Haworthia

[Rogan]

This is such a pretty arrangement and it looks contrived but, it's not! At least, I don't think so... I found this specimen of Haworthia mirabilis in it's nest on a remote hillside, not too far from my home. It is a common species in this area. 

[Robert]

Very interesting!

The "nest" does not look like it has been in use for a very, very long time. In your part of the world who would build such a rock "nest"? A bird? A reptile? The wind or water? Bushmen - for fire? I know next to nothing about South Africa. Like California it seems the climate and flora can be very complex depending on where one is.?

Thank you for sharing!

[Rogan]

This nest of rocks is purely coincidence I think, or perhaps a concerned nature-lover came by and placed these rocks around this plant to protect it - an unlikely scenario as there are dozens of other plants, equally as choice, in the neighborhood.

This is a really beautiful part of the Western Cape: lofty mountain ranges - the Langeberg in the middle distance, and the rolling hills and valleys of the Agulhas plain to the south. The prominent gash in the mountains is the Tradouw Pass, a gateway to the Little Karoo which you can see through the gap in the distance - the mountains in the background being the Warmwaterberg. Haworthia mirabilis grows here and there on the hills in the foreground.

[Maggi Young]

That scene paints an instant picture of the beauty of the area, Rogan.  What a place to live!

[Rogan]

I thank my lucky stars every day, Maggi - it really is breathtaking.

[Robert]

Rogan,

I appreciate very much your postings from South Africa. Such a beautiful country.. and beautiful and amazing plants. I hope that you do not mind me asking questions from time-to-time. The climate here in California seems very similar to that of South Africa i.e. extremely variable depending on where you are. I am fascinated with South African plants but have much to learn, thus questions.

From other postings I can see that we have a similar situation here in California - much of the native flora is often confined to a strip on both sides of the road between the fence-line and the spray zone next to the road. I am grateful to find our California native plants in this zone, however it is also very sad for me as I wonder what things were like before all the development, both agricultural an other (ranching, housing development etc.).

Thank you again for all the photographs. I am certainly enjoying them.

[Rogan]

It always gives me great pleasure talking about SA and all its plants and animals. I don't mind answering your questions at all, Robert. If you feel they may be off-topic, please feel free to contact me via the personal message system but, I know our gracious moderators do not mind the occasional off-topic foray and, often encourage it 

[Robert]

This is great. I look forward to more sights of South Africa through your photographs. 

[Rogan]

I went by my favorite patch again today and photographed this fine trio (Haworthia mirabilis) - they look as though crafted from the finest confectionery...