CB-9DDF-763912CD34A1.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div>But I have been coddling my newly-sprouted Leatherleaf Fern (not a succulet, I know, but I have a soft spot for any type of fern, I never had much chance of growing them in Tarlton (Gauteng, South Africa), because of the dry weather and frost-bitten winters there), so if a fern of whatever lineage wants to sprout in my garden, she will have my full cooperation! </div><div>💚</div><div><br /></div>Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5649593810296001482.post-89671922109005712592022-05-02T18:50:00.004+02:002022-05-02T18:59:50.337+02:00Spekboom, loved by elephants and butterflies alikePortulacaria afra (also known as elephant bush, dwarf jade plant, porkbush, purslane tree and Spekboom in Afrikaans) is a small-leaved succulent plant indigenous to South Africa. These succulents commonly have a reddish stem and leaves that are green, but a variegated cultivar is also often seen in cultivation. They are simple to care for and make easy houseplants for a sunny location. In frost-free regions they may be used in outdoor landscaping. 💚
<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8L8m7NIVZZ9GHsZyi-GLXhICQrxy2o76EPPOkChLWJjBQWRVzdwJZqk2QTVShMyEKQECErM0wFekYHWakR_kCAt0T6YwwCw6j6QK_13hOQVvkJCGkbdCAOQt7Mf-KbvaBMVoim_1f7Z3SCVAgjTjh5lEFEFigrEBKYLyMGgTL_w1Ca0kuN7Ts4_qB/s1024/01.%201206D11E-DEAA-4D3A-B728-1DC7D7660BE5_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8L8m7NIVZZ9GHsZyi-GLXhICQrxy2o76EPPOkChLWJjBQWRVzdwJZqk2QTVShMyEKQECErM0wFekYHWakR_kCAt0T6YwwCw6j6QK_13hOQVvkJCGkbdCAOQt7Mf-KbvaBMVoim_1f7Z3SCVAgjTjh5lEFEFigrEBKYLyMGgTL_w1Ca0kuN7Ts4_qB/w300-h400/01.%201206D11E-DEAA-4D3A-B728-1DC7D7660BE5_1_105_c.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(38, 38, 38); color: #262626;"><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"> </span></div></span><div><span style="color: #262626;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><br /></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvLKfGQxAiS6Gd95LerZ48K-5n7yf-VV-p2ihcyS6gcptLIuq8GG67qxNvzvZSvHi-yTf7m0Um5qew7tqaZaAJicr5DlKGl3YHwBGsoSsiakxAD4U9cWa9MHZnqG1onty4V0a2kx5u2jjOBxnJehVR4crlPfNm5eR0QafEZKJNqOGFdQ9bs1cCRZeb/s1024/02.%2028EEAABF-6295-47C8-8270-496A23A626F4_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvLKfGQxAiS6Gd95LerZ48K-5n7yf-VV-p2ihcyS6gcptLIuq8GG67qxNvzvZSvHi-yTf7m0Um5qew7tqaZaAJicr5DlKGl3YHwBGsoSsiakxAD4U9cWa9MHZnqG1onty4V0a2kx5u2jjOBxnJehVR4crlPfNm5eR0QafEZKJNqOGFdQ9bs1cCRZeb/w300-h400/02.%2028EEAABF-6295-47C8-8270-496A23A626F4_1_105_c.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: "pt sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 25px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">Spekboom also make great container plants and already the birds enjoy roosting in the one above as it is near their favourite bathing place. Spekboom is totally edible and widely used in salads. I've often seen the birds taking bits of the leaves. The taste of spekboom leaves are pleasant but changes throughout as the sun rises and sets. During the day leaves have an acid flavour and they become less acidic towards the evening. The delicious greenery is heavily browsed by game and firm favourite of several wild animals, especially elephants! There the English name of Elephant Bush.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSHXiNuXfhgSS4Dst1RCAu123_f0dG4_sG0pqMgxV9LtwqIjWSz3CyF9KLtT8-vNcjSUoFMR6pnPUlzixqfLMvkMvHvfNqehZVoGDn4C5Z005YbgrZXiXY0Z4kGtKXFuw08aKV-ZGaseqPrtbaz6bl-Ocs-oRHTRaDxFCYxqeGg7SpM7BLW3qoVu56/s1024/03.%206715F2A5-8A0B-4E66-BF9A-B4CFA06E538C_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSHXiNuXfhgSS4Dst1RCAu123_f0dG4_sG0pqMgxV9LtwqIjWSz3CyF9KLtT8-vNcjSUoFMR6pnPUlzixqfLMvkMvHvfNqehZVoGDn4C5Z005YbgrZXiXY0Z4kGtKXFuw08aKV-ZGaseqPrtbaz6bl-Ocs-oRHTRaDxFCYxqeGg7SpM7BLW3qoVu56/w300-h400/03.%206715F2A5-8A0B-4E66-BF9A-B4CFA06E538C_1_105_c.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I have about 8 Spekboom throughout my garden and this one above ws planted about a year ago as a 12" cutting which I had rooted in a container with water first until it developed roots. But I have found that even just sticking pieces straight into the ground is a successful method of propagation.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivl4HS1tN-R_IxMajpeXB4el6Jr-bwPwlMzeJCd5QbEFic6BMa8qf4Zhms2YV5fby3uDOgO5LNcZV6nNdI--ntmm6PGXvJjHJwxAu-ilJ06Dt-BE5DsZRPxkSe9D3GAtPOjnHZDSl_kCqLUMB01yQEDgBf06rbqJh1wuqfsV5LNGpqlyi1Onq5qfGk/s1024/04.%206365FE85-1F4B-423B-83A0-49DC455C5892_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivl4HS1tN-R_IxMajpeXB4el6Jr-bwPwlMzeJCd5QbEFic6BMa8qf4Zhms2YV5fby3uDOgO5LNcZV6nNdI--ntmm6PGXvJjHJwxAu-ilJ06Dt-BE5DsZRPxkSe9D3GAtPOjnHZDSl_kCqLUMB01yQEDgBf06rbqJh1wuqfsV5LNGpqlyi1Onq5qfGk/w300-h400/04.%206365FE85-1F4B-423B-83A0-49DC455C5892_1_105_c.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8yNjooLiVfdqZLowt3O55mifcGE3RFdYBOotCaoA_G1pSbX51_27XJIQvX3LzS0FSswvxX1EPpQFz69993CYtASsxAlO_ImiW6cBP5eL9N-ZWEaPVbcvCs17JvAK_sbTVURfH4M1EIXZi8CUJihnS-tDpzl4Arbi3m_WEjWSRcuqfKU7iNaGwj8r/s2048/05.%2051663C30-FB86-4698-B33B-D7F8E77849A8_1_102_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8yNjooLiVfdqZLowt3O55mifcGE3RFdYBOotCaoA_G1pSbX51_27XJIQvX3LzS0FSswvxX1EPpQFz69993CYtASsxAlO_ImiW6cBP5eL9N-ZWEaPVbcvCs17JvAK_sbTVURfH4M1EIXZi8CUJihnS-tDpzl4Arbi3m_WEjWSRcuqfKU7iNaGwj8r/w300-h400/05.%2051663C30-FB86-4698-B33B-D7F8E77849A8_1_102_a.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;">The Spekboom is also host to the caterpillar of the <span face=""pt sans", sans-serif" style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-size: 16px;">Duadem butterfly</span> who lays itsr eggs in a tree or other suitable plants nearby and the caterpillars always seem to head straight for the Spekboom or the White Spotted-leaf Calla Lilies. But no need to worry, they don't do much damage to the Spekboom and although the caterpillars can almost annihilate the Arum leaves, the plant comes back with a vengeance, fuller and bushier and more beautiful than before.</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh76eryQyRl5pUi0MvecwhPybbIwWp-vwS3WO69Ou1K6U2yrpne3cDtVAYw-7qZjSotkZU3vRh-xJxN9hlbWOndC-rcVRGhrZb9fUwM80V4dZxXrzGkBg5v1xNK6CxtdwUd-QkIIdL8UWnoLpgZZAN6Vg7IueOR1GqP9zumc1lOW5Dh-L4fLRogfnGG/s998/06.%20448280E3-5F3E-4591-8B91-E07CBA733850_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="787" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh76eryQyRl5pUi0MvecwhPybbIwWp-vwS3WO69Ou1K6U2yrpne3cDtVAYw-7qZjSotkZU3vRh-xJxN9hlbWOndC-rcVRGhrZb9fUwM80V4dZxXrzGkBg5v1xNK6CxtdwUd-QkIIdL8UWnoLpgZZAN6Vg7IueOR1GqP9zumc1lOW5Dh-L4fLRogfnGG/w315-h400/06.%20448280E3-5F3E-4591-8B91-E07CBA733850_1_105_c.jpeg" width="315" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: "pt sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 25px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">The leaves are used medicinally and in traditional home construction. Here are the most popular traditional and contemporary uses of spekboom leaves:</p><ul style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: "pt sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><li style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #565656; list-style: none; margin: 5px 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;">- Sucking a leaf to quench thirst, treat exhaustion, dehydration and heatstroke.</li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #565656; list-style: none; margin: 5px 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;">- Using crushed leaves to provide relief for blisters.</li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #565656; list-style: none; margin: 5px 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;">- Chewing leaves can treat a sore throat and mouth infections.</li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #565656; list-style: none; margin: 5px 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;">- Juiced leaves are used as an antiseptic and to soothe skin ailments such as pimples, rashes, - insect stings and sunburn.</li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #565656; list-style: none; margin: 5px 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;">- In certain areas, the stems are used to help build huts/homes. The stems are dried and used as thatch for rooves of the huts/homes.</li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #565656; list-style: none; margin: 5px 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;">- In Mozambique, breastfeeding mothers eat spekboom leaves to increase their milk supply.</li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #565656; list-style: none; margin: 5px 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;">- During famine, the Zulus eat the leaves raw.</li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #565656; list-style: none; margin: 5px 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; position: relative;">(This information from <a href="https://www.shamwari.com/5-amazing-facts-about-spekboom/" target="_blank">Shamwari Game Reserve</a>)</li></ul><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: "pt sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 25px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">The spekboom flowers are nectar-rich and provide food for many insects – endangered bees love them! This, in turn, attract insectivorous birds. </p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVzcHCNNE8MAJVXHtxuepRLEQ-odTb8GA_wEyChqsLntt4f0Uo_Hk9NuweBexDldmlfZsmYbmUG7tRvOFGGk3SzR_Zk2axbovNOAR5ohi3LNRCWt6j1Arp285e_TrwFdS6-Xat3w85fCyyiwsXjFxoeFoO8rLWaD8DjSiY6FOe3v-XCCjmOiITp14/s1014/07.%20F392B241-5DE4-4095-8C23-1E9AB4568CF6_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1014" data-original-width="774" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVzcHCNNE8MAJVXHtxuepRLEQ-odTb8GA_wEyChqsLntt4f0Uo_Hk9NuweBexDldmlfZsmYbmUG7tRvOFGGk3SzR_Zk2axbovNOAR5ohi3LNRCWt6j1Arp285e_TrwFdS6-Xat3w85fCyyiwsXjFxoeFoO8rLWaD8DjSiY6FOe3v-XCCjmOiITp14/w305-h400/07.%20F392B241-5DE4-4095-8C23-1E9AB4568CF6_1_105_c.jpeg" width="305" /></a></div><br /><div><div class="d9FyLd" style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">Spekboom can live up to 200 years and these trees can grow <b>as tall as 5 metres.</b></div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">::</div></div>Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5649593810296001482.post-54044846292131444762022-03-29T07:18:00.003+02:002022-03-29T07:18:00.214+02:00Sansevieria, a feng shui favourite<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgztRwWe_hpYCJ3nEB2jr4e7KvLoKxKDUBWl_Ag3WOqRmA25oFgoB8_GEjxccMT6Hdv4lgZidu1M_HkeWomz70QHj_XtxZxYcHYa0fVauZ8IlxUw89oStCgjezj2jq4BVXE7OgDJrAecD3ASVkt8ujKKxqGx0WGzdN_jpmbd9EciwPjvHpRwYVBJ0TN/s3604/F5424A30-5A12-4958-81B5-8B9172FD1869.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3604" data-original-width="2579" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgztRwWe_hpYCJ3nEB2jr4e7KvLoKxKDUBWl_Ag3WOqRmA25oFgoB8_GEjxccMT6Hdv4lgZidu1M_HkeWomz70QHj_XtxZxYcHYa0fVauZ8IlxUw89oStCgjezj2jq4BVXE7OgDJrAecD3ASVkt8ujKKxqGx0WGzdN_jpmbd9EciwPjvHpRwYVBJ0TN/s320/F5424A30-5A12-4958-81B5-8B9172FD1869.jpeg" width="229" /></a></div><p>Mother-in-Law’s Tongue or Sansevieria trifasciata is native to Asia and Africa. Snake plants (Sansevieria) have a number of health benefits. They filter indoor air, remove toxic pollutants, may help boost mental health, are easy to care for, are effective against allergies and may help enhance the “energy” of a space, according to feng shui, therefore they are ideal in the bedroom. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM27V4tIeWjD6cyIGJEc7LJYUCcSRzDsseAKGINC2TWRqlz69X98zHFvagYrB5IMxt6Ib6gyaGbVvff0cjR6fSnPAZa3P8IFpayEy1Gwh-0Z2l6GAqibbh4V5wvzin-nP5C42hDMbXR1RZGdLlMzafSY0HhUI7P-YRywWXFuqGpOX1rgZrAg_J_uT3/s2048/35ACA396-C87A-4CA1-89AF-BA7F93C4FB83.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM27V4tIeWjD6cyIGJEc7LJYUCcSRzDsseAKGINC2TWRqlz69X98zHFvagYrB5IMxt6Ib6gyaGbVvff0cjR6fSnPAZa3P8IFpayEy1Gwh-0Z2l6GAqibbh4V5wvzin-nP5C42hDMbXR1RZGdLlMzafSY0HhUI7P-YRywWXFuqGpOX1rgZrAg_J_uT3/s320/35ACA396-C87A-4CA1-89AF-BA7F93C4FB83.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>In the garden they thrive in full sun as well as partial shade and quickly spread through rizomes. They are also great in pots indoors or on the patio.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS0XOK232KrLBhpQRIAykRn9Jr_QDsTKFfyY8tEVp24nPNnUg0E4FsRhCSKVSiJJ629iQLU7cUnASVL57nXv03QDgYCEYbIrKq9XqTmRkO67qPT-lWL0t861JCJ4mNuFZw-4-aanB9PPlYnUnVoBQpRdyqbPtAm17kwDSWuoCuQHJhjxU1wjlLwK13/s2048/9C5492C2-FE08-4BB9-88D8-67A22CB8A942.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS0XOK232KrLBhpQRIAykRn9Jr_QDsTKFfyY8tEVp24nPNnUg0E4FsRhCSKVSiJJ629iQLU7cUnASVL57nXv03QDgYCEYbIrKq9XqTmRkO67qPT-lWL0t861JCJ4mNuFZw-4-aanB9PPlYnUnVoBQpRdyqbPtAm17kwDSWuoCuQHJhjxU1wjlLwK13/s320/9C5492C2-FE08-4BB9-88D8-67A22CB8A942.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHd5aPRrHnPdZHuUj4ru5HocdONRAOObhk7V1HR_2ukHQ8oQQcxarx1r2FW9tmuREsoBLq9nRgZKJypAgVmz3u0xLOtLP0kgCjh9zdPU1sTO4W5OCg74Mg6uNWUJGJIoITBUbXIz8uH_zj4bX5P1yGBkzQzF2kFV_sheWc93p1-BIna8HW4Cltr5pJ/s2048/40D88EC7-D969-48B6-B23E-3A8C1A141B31.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHd5aPRrHnPdZHuUj4ru5HocdONRAOObhk7V1HR_2ukHQ8oQQcxarx1r2FW9tmuREsoBLq9nRgZKJypAgVmz3u0xLOtLP0kgCjh9zdPU1sTO4W5OCg74Mg6uNWUJGJIoITBUbXIz8uH_zj4bX5P1yGBkzQzF2kFV_sheWc93p1-BIna8HW4Cltr5pJ/s320/40D88EC7-D969-48B6-B23E-3A8C1A141B31.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijzM7lapq-xWRZJ_wDuFy9j8DzLwhlF7_UD6877ToSpSj7zaCd-IoRZSHKRfeUgZvdFCwtTN4vebgAwuzg1YilIO6bvcjjImeYyedcj6SY8aJ4w2ReSyIIWdeeP1s6BZTKVOcmaYxOqqIqPe8Z4wtX25J-mAvuA5c6aha2ptIbpsjX9SWkSkbGjdk/s2048/7490DF1C-758F-4A97-AEC0-7136BE4F9521.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijzM7lapq-xWRZJ_wDuFy9j8DzLwhlF7_UD6877ToSpSj7zaCd-IoRZSHKRfeUgZvdFCwtTN4vebgAwuzg1YilIO6bvcjjImeYyedcj6SY8aJ4w2ReSyIIWdeeP1s6BZTKVOcmaYxOqqIqPe8Z4wtX25J-mAvuA5c6aha2ptIbpsjX9SWkSkbGjdk/s320/7490DF1C-758F-4A97-AEC0-7136BE4F9521.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqR61rOYzMLGtwfTksSKyh3kc6LTIohCt5HOUWooBVVjvPjujrRubQQW5RMogJsKs1ZXMMwszj0R2M1F6WdBPMyhYssyr0jNj7H1QFnhOVS21ERItStlp8C8o5sFbMNDU_bP8RXavAVzf-sS4nUQkKBjvbYz0CU5ArHVV_v7qiDyYIAPlECFrXaze5/s2048/DB447232-6586-409E-9D38-6B261E1DD5B0.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqR61rOYzMLGtwfTksSKyh3kc6LTIohCt5HOUWooBVVjvPjujrRubQQW5RMogJsKs1ZXMMwszj0R2M1F6WdBPMyhYssyr0jNj7H1QFnhOVS21ERItStlp8C8o5sFbMNDU_bP8RXavAVzf-sS4nUQkKBjvbYz0CU5ArHVV_v7qiDyYIAPlECFrXaze5/s320/DB447232-6586-409E-9D38-6B261E1DD5B0.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">::</p>Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5649593810296001482.post-12934981451708713522022-03-27T09:59:00.004+02:002022-03-27T10:00:57.926+02:00Easy-going Graptoveria<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVknrPKHa4hMdBzc3ewOKKDIRzeph2nI7lOg_sVDmrP0m6RJkfxOWV_luIStN-u6R7JRRl8HrCmP9xxHH1W1TfFn917uR_-hkKVHy7STUm5cQynalJVODcAfsHLUGghb6vvmWcb0-YbIIEgY50BLv3VGH17ftGZi-_LRvN3gsE8K0tgEqT6RnhfwL/s2048/69E7D9DA-29DD-492F-8F17-E8A315287199.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVknrPKHa4hMdBzc3ewOKKDIRzeph2nI7lOg_sVDmrP0m6RJkfxOWV_luIStN-u6R7JRRl8HrCmP9xxHH1W1TfFn917uR_-hkKVHy7STUm5cQynalJVODcAfsHLUGghb6vvmWcb0-YbIIEgY50BLv3VGH17ftGZi-_LRvN3gsE8K0tgEqT6RnhfwL/w240-h320/69E7D9DA-29DD-492F-8F17-E8A315287199.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>If you’re looking for a succulent that’s easy to care for and propagates readily, get hold of a Graptoveria fantome. By propagating leaves, you will never have to buy another one and will soon have enough plants to start a nursery! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRi8k_W1mBWlV8JaJbSFjHc1IOagp8j-LJiobYGv7QgTuL-mftoC4nvbf0Cz5ZYxA7NwPZVHpnQqwVJKoeV7VsWveFDHl_cz4yhUTZgD1gwUubdpGDY_7vK-AKORnPmerdFlm8qjH1zwOyuTFbZSXyLuJf0Wp9NSIyXyXti2LgzV41niAhAVBH4POk/s2048/26826CA5-1AE8-4A89-8277-9DF61D0A1DBA.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRi8k_W1mBWlV8JaJbSFjHc1IOagp8j-LJiobYGv7QgTuL-mftoC4nvbf0Cz5ZYxA7NwPZVHpnQqwVJKoeV7VsWveFDHl_cz4yhUTZgD1gwUubdpGDY_7vK-AKORnPmerdFlm8qjH1zwOyuTFbZSXyLuJf0Wp9NSIyXyXti2LgzV41niAhAVBH4POk/s320/26826CA5-1AE8-4A89-8277-9DF61D0A1DBA.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div>They are truly drought-tolerant, love full sun and will even grow in water!<br /><p><br /></p>Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5649593810296001482.post-5518144847018852112021-07-31T05:53:00.001+02:002021-07-31T05:53:00.170+02:00My new little patch of Sansevieria<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyMzlm3Cm17sEpmZwCXw0yVVRgu5y8sW9hVw43141ALde793euDgaafDCVp71wSmKwkGW4PAjCswlz9IGDEDlWA9xH8rGIkp5jUgm8IQe5FxzTrTm6aLdKqdrjac_lpDbQbn2gccqJXMs/s2048/A75F5E56-6AE6-4E9D-B2EF-99A9607F6A20.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyMzlm3Cm17sEpmZwCXw0yVVRgu5y8sW9hVw43141ALde793euDgaafDCVp71wSmKwkGW4PAjCswlz9IGDEDlWA9xH8rGIkp5jUgm8IQe5FxzTrTm6aLdKqdrjac_lpDbQbn2gccqJXMs/w300-h400/A75F5E56-6AE6-4E9D-B2EF-99A9607F6A20.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Good morning!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My new little Sansevieria patch. You just gotta love Mother-in-Law’s Tongue!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This is</span> <em style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: "Libre Baskerville", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; letter-spacing: -0.10000000149011612px; text-align: left;">Sansevieria trifasciata </em><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face=""Libre Baskerville", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; letter-spacing: -0.10000000149011612px; text-align: left;">(also known as snake plant)</span>, native to South Africa, drought-resistent, tolerates low light but this one also just loves the sunlight!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><br /><p></p>Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comDolphin Coast, South Africa-29.4375777 31.2225713-60.28972067629347 -3.9336787000000015 1.4145652762934731 66.3788213tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5649593810296001482.post-34496674364771073612021-07-22T06:42:00.001+02:002021-07-22T06:42:00.203+02:00Just be patient...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2whIBbWKqdWVH2Nq9kR3a0JViVcoQHAuSnYh-FfPZw0rdZljXV8dRfi94ejVDFATeenOYpSxWvQpJbQ_IHnb7QRSS1fUHxUCqT3-qWhV5-uyfnlJwl1kW8axPmqC_x1cvb7mOvUVV91o/s1600/Screenshot+2019-08-14+at+08.11.16.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2whIBbWKqdWVH2Nq9kR3a0JViVcoQHAuSnYh-FfPZw0rdZljXV8dRfi94ejVDFATeenOYpSxWvQpJbQ_IHnb7QRSS1fUHxUCqT3-qWhV5-uyfnlJwl1kW8axPmqC_x1cvb7mOvUVV91o/s640/Screenshot+2019-08-14+at+08.11.16.png" width="514" /></a></div>
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<span dir="ltr"><span class="_3l3x"><span>Graptoveria 'Fantome'</span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>Since our move from our smallholding in Gauteng (South Africa), I've been relegated to "shelf and pot plant gardening". And that's really not meant to be derogatory, I absolutely LOVE shelves and I LOVE pot plants, but nothing beats a spade and a pair of garden gloves.<div><br /></div><div>But now we've at last settled into our new home and I was thrilled at the prospect of starting a brand new garden from scratch! So at last I'm able to plan and design a space for my succulents and other indigenous plants to my heart's content. I'm also learning about this birds (and the bees) of the area and although many of them are well-known to me, there are so many that I've just never had the chance of meeting. So here's to many hours of planting and learning about everything around me.<br />
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These are a few of the succulents I've been propagating over the last months - you just cannot keep a succulent-lover down! Right?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7IQDnM8gWV_XyACM9qUgOIRPYxxLAppuLPnbRiY_VgPgQDwVRZ1p8b_Z576P8hTg2eBUR3HX1ONkf7Aof8posMb_7afzdDLZDHNwLi2pTZ29j3wnDcaTEw-cgQ8ctJNvWk2p2RrqmjvY/s1600/Screenshot+2019-08-14+at+08.10.13.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="482" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7IQDnM8gWV_XyACM9qUgOIRPYxxLAppuLPnbRiY_VgPgQDwVRZ1p8b_Z576P8hTg2eBUR3HX1ONkf7Aof8posMb_7afzdDLZDHNwLi2pTZ29j3wnDcaTEw-cgQ8ctJNvWk2p2RrqmjvY/s640/Screenshot+2019-08-14+at+08.10.13.png" width="516" /></a></div>
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<span dir="ltr"><span class="_3l3x"><span>Graptoveria 'Fantome'</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPgsxhtNhYavBBRCBQW3EQKnnuXT15hlWSNcQptu8j9xCb7CCo3gaDCw3uHhcHJ8pVUvcvWZ2jHefRqklPgtw43fwtQgkBXnzCXMZvkPXl622KWT0b4AgUqf1lX2rqlgdf7YNM6S4sfs/s1600/Screenshot+2019-08-14+at+08.12.15.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="481" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPgsxhtNhYavBBRCBQW3EQKnnuXT15hlWSNcQptu8j9xCb7CCo3gaDCw3uHhcHJ8pVUvcvWZ2jHefRqklPgtw43fwtQgkBXnzCXMZvkPXl622KWT0b4AgUqf1lX2rqlgdf7YNM6S4sfs/s640/Screenshot+2019-08-14+at+08.12.15.png" width="512" /></a></div>
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Flower of <span dir="ltr"><span class="_3l3x"><span>Graptoveria 'Fantome'</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkH_fuqN-crfPEdtWAh5f2_i5nM4Qipz2zptDwWGoC5678fsK3xIqMCvAc76xayhVoelcb7tXAhNoQCQT-tAUUDMJKf3irlhQlNtjbEx7CyonWgyvNRxp7Kk3timSlwHXH72bkGzEy34I/s1600/Screenshot+2019-08-14+at+08.13.07.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkH_fuqN-crfPEdtWAh5f2_i5nM4Qipz2zptDwWGoC5678fsK3xIqMCvAc76xayhVoelcb7tXAhNoQCQT-tAUUDMJKf3irlhQlNtjbEx7CyonWgyvNRxp7Kk3timSlwHXH72bkGzEy34I/s640/Screenshot+2019-08-14+at+08.13.07.png" width="510" /></a></div>
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<span dir="ltr"><span class="_3l3x"><span>Graptoveria 'Fantome'</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAMxSqsio4_TpeWkBkSWCINFxPDbX9-DQG2Dt3dfDFLHeI6IYyJxaAWZdioqRQ4-t4jIwDhW55cfc6qpxGjSBiQ_umulQzNCzzg42PmcMiwWA10z1jYe4NLgdMDmkrWv17x3BO6smavt4/s1600/Screenshot+2019-08-14+at+08.15.10.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="486" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAMxSqsio4_TpeWkBkSWCINFxPDbX9-DQG2Dt3dfDFLHeI6IYyJxaAWZdioqRQ4-t4jIwDhW55cfc6qpxGjSBiQ_umulQzNCzzg42PmcMiwWA10z1jYe4NLgdMDmkrWv17x3BO6smavt4/s640/Screenshot+2019-08-14+at+08.15.10.png" width="520" /></a></div>
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Callisia repens</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxz80-JFx8rgGQWRaOihoCWnBxrsR7rUPaICpDgH0AhrXIwKY3rXcF0MeITRdbJzZqs4LtdeB6uW9WqWvRVTHh8c99v5X1zK5wQbBkLalzM6Fzpx2oSpLZ4shWE-pJedB2bciUL0tScnI/s1600/SwedishIvy+Plectranthus+verticillatus_4536.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxz80-JFx8rgGQWRaOihoCWnBxrsR7rUPaICpDgH0AhrXIwKY3rXcF0MeITRdbJzZqs4LtdeB6uW9WqWvRVTHh8c99v5X1zK5wQbBkLalzM6Fzpx2oSpLZ4shWE-pJedB2bciUL0tScnI/s640/SwedishIvy+Plectranthus+verticillatus_4536.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I know Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus verticillatus) is not a succulent, but after losing my hanging basket the last winter, I am absolutely thrilled that I have been able to propagate a little piece into growing really well.</div>
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</div>Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5649593810296001482.post-40916041003793323112021-07-21T11:08:00.002+02:002021-07-29T15:13:22.454+02:00Winter splendour at the Coast<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">ALOES, ALOES EVERYWHERE!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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There are over <span class="st">±155</span> Aloe species in our
country (South Africa) ranging in size from the large Tree Aloes (Aloidendron) to the
attractive little Grass Aloes with the Creeping Aloes (Aloiampelos) in
between.<br />
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This is the time of year (Winter) when these striking
flowers are at their best. Aloes attract a variety of insects and birds,
particularly Sunbirds.<br />
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Take a moment to watch them.</span><br /><br />
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(The above pics taken at The Quarter, Ballito, KZN)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrKaPZclB5yhl9odx5TKhQ_MZgO0VsuTx-r0hlRpwF3dx8SZ4hwSEGOKlULFVkWS9B72mfObX_tgXxyTh0bAbJFkQHVx2-4nL2zoabXLJT3k6nIjYWQ8l4F4HGvdeMPa1RfQiuCdYJB38/s1600/Aloe+chabaudii+Promenade_4905.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrKaPZclB5yhl9odx5TKhQ_MZgO0VsuTx-r0hlRpwF3dx8SZ4hwSEGOKlULFVkWS9B72mfObX_tgXxyTh0bAbJFkQHVx2-4nL2zoabXLJT3k6nIjYWQ8l4F4HGvdeMPa1RfQiuCdYJB38/s640/Aloe+chabaudii+Promenade_4905.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Found this beautiful Aloe chabaudii on one of our morning walks along the promenade on the Beach (Ballito, KZN)</span></div>
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Found this beautiful Aloe chabaudii on one of our morning walks along the promenade on the Beach (Ballito, KZN)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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Found this beautiful Aloe chabaudii on one of our morning walks along the promenade on the Beach (Ballito, KZN)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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Aloe just outside Caledon Estate in Ballito, KZN, South Africa </span></div>
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Aloes just outside Caledon Estate in Ballito, KZN, South Africa </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SU3VlG4b99tzB73bVWtyJ-5QFmMJIevqwLnXNGWi8rNFE7yeZ7RoRZCTJJcOD35CsAzZOhCw_hjHvvMsvyfhqmEpoVl5KFf823fBFTJO3TXhH12v_Wv5LzLjLxSTNK4KVyK1WG3Clio/s1600/67360769_2440404162858045_9142051748842569728_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="716" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SU3VlG4b99tzB73bVWtyJ-5QFmMJIevqwLnXNGWi8rNFE7yeZ7RoRZCTJJcOD35CsAzZOhCw_hjHvvMsvyfhqmEpoVl5KFf823fBFTJO3TXhH12v_Wv5LzLjLxSTNK4KVyK1WG3Clio/s640/67360769_2440404162858045_9142051748842569728_n.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
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The flowers of Aloe marlothii attract a plethora of insects and birds, supplying much-needed sustenance in the cold winter months</span></div>
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Aloe arborescense - Ballito, KZN</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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Aloe arborescense - Ballito, KZN</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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One of my all-time facourites is Aloe ferox, a true gift from nature. It's not really found at the coast, but I just have to include it here. The world over, users revere aloe ferox for it’s numerous properties. The bitter sap contains powerful anti-oxidant properties – an ancient source of a modern cosmetic buzzword.
Healing, detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, Anti Bacterial, Anti-Viral and
Anti-Parasitic – and those are only a few ways in which Aloe Ferox helps
in maintaining personal wellness. It is an important life-line for insects and birds in winter, supplying much-needed sustenance in the cold months.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
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For centuries indigenous healers have treated man and beast successfully with aloe preparations.
In Xhosa culture here in South Africa, it is applied to fresh and inflamed wounds to
encourage healing and is a known cure for ring-worm and tapeworm, boils
and ulcers. Aloe is used to treat enteritis in calves and fowls, as
well as roundworm in the Zulu culture, while the Pondo mix aloe juice
and water for a refreshing body wash. An extract, bitters, is ingested
to help with detoxification, as well as gout, rheumatism and arthritis,
stomach and digestive ailments.<br />
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Other recorded uses include: insect
bites and bluebottle stings, fungi, toothache, sunburn, as protection
against the elements and to stimulate the immune system, to name a few.</span></div><div class="wpb_wrapper"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="wpb_wrapper"><br /></div>
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Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5649593810296001482.post-46464175957510622432020-03-29T10:02:00.014+02:002021-07-29T15:07:24.194+02:00Aristaloe aristata, prevously known as Aloe aristata<span style="font-size: medium;">We have finally moved into our new home and, of course, one of the first things I did was to visit the nearest garden centre. One of my latest acquisitions is a pot of Aloe aristata - Aristaloe is a genus of
evergreen flowering perennial plant in the family Asphodelaceae,
indigenous to Southern Africa. Its sole species is Aristaloe aristata,
known as guinea-fowl aloe or lace aloe.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5VCVWNhnwy1axNTBtp1nFaYfPY_Bp8RF3kGZX88eJQuo-xaIGjDP2ujy2HoFuyQHdj4ZTdC7reXZKHtXgKUtrVogT7tt97Z3CZBOOb-8tSiKGn8DBwz7vrU6xmKHUVCEYj-js8800RDQ/s1600/Aloe+aristata+%2528Guineafowl+aloe%25297285.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5VCVWNhnwy1axNTBtp1nFaYfPY_Bp8RF3kGZX88eJQuo-xaIGjDP2ujy2HoFuyQHdj4ZTdC7reXZKHtXgKUtrVogT7tt97Z3CZBOOb-8tSiKGn8DBwz7vrU6xmKHUVCEYj-js8800RDQ/s640/Aloe+aristata+%2528Guineafowl+aloe%25297285.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="st">This semi-hardy succulent (does not tolerate frost at all) forms dense rosettes of
fleshy, triangular leaves. These </span>offsets that can be removed from
the mother plant. Allow a day or two so that the wounds on the plants
can callus, this will help prevent rot from setting in.<br />
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<span class="st">It grows up to 8 inches (20 cm) tall and
about the same in diameter. The leaves are dark green, with small white
bumps, bristly margins, and tipped with a soft white spine.</span><br /></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUGsYOUIC2FHInqVytxx1G85QSE93H-32zsg2UcZcmyw1ZuP5MqNiPxcpJouIgqrB9ny62UG1Yssr1yv9a5R9wdYBR8uBQ2j750e7tl8_yW9cDSPPthMpDJfhRoOPQhoSDJt3X1fykAY/s1600/AloeAristata_0514.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUGsYOUIC2FHInqVytxx1G85QSE93H-32zsg2UcZcmyw1ZuP5MqNiPxcpJouIgqrB9ny62UG1Yssr1yv9a5R9wdYBR8uBQ2j750e7tl8_yW9cDSPPthMpDJfhRoOPQhoSDJt3X1fykAY/s640/AloeAristata_0514.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I have found that this little aloe does better in semi-shade or indoors, so my two are enjoying pride of place on my indoor plant shelf in my lounge, where it gets some great late-afternoon sun.</span><br />
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It will tolerate slight over-watering and drought conditions.But I would go slow on that "over-watering"! Just make sure the pot is well-drained and remove any water that might end up in the catch-plate under the pot.<br /></span>
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This little aloe, although not threatened, is extinct in certain locations. It is found in the Eastern and Western Cape, Orange Free State and Lesotho.<br />
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Plants are stemless and form clumps of up to twelve rosettes that are between 100mm and 150mm in diameter. Flowers are a dull-red or pinkish colour, tubular in shape and slightly curved down.<br /><br />
A well drained soil is required, I use the following type of mix for Aloes that I grow in pots :<br />
</span><ol>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">2 parts coarse sand.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">1 Part well-sieved compost.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">2 parts washed sand (from the garden).</span></li></ol><span style="font-size: medium;">If you are lucky enough to have one of these amazing little aloes, enjoy it to the full, love it a lot and it will give you lots of flowers!</span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div>Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5649593810296001482.post-65071956149685418642019-12-31T07:08:00.001+02:002019-12-31T07:08:22.467+02:00Happy New Year 2020!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5649593810296001482.post-70115102289652096152019-07-03T05:58:00.000+02:002019-07-03T05:58:00.136+02:00Aloe thraskii (Dune Aloe)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-yBHw80Ttv9HYPkicVRplq7CiueEjTk1L8By7DVDJHpc35HRPrzwyp0oxp9keFIAYWI0h9NTEIqZFwQZLQ7H7y18_x7Hm908ucICZXHSR-LLKjx0OeSDTzbo1CtYE_ay7m1fk_b3nedI/s1600/Aloe+thraskii+%2528Dune+Aloe%2529_3093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-yBHw80Ttv9HYPkicVRplq7CiueEjTk1L8By7DVDJHpc35HRPrzwyp0oxp9keFIAYWI0h9NTEIqZFwQZLQ7H7y18_x7Hm908ucICZXHSR-LLKjx0OeSDTzbo1CtYE_ay7m1fk_b3nedI/s640/Aloe+thraskii+%2528Dune+Aloe%2529_3093.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Aloe thraskii (Dune Aloe) </div>
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During one of our walks on the beach at Umdloti, not far from Ballito (KwaZulu Natal), I came across these large Aloes growing right on the beach. Fascinating! Not many plants can withstand the onslaught of wind and sea spray and yet, here was this beautiful specimen absolutely thriving in these conditions. Hence the name, Dune Aloe.<br />
<br />
Indigenous to South Africa, it is a lovely plant for coastal
gardens. This Aloe is a single-stemmed plant with giant,
thorny-edged leaves that curve outwards and downwards, like fleshy
arches. The sturdy inflorescence's with their racemes of bright yellow
flowers appear in June and July and it is one of the few aloes that will withstand wet conditions<br />
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<b>Pronunciation : AL-loh THRAS-kee-eye </b><br />
<b>Afrikaans: Strandaalwyn</b><br />
<b>siXhosa: Ikhala <br />IsiZulu: Umhlaba </b><br />
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The Dune aloe grows fast in cultivation and is especially suited for coastal situations as it tolerates wind and salt air. It can be grown in inland gardens with mild winters and not overly damp summers. </div>
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It can grow up to 10 feet (3m) tall and is naturally found in dune vegetation along the coast of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape of South Africa. It is a hardy plant but not completely frost resistant.<br />
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Aloe thraskii is classed as Near Threatened in its natural habitat, due to habitat loss from urban and coastal development and illegal collecting for the specialist succulent horticultural trade. <span class="st">Experts estimate that 20-30% of the habitat has been
lost to urban and coastal development in the last three generations
(generation length 20 years). </span>Severe storms are also likely to become more frequent with climate
change, and may impact more severely on dune systems in the future.<br />
<br />Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5649593810296001482.post-85231891841293455812019-06-28T05:39:00.000+02:002019-06-28T05:39:01.172+02:00Candelabra Tree (Euphorbia ingens)<span style="font-size: large;">Something that has totally surprised me since we moved to the North Coast of KwaZulu Natal (South Africa) eighteen months ago, is the fact that succulents and cacti grow so beautifully here. I've never seen so many succulents as here in Ballito! I mean, a succulent and a cactus is a desert plant, and yet, here they are, thriving in a tropical, wet climate and being totally at home in <span class="ILfuVd NA6bn"><span class="e24Kjd">an average rainfall of <b>828 mm</b> (32.6in)</span></span> per year. EVERY garden boasts dozens of succulents and probably never needs watering!</span><br />
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On my way to town one morning, I spotted these glorious flowers cglowing in the sunlight, so I stopped to take a picture. It was only then that I noticed the large Euphorbia hiding in the shade. At first glance it looked like the Euphorbia had these lovely flowers, but when I got closer, I noticed that the flowers belonged to the tree behind the Euphorbia, an Ant Tree (<span class="st">Triplaris americana), an alien invasive from, yeah, you guessed it, </span><span class="st">Central and South America. (You can read more about this tree <a href="https://highwaymail.co.za/262333/know-your-alien-invasive-plant-ant-tree/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span><br />
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<b><span class="st">Afrikaans : </span><span class="st">Naboom</span></b><br />
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<span class="st">Native to South Africa, this tree prefers warm areas and can survive in areas that go through
long periods of drought or are generally very dry. It usually grows on
rocky outcrops or in deep sand within bush-veld vegetation. Distributed
throughout KwaZulu-Natal, Swaziland, Limpopo Province, Gauteng,
North-West Province, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and further into tropical
Africa. </span><span class="st">If you are looking for a low maintenance addition to a rock or succulent garden, this large cactus-like tree is ideal. It can grow </span><span class="st">up to 40 feet (12m) tall,</span><br />
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<span class="st">The flowers attract butterflies, bees and other insects, which collect
pollen and nectar from them, pollinating the trees in the process. The
seeds are a good source of food for many fruit and berry eating birds.
Birds also like nesting in these trees; hole-nesting birds such as
woodpeckers often use dead sections.</span><br />
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<span class="st"> </span><br />
It is important to mention that Euphorbia ingens is a poisonous plant. If ingested, the latex can pose certain health threats. It can cause skin irritation and even blindness on contact. Since it is considered to be toxic, a lot of people avoid planting them in areas accessible to children and pets.<br />
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There is a bright side to the toxic nature of this plant – the
poisonous latex makes sure that pests bring no damage to the plants.<br />
<span class="st"></span><br />
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<br />Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5649593810296001482.post-12068880914488068592019-06-24T09:21:00.001+02:002019-06-24T10:51:33.551+02:00Crassula multicava<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Crassula multicava</b> (pics taken in Sheffield, Ballito, KwaZulu Natal</div>
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For months I've been passing this Crassula on my walks and then, suddenly this week, a pink mist of blooms greeted me as I rounded a bend. I knew all along that it was a Crassula, but the flowers finally allowed me to do a full identification. <br />
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Pronunciation - KRASS-yoo-la mul-tee-KAH-vuh<br />
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English: Fairy crassula <br />
Afrikaans: Skaduplakkie <br />
IsiXhosa: intelezi; phewula <br />
IsiZulu: umadinsane <br />
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• Canopy Shade <br />
• Deep / Full Shade <br />
• Dry Shade <br />
• Light or Dappled Shade <br />
• Partial Shade <br />
• Sun <br />
.<br />
Crassula multicava is particularly useful for dry shade and to cover unsightly spots. It is tender to frost. There is a distinct difference in appearance depending on the position in which the fairy crassula is planted: in deep shade the leaves are larger and dark green and the plant has fewer flowers while in full sun the leaves are smaller and light green and flowering is profuse.<br />
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The flowers are tiny stars on thin stems held above the leaves </div>
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And just look at all the benefits of this gorgeous ground-cover!<br />
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• Attracts bees, butterflies or other insects <br />
• Border <br />
• Container <br />
• Edging <br />
• Filler <br />
• Ground Cover <br />
• Mass Planting <br />
• Pioneer for new gardens <br />
• Rock Garden <br />
• Stabilize Banks <br />
• Suitable for coastal gardens <br />
• Wild Garden <br />
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Indigenous to South Africa, it is found from the southern part of the Western Cape, through the Eastern Cape to Natal and Mpumalanga, in thickets, along river and stream banks and in forest margins. Spreads easily, but it responds well to pruning: use hedge cutters to remove as much of the foliage as you wish - recovery time is short and the reward is a dense carpet from which a pink mist of blooms will arise. Prune after flowering and seeding have taken place and again in early to mid- winter. Although very vigorous in well-composted, deep soils, this tough little crassula will thrive in clay or sandy soils. Give them a good start with some compost and mulch, and water until established. They propagate easily from seed, from stems and leaves that root and from tiny plants that grow on the tips of the flower stalks.<br />
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(Info from <a href="https://kumbulanursery.co.za/plants/crassula-multicava" target="_blank">Khumbula Nursery</a>)Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5649593810296001482.post-35285988243988961422019-03-26T07:18:00.004+02:002019-03-26T07:18:30.280+02:00Succulent addiction<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>(A warning: If you have any propensity towards cactus love to begin with, moving to the desert will increase it exponentially!) </b></span></span></div>
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The funny thing about succulents is, once the bug has bitten you, it lasts forever. When we left Gauteng a year ago, I gave all my babies away to a good home, often thinking about them, missing them and visualizing starting a new family as soon as I could.<br />
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My new (temporary) home didn't allow for much gardening, but the minute I could, I found a space, called it my 'propagation station', and lovingly cultivated a few cuttings. Most were cuttings or leaves given to me by friends and other succulent-lovers and some were collected the old-fashioned way, picking up shed leaves and broken pieces off garden pavements.<br />
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Next month we are moving to our permanent coastal home (yes, we decided to stay in KwaZulu Natal!) and now my little collection is ready for re-location to their new home. Soon I'll
be able to dig into some soil again and feel the earth move beneath my
feet! <span class="_5mfr"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t94/1/16/1f49a.png"); font-size: 16px; height: 16px; width: 16px;">💚</span></span><span class="_5mfr"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t94/1/16/1f49a.png"); font-size: 16px; height: 16px; width: 16px;">💚</span></span><span class="_5mfr"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t94/1/16/1f49a.png"); font-size: 16px; height: 16px; width: 16px;">💚</span></span><br />
<span class="_5mfr"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t94/1/16/1f49a.png"); font-size: 16px; height: 16px; width: 16px;"><br /></span></span>Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5649593810296001482.post-26698032812646861792019-01-24T08:00:00.000+02:002019-01-24T08:00:31.121+02:00Crassula perfoliata - the first flower!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBOrRi_BMfopT_7bpcAfOZnZVtj85JnpsFo5kUI7XzgpCq9tX0xzuA691JjNzhoZelbmwCe20ixPNJ4tMdqbOOmcU2ejGcWOJV5XHO-KJoh6FHKHJCtBMdm_8l_Oo3r-tY6eMkjg4jvCs/s1600/CrassulaPerfoliataMyFirstFlower.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBOrRi_BMfopT_7bpcAfOZnZVtj85JnpsFo5kUI7XzgpCq9tX0xzuA691JjNzhoZelbmwCe20ixPNJ4tMdqbOOmcU2ejGcWOJV5XHO-KJoh6FHKHJCtBMdm_8l_Oo3r-tY6eMkjg4jvCs/s640/CrassulaPerfoliataMyFirstFlower.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /><strong>Dedicated to all you succulent-lovers!</strong><br />
<br />
The first flower! Now for the long wait, as I hear this can take quite some time before it opens!<br /><br />Crassula
perfoliata is an attractive summer-flowering succulent with
greyish-green sickle-shaped leaves and red flowers. It is easily grown
from cuttings or seed. This indigenous South African plant is confined
to quartzitic sandstone outcrops (rarely shale), from the Groot
Winterhoek Mountains and Port Elizabeth in the south to Umtata in the
north-east. The plants grow solitary or in small clusters on north-,
east- and west-facing cliffs along dry river valleys. It likes
temperatures of about 25°C and the average daily minimum about 10°C and
somehow I don’t think this plant is frost-hardy, so I will be bringing
it inside for the winter.<br />
<br />
Family : Crassulaceae<br />Common names : Propeller plant, Sekelblaarplakkie (Afrikaans)<br />
<br />
Camera : Canon EOS 550D<br />Taken in my previous garden (Tarlton, Gauteng, South Africa) Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5649593810296001482.post-760205331467441722019-01-01T04:01:00.000+02:002019-01-01T04:02:13.164+02:00Happy New Year 2019!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimD-iFiO_hfeNeJ1CaQ9O1CV_3cdDryvdM-ZDvx6xH26ost7TZvBtXkfnRoafRJlBISKZ-0MxhecymqIvJwxy-LnQT8Yq8yyQvTfqSIOBUFoFisDlnkPpO9bkiwpdT1XsbXPenU-Exyak/s1600/HappyNewYearSucculentLady.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="720" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimD-iFiO_hfeNeJ1CaQ9O1CV_3cdDryvdM-ZDvx6xH26ost7TZvBtXkfnRoafRJlBISKZ-0MxhecymqIvJwxy-LnQT8Yq8yyQvTfqSIOBUFoFisDlnkPpO9bkiwpdT1XsbXPenU-Exyak/s640/HappyNewYearSucculentLady.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">In this coming year, plant dreams, pull weeds and grow a happy life!</span></span></div>
Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5649593810296001482.post-87414142317129363322018-12-27T07:57:00.001+02:002019-02-02T14:02:19.930+02:00A new beginning...<div class="_5pbx userContent _3576" data-ad-preview="message" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="js_mq">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVMe6jAbvU_j2awsRbsYg2eE6WnRCaKcM2gO7IGrPYwP40q7PEVJjsTvyn9MUiBrfINLPxjgLjOmUkeftzxQwf2oUxmfl9NnpGKnGvgYqw4UVRAkmKgmU6rJgEosEenwcEv75va5stoU/s1600/CrassulaTetragona_3118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVMe6jAbvU_j2awsRbsYg2eE6WnRCaKcM2gO7IGrPYwP40q7PEVJjsTvyn9MUiBrfINLPxjgLjOmUkeftzxQwf2oUxmfl9NnpGKnGvgYqw4UVRAkmKgmU6rJgEosEenwcEv75va5stoU/s640/CrassulaTetragona_3118.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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After
giving all my succulents away when I left Gauteng last December 2017, I
have now acquired a brand new little piece of Crassula tetragona - a
new beginning! Pronounced KRASS-yoo-la tet-ra-GON-uh subsp. row-BUS-tah.<br />
<br />
Afrikaans: Karkai (Ken enigiemand hierdie Afrikaanse naam...?<br />
<br />
Tetragona is a unique variety of evergreen succulent that is native to
South Africa and also known as the Miniature Pine Tree due to its
foliage resembling a pine tree. Often used as a popular bonsai specimen,
grows well in pots or in the ground and grows to a height of 1 meter,
this plant grows well in full-sun to partial sun, needs a good water
when the soil has dried out.<br />
<br />
<span class="st">Native to Southern Africa, it is widely distributed from the Orange River boundary of Namaqualand to beyond the Kei River in the Eastern Cape. Wikipedia says </span>"Tetragona" comes from the phyllotaxy of the leaves. It is popularly
named the "miniature pine tree" among ornamental plant enthusiasts, for
its popular use as a "pine tree" in Bonsai.<br />
<br />
(Pic taken in my bedroom in Sheffield Beach, Ballito, KwaZulu Natal)</div>
Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5649593810296001482.post-44019199186631228622018-12-26T05:45:00.000+02:002018-12-26T05:45:02.398+02:00Haworthia cooperi<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsIstxvMkLub7n-7TUkNrZ0sF4HG2o46UeFaHEhHEWFOo3p0EzPc90u2htLuyNBN_rnA5kKMmSyYYZtwpGKPaJLJjvPNswtp5O-S61Kjj-EJe860EQ07eaRWVlSyafLd40O6TdZsxokc/s1600/29315282_2100536853511446_7163445239963713536_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="671" data-original-width="728" height="588" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsIstxvMkLub7n-7TUkNrZ0sF4HG2o46UeFaHEhHEWFOo3p0EzPc90u2htLuyNBN_rnA5kKMmSyYYZtwpGKPaJLJjvPNswtp5O-S61Kjj-EJe860EQ07eaRWVlSyafLd40O6TdZsxokc/s640/29315282_2100536853511446_7163445239963713536_n.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">I've
never had much success with growing Haworthia Cooperi. This one of mine
started deteriorating soon after I acquired it until it was completely
dead!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="st"><i>Haworthia cooperi</i> is a diverse and varied
species of the genus Haworthia in the family Asphodelaceae, endemic to
the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. </span></span></span><span class="ff1 cf0 fs36">It is a fast growing, clustering species with soft, fleshy foliage (the leaves have the feel of tiny, plump grapes). </span><span class="ff1 cf0 fs36"><span class="ff1 cf0 fs36">While it clusters, it adds additional offsets slowly, gradually increasing its size to fill a 3 to 4 inch pot.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="ff1 cf0 fs36"><span class="ff1 cf0 fs36">This plant thrives in dappled shade and I think the mistake I made was to let it get too much direct sunlight. Another factor is that </span></span><span class="ff1 cf0 fs36"><span class="ff1 cf0 fs36"><span class="ff1 cf0 fs36">the haworthias show evidence of stress when temperatures become very high (above the mid 90°F - 32°C), which was often the case in my garden, even when the plant was in the shade.</span> </span></span><br />
<div style="left: -99999px; position: absolute;">
Fat juicy leaves and
translucent flesh are the hallmarks of Haworthia window plant. Not all
Haworthia have the see-through leaves, but those that do are spectacular
specimens of the genus<br />
<br />
Read more at Gardening Know How: How To Grow Haworthia: Information On Caring For Window Plants <a href="https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/haworthia-cacti-succulents/haworthia-window-plants.htm">https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/haworthia-cacti-succulents/haworthia-window-plants.htm</a></div>
<span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="st"></span></span></span><br />
<div style="left: -99999px; position: absolute;">
Fat juicy leaves and
translucent flesh are the hallmarks of Haworthia window plant. Not all
Haworthia have the see-through leaves, but those that do are spectacular
specimens of the genus.<br />
<br />
Read more at Gardening Know How: How To Grow Haworthia: Information On Caring For Window Plants <a href="https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/haworthia-cacti-succulents/haworthia-window-plants.htm">https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/haworthia-cacti-succulents/haworthia-window-plants.htm</a></div>
<span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="st"></span> </span></span>Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5649593810296001482.post-61439610050616642502018-12-25T09:12:00.000+02:002018-12-25T09:12:02.013+02:00The happiest Season of all!
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7HNHTatENK3aJ6sk_P2qwp4lj3sIKcg2lHVlyR_oWUR37W_ud3VQrpkAohf4VFuJdyEgpUlqGxo35tRjvdFs2NHTyLnsT-6zQKyoCcHL33t4wRuairgzve8it-WKcLeEI-1InTaJwNU8/s1600/TheHappiestSeasonOfAll2015.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7HNHTatENK3aJ6sk_P2qwp4lj3sIKcg2lHVlyR_oWUR37W_ud3VQrpkAohf4VFuJdyEgpUlqGxo35tRjvdFs2NHTyLnsT-6zQKyoCcHL33t4wRuairgzve8it-WKcLeEI-1InTaJwNU8/s640/TheHappiestSeasonOfAll2015.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Christmas, and summer time. Everything is in full flower (Echeveria imbricata). Surely it must
be the happiest season of all! </div>
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<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-1658037357213006331" itemprop="description articleBody">
Here's wishing you a Merry Christmas and
a festive season filled with LOVE, JOY and INSPIRATION!
</div>
Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5649593810296001482.post-82819607023283644832018-12-24T04:45:00.000+02:002018-12-24T04:47:08.966+02:00Festive Greetings 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbLeGJFNJZvuX2rhQOaaNAegF_-9JBXhN_n5Z7JSvL2jDhvW6QEai17yhFYnKF5kZ1nZ33-r81NsDP0wk9CAvi5mwfoScwudsfrlj8_tzU_BKXRwnnEHVJhKbfzd4mTEXFoB3Q97nkpZo/s1600/Screenshot+2018-12-20+at+07.28.14.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="616" data-original-width="933" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbLeGJFNJZvuX2rhQOaaNAegF_-9JBXhN_n5Z7JSvL2jDhvW6QEai17yhFYnKF5kZ1nZ33-r81NsDP0wk9CAvi5mwfoScwudsfrlj8_tzU_BKXRwnnEHVJhKbfzd4mTEXFoB3Q97nkpZo/s640/Screenshot+2018-12-20+at+07.28.14.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Wishing you and your succulents a magical and blissful holiday! May this Christmas season bring you nothing but fond gardening memories, happiness and laughter!Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.com