Exploring Pigeon Valley: Broad-leaved Bristle Grass
The riches of Pigeon Valley Nature Reserve explained by Glenwood resident and chair of the Friends of Pigeon Valley.
This is the 12th in an ongoing series that highlights the riches of Pigeon Valley, the urban nature reserve in the heart of Glenwood. The focus of this article will be on Broad-leaved Bristle Grass (Setaria megaphylla).
At this time of year, the stems of Setaria megaphylla, the Broad-leaved Bristle Grass are sagging, weighed down by the thick seedheads, until the birds have eaten enough seed. This photo shows on it a Grey Waxbill, one of the seed-eating birds that loves to feast on the food the plant carries. The plant is found in sunny places throughout Pigeon Valley, and in the wind you can hear its stiff leaves rasping against each other.
Recently workers have agreed not to cut back the plant in some key areas, so the plant is thriving. It is the most useful of plants, stabilising the soil and, in areas of polluted water, removing excess nutrients.
ALSO READ: Exploring Pigeon Valley: The Black Sparrowhawk
I recently read a paper by a senior student at the University of KwaZulu/Natal who investigated plants used in traditional medicines to determine what the active chemicals are. This Setaria provides an impressive range of chemicals that have pharmaceutical properties. We easily forget that our medicines came originally from plants, thus the dual meaning of the isiZulu word ‘umuthi’, referring to both a tree and to medicine.
Footnote: Those interested or alarmed by the column on the Black Mamba would be intrigued by my recent encounter with it. Late in the afternoon the other day, I turned and walked towards a tree heavy with creepers. I suddenly realised that crossing the track diagonally in front of me was a very long Mamba, its head already up in the tree while its tail had yet to reach the path. It must have been aware of my presence, but was obviously unperturbed.
Crispin Hemson chairs the Friends of Pigeon Valley, a group that undertakes clearing of alien plants, keeps records of bird and mammal sightings and alerting management to any problems.
The Friends have a monthly walk at 7.30am on the second Saturday of each month. Email: friendsofpigeonvalley1@gmail.com.
