IN May, the Umgeni River Bird Park celebrated the first blossoms of its famous creeper vine, the Dutchman’s Pipe, after its devastating collapse in 2004. Earlier this month, staff spotted the plant’s first bud of the spring season. And while the plant has been thriving after being replanted at its famous spot in 2012, the staff at the park say they are not sure what their plans are for the flourishing vine.
The enormous creeper was an iconic feature at the park for many years, with most residents’ fond memories surrounding the 25-metre strip along the facility’s entrance. It was therefore no surprise that many people were devastated when the plant’s ever-growing weight and the general deterioration of the wooden support beams caused the entranceway to collapse.
Fortunately, the staff at the park managed to salvage eight cuttings, which they patiently nurtured for several years. However, only one of the cuttings survived, and in a last effort to save the remnant cutting, it was planted in 2012.
Fast-forward 10 years and now, with the coming of spring, staff and residents alike are anxiously waiting for the giant Dutchman’s Pipe (Aristolochia gigantea) to once again reveal its beautiful yet unusual blossoms.
The gigantic plum-coloured flowers (some measuring up to 30cm) are truly a sight to behold. Before they bloom, the buds resemble meerschaum pipes, 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.
When the Northglen News recently visited the park, the vine had just grown its first bud.
According to Grant Aggett-Cox of the Umgeni Bird Park, it takes up to two weeks for the blossoms to develop, and thus residents can gear up to catch a glimpse of the first of the flowers in mid-September.
“People from around the world have contacted us regarding the creeper, and some people visit the park especially to see the flowers. We are excited by the public’s interest and fondness of this creeper,” said Aggett-Cox. The giant Dutchman’s Pipe originated in South America and was brought to South Africa by Dr Alan Abrey, the veterinarian who founded the park in 1981.
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