Exploring Pigeon Valley: The Banded Matchflower

This is the 40th 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 the Banded Matchflower.

As you see the photo, you will of course (though perhaps rather nervously) say, ‘Oh, it’s Oncocalyx quinquenervius!’ Actually, this striking flower is that of a seldom encountered mistletoe. A couple of years ago I was investigating a sewage leak on the northern fence of Pigeon Valley next to a large Natal Elm when I realised that the ground was covered in flowers different from the prevailing local mistletoe (which, as you no doubt know, is Erianthemum dregei). Looking up, I could see large areas of the tree covered in mistletoe. Later I found evidence that there are small patches elsewhere in Pigeon Valley on other Natal Elms or Thorny Elms.

ALSO READ: Exploring Pigeon Valley: The Cape Batis

When word reached Steve Woodhall, South Africa’s leading butterfly expert, of the discovery, he came with me to see if we could find evidence of an uncommon butterfly, the Short-barred Sapphire. We found pupae on the tree, and these hatched out as the butterfly. In December 2018 Steve watched a butterfly hatch out in front of him on the tree.

Mistletoes are very interesting; a recent study showed that they increase biodiversity as they attract birds, butterflies and other insects. However, we are now very worried about the tree that hosts the mistletoe. It has been attacked by the Polyphagous Shot-hole Borer, the invasive alien borer. We are in danger of losing the tree, the mistletoe growing on the tree and the rare butterflies. I will keep you posted on this threat.

Crispin Hemson chairs the Friends of Pigeon Valley, a group that undertakes clearing of alien plants, keeps records of bird and mammal sightings and alerts management to any problems.

The Friends have a monthly walk at 7.30am on the second Saturday of each month. Email: friendsofpigeonvalley1@gmail.com.

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