The Erica irregularis

30 May

Destination

The Cape Floral Kingdom

South Africa is home to the most botanically diverse area in the world, the Cape Floral Kingdom. Located near the southern tip of Africa; it is identified as one of the world's biodiversity hotspots. Situated in the midst of this floral paradise is Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, a luxury lodge committed to the conservation of the Cape Floral Kingdom. Through dedicated observation and twenty years of ecological surveying, 6 species that is completely new to science have been discovered on the Grootbos reserve. 
 

Fynbos : A fire- driven Biome

During the summer of 2006, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve experienced a wildfire, affecting a large area of the vegetation on the reserve. It is fortuitous that the fynbos biome is a fire-driven system, that requires regular burning for its persistence. In the wild, some fynbos species can take 5 years from germination to reach flowering stage. It was in the early winter months of 2011 that a rare and endangered Erica species, which was thought to have been wiped out by the fire, made an astounding comeback, covering the hills in its pink blossoms - the Erica irregularis. Every year from May to October, when the majority of the fynbos is in flower, this rare Erica steals the show. With almost its entire population found on Grootbos, it transforms the landscape into a sea of pink.
 

Physical attributes of the Erica irregularis

Erica irregularis is a hardy shrub which can grow up to 1.5m tall. Its branches are covered in fine linear leaves arranged in groups of 3 or 4. During its flowering period, the semi-rigid stalks bloom conspicuously with delicate rosy flowers. The flowers are small (4–5 mm), urn-shaped with a narrow end, arranged in irregular clusters - hence the origin of its scientific name 'irregularis'. The name Erica is derived from the Greek ereiko, meaning ‘to break’ or ‘rend’, which refers to the apparent ability of some species to break up bladder stones, and possibly to the fact that Erica stems tend to break easily. 
 

Distribution and habitat of the Erica irregularis

It is commonly known as the Gansbaai Erica due to its limited natural distribution - the Erica irregularis only grows in a small 300 hectare pocket on the coastal limestone foothills between Stanford and Gansbaai. However most of its population is safeguarded on the hills of Grootbos at the south-western edge of the Agulhas Plain. Unlike most ericoids which grow in extremely acidic soil ( 2-4 pH), the Erica irregularis thrives in alkaline soil with a pH level of 6.5 and higher. All of the Erica family have mycorrhizal fungi attached to their roots. In this symbiotic relationship, the fungi benefits from photosynthesis and feeds off the chlorophyll that the plant produces. In return the fungi assists in extracting the water and mineral nutrients which the plant can not absorb on its own from the barren soil - without this relationship, both parties would suffer. 

Hive to Home

The entire population of the Erica irregularis relies on bees for pollination. Beehives have been strategically placed across Grootbos amidst floral splendor to support the pollination. Once a year, this unique single blossom honey is harvested using sustainable practices. Grootbos Honey has a wonderful, rich quality and is more darker and bitter than regular fynbos honey. 

Every year during the flowering period of the Erica irregularis, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve offers a unique experience celebrating the Secret Season. Guests can experience the harvesting of this unique honey and find out more about the symbiotic relationship between Erica and the bee. Enjoy a sumptuous honey inspired brunch on the farm, to complete the hive to home experience. Immerse yourself in the soft hues of the fields with a 4x4 Flower Safari, Horse Riding Experience or a ‘Hive to Home’ honey experience and learn more about this distinctive flower.