Southern Patagonia 2014

[Mark Griffiths]

I've always had a huge soft spot for Calceolaria uniflora

[astragalus]

Kees, the Hamadryas photos are wonderful. Such strange beauty but in perfect keeping with the landscape. Hope I will see these next year.

[Kees Jan]

Yes Hamadryas is a genus of 'unexpected' plants. The Hamadryas species seem to be restricted to southern Patagonia. After our explorations in the surroundings of Estancia Stag River we crossed the border to Chile and did some shopping in Puerto Natales where we spotted some black-necked swans in the sea. Our next excursions would be in Parque Nacional Torres del Paine, which had been on my 'places to visit' list for quite a long time! The first plant of note we found in the park was Calceolaria uniflora, this time back-lit by the late-afternoon sun. We spend quite some time photographing  . On the photograph Marijn photographing this botanical trophy and in the background, in the centre, the impressive towers of Paine among the clouds.

[Kees Jan]

Here is a picture of our rather civilised campsite in the park, for the first time since our arrival in Patagonia we could take a shower  . The next day we walked to the base of the famous towers. Last two pics show Embothrium coccineum habitat.

[Kees Jan]

1. One of the breathtaking lakes in PN Torres del Paine
2. Calceolaria polyrhiza x Calceolaria uniflora
3. Chloraea magellanica, a common orchid in this part of the world.
4. An enchanting landscape Torres del Paine, in front the umbellifer Mulinum spinosum