The Helderberg Nature Reserve has been carpeted by stunning sonsorrels which bloom after fire; the reserve is excited to share this stunning sighting after nearly 20 years.
Somerset West, South Africa (21 October 2022) – The rich natural environment of the Helderberg Nature Reserve is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life. A recent fire burned most of the area, leaving it blackend and charred. With every season though, Spring came along and carpeted the area in stunning white flowers.
According to Friends of Helderberg Nature Reserve, the reserve is being carpeted by sonsorrels (Heliophila meyeri). The new plant growth is due to the fire as the flower is stimulated by fire. The last time the flowers came up with this much vigor, was after the 2006 wildfires.
“A stroll along Woodie’s walk and sections of the trail to West Peak give stunning panoramic views of the mass flowering.”
The Helderberg Nature Reserve is located in Somerset West. It is owned and managed by the City of Cape Town with the support of the Friends of the Helderberg Nature Reserve. The Reserve reaches up as far as the cliff faces and the peaks above the Reserve are managed by CapeNature.
The Friends of the Helderberg Nature Reserve is a community-based, non-profit organisation that helps by educating the public, volunteering in the reserve, raising funds and doing whatever is needed to benefit the reserve.
Volunteers and work groups have developed the boardwalks through the gardens, organised events such as the always popular sunset concerts, and run the gift shop and visitor centre.
All these things can be accessed when you visit. Will you be going to find the flowers this weekend?
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