Exploring Pigeon Valley: The Natal Plane
The riches of Pigeon Valley Nature Reserve explained by Glenwood resident and chair of the Friends of Pigeon Valley.
This is the 81st article 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 is on the Natal Plane.
I do understand when people are attracted to showy exotic trees, but get frustrated when they ignore the spectacular local bushes and trees that may have much more to offer. I think of those found in Pigeon Valley that are seldom seen in gardens, such as the bountiful white and apricot blossoms of the September Bells (Rothmannia globosa), the white star-like flowers of Mitriostigma axillare and, in particular, the Natal Plane, Ochna natalitia, known in isiZulu as isiThundu.
The seedlings of this tree pop up in my garden frequently, with an attractively serrated leaf and fresh growth that is coppery-red. It grows to become a small tree ideal for a smaller garden.
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It blooms with the most attractive bold yellow flowers, with orange stamens clustered around a white stamen. When grown in full sun, the flowers mass in a profusion of yellow. After that, the bracts (the leaves surrounding the flower) turn a deep crimson that covers the green fruit, which, with time, change colour to black.
There must be few trees that are colourful in so many ways. The flowers also attract a host of bees and other insects and, in turn, birds such as sunbirds. Don’t overlook this neglected beauty.
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.
