Mpati mountain and the gladsome Gladioli

Mpati mountain or “place of good waters” as it is also referred to, certainly has lived up to it’s name this Summer. The long awaited rains bringing much needed relief for all. Our beautiful mountain and surrounding grasslands have produced an abundance of floral treasures this season.

Over the last few years I have had the privilege of exploring the mountain. During this time I have not only been delighted, but also utterly astounded at times – by the beauty, diversity and abundance of flowering plants, shrubs and trees that grow on and around our Mpati mountain.

I have been documenting these floral treasures ( as many as I possibly and realistically can), by way of botanical illustration, as a dedication – A dedication to the mountain and to all who take pleasure in the peace and connection to nature that Mpati mountain offers.

Summer time is Gladioli time. We have at least three indigenous Gladioli species on the mountain that I know of. There are possibly more. ‘Gladioli Ecklonii’ is widespread through Southern Africa, growing in the Summer rainfall zone. This species is found in stony places and occasionally at the edge of vleis and streams.

Gladioli are important horticulturally. They are used as cut flowers and in cultivation many hybrids exist. Our indigenous Gladioli ecklonii flowers have whitish tepals covered in freckled spots. These range from pink through to red. Like other Gladioli species it closes it’s flowers as the sun goes down and opens them again as the sun comes up in the morning.

Possible pollinators are two long – tongued bees, namely ‘Amegilla capensis’ and ‘Amagilla fallax’.

This particular beauty was growing alongside a rocky path on the mountain. I managed to photograph it in it’s prime. A very special sighting indeed.