Resilient spring flowers at the Koppies

If you visit Melville Koppies now, multiple varieties of showy flowers are giving their best despite the dusty, dry surrounds.

These plants long ago made a plan to cope with the unreliable water supply. Each of these plants has its own secret water reserve.

Some like the red paintbrush hide their own water tank underground in a bulb bigger than a large onion.

Or the sky-blue pentanisia and pink leeubekkie (snapdragon) whose secret is an extensive woody root system that can tap into and store water for when it’s needed.

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They also die back in winter only to burst forth when they feel the days lengthening and warming.

Melville Koppies has prepared a two-page colour handout for those interested in spotting and identifying some of the spring flowers.

Melville Koppies Central (Nature Reserve and Heritage Site) is open every Sunday only in 2021 from 08:00 to 11.30.

There is no need to pre-book for any of these days. Entrance fees are R80 for adults and R40 children.

All income used for maintenance and security of the Koppies that costs R22 000 per month.

Visitors can find secure parking opposite the entrance at Marks Park in Judith Road, Emmarentia.

For more information contact wendavid@mweb.co.za or visit www.mk.org.za

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