A sea of March flowers flood the Northern Cape Posted by Anita Froneman on 29 March 2021 South Africa’s rich floral diversity never ceases to amaze its inhabitants and visitors. The Brunsvigia bosmaniae, also known locally as the March flower or ‘Maartlelie’, blooms only once a year in a very specific area in the Northern Cape. According to SANBI, it is found mostly on open flats, coastal sand, rocky outcrops, loam, granite and clay soils, from Namaqualand and the Western Karoo, Tygerberg and the Bokkeveld Plateau to the Roggeveld. Hendrik van Zijl, botanist and guesthouse owner in Nieuwoudtwille, shared his wealth of experience with us after seeing these flowers for over 20 years, ‘Two Genera of the family Amaryllidaceae, picture-perfect, growing together. Brunsvigia bosmaniae (Maartblom, Perdespook), and Crossyne flava (Geelsambreelblom),’ Van Zijl captioned his photos. ‘I have never before seen these two Bulbs grow in such profusion together.’ These flowers will only bloom if it rains during the month of March and if it doesn’t, you’re out of luck, according to Van Zijl. And there needs to be a minimum rainfall of 15mm. Then, as these beautiful pink flowers make their appearance, several insects like bees and butterflies are happily attracted to the bright colours and sweet nectar, and pollinate them. Take a look at Van Zijl’s pictures of the flowers in bloom this year, taken in the Nieuwoudtville Nature Garden: To plan a trip to this spectacular valley, contact Hendrik van Zijl at 08282 96 855 for information or accommodation options. Take a look at other visitors who took stunning pictures: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rupert (@rk_ct) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fumi Hirai 平井 文 (@fumi.hirai) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fumi Hirai 平井 文 (@fumi.hirai) View this post on Instagram A post shared by A filming Hobo: Traveler (@filminghobo) Pictures: Hendrik van Zijl Related Posts 5 unusual things to do in the Northern Cape 10 October 2022 When you think of the Northern Cape, The. Big Hole in Kimberley comes to mind,... read more A Suzuki Safari in the Northern Cape 8 July 2022 The only brief we’d been given was to keep in mind the word “coddiwomple”; it... read more Kimberley shines bright like a diamond 16 October 2021 Lucy Corne looks into a big, murky hole and uncovers an incandescent history with lust... read more PREV ARTICLE NEXT ARTICLE
5 unusual things to do in the Northern Cape 10 October 2022 When you think of the Northern Cape, The. Big Hole in Kimberley comes to mind,... read more
A Suzuki Safari in the Northern Cape 8 July 2022 The only brief we’d been given was to keep in mind the word “coddiwomple”; it... read more
Kimberley shines bright like a diamond 16 October 2021 Lucy Corne looks into a big, murky hole and uncovers an incandescent history with lust... read more
