Historic icon ‘creeps’ back into Umgeni Bird Park
The famous Giant Dutchman's Pipe creeper has been reintroduced to the fauna and flora at the Umgeni Bird Park, for the first time in more than 10 years.
WHEN reminiscing about trips to the Umgeni Bird Park, many residents will surely remember the majestic vine that covered the 25-metre strip along the main entrance.
Many were devastated when the growing weight and general deterioration finally caused the wooden support beams to collapse in 2004. The staff at the park managed to salvage eight cuttings, which they patiently nurtured for several years.
However, only one of the cuttings survived. In a last effort to save the remnant cutting it was planted in 2012. And now, for the first time in more than 10 years, staff and residents alike were thrilled when the beautiful creeper vine, known as the Giant Dutchman’s Pipe (Aristolochia gigantea), began to bloom.
Not only has the plant started to bloom, but it has already begun to reclaim its legacy as one of the park’s biggest attractions.
“So many people remember the plant and have asked about it since the announcement was posted on Facebook. More than 1 700 people have seen the original post. It is unbelievable how this has become one of our most popular posts. One woman came to the park especially to see the flowers,” said Grant Aggett-Cox, of the Umgeni Bird Park.
The gigantic plum-coloured flowers (some can measure up to 30cm) are truly a sight to behold. Before they bloom the buds resemble a meerschaum pipe, hence the name.
However, once they have bloomed, the flowers are said to resemble an upside-down heart from the front, or a pair of human lungs from the back.
Sadly, it takes up to two weeks for the blossoms to develop but they only last a day or two, said Aggett-Cox.
The Giant Dutchman’s Pipe originates from South America, and was brought to South Africa by Dr Alan Abrey, a veterinarian who founded the park in 1981.
