Photographs taken at eMalangeni Forest

Here are a few photographs taken with a cell phone of plants and other things of interest in and nearby to the eMalangeni Forest.

Crinum stuhlmannii subspecies delagoense belonging to the plant family Amaryllidaceae these magnificent bulbous plants grow in profusion on the forest edge and in the adjoining grassland at eMalangeni. 

The Amanzimnyama river "black water" which describes the dark colour of the water that has been coloured by tannins, that flows into the South end of lake Amanzimnyama.

Eastern Hinged Back Tortoise Kinixys zombensis in the eMalangeni Forest. Hinge backs are unique for their ability to close the back part of the shell to protect them from predators. They are a significant food source for humans through much of their range

Poison olive Peddiea africana a small attractive forest understory tree with glossy dark green leaves belonging to the plant family Thymelaeaceae.

The attractive white flower of the scrabbling herb Creeping Foxglove Asystasia gangetica belonging to the plant family Acanthaceae. these plants grow both in full sun as well as in the forest shade. Asystasia gangetica is the larval host plant for a number of colourful butterflies in particular the Blue Pansy, Junonia oenone oenone belonging to the family Nymphalidae.

This beautiful Blue Pansy butterfly, Junonia oenone oenone belonging to the family Nymphalidae is found throughout Africa.

The twin crowns of the majestic Forest Cabbage Tree, Cussonia sphaerocephala poking its head through the forest canopy.

The bright yellow flower of the fresh water mangrove, the tree hibiscus, Hibiscus tilliaceus is to be seen on the river bank as well as on the shores of Lake Amanzimnyama.

The crested guineafowl Guttera pucherani a member of the family Numididae can be seen at times in open patches of the eMalangeni forest or on the forest margins.

Large expanses of Zamioculcas zamiifolia a tropical perennial plant native to eastern Africa, from southern Kenya to northeastern South Africa can be seen growing on the eMalangeni forest floor. Zamioculcas zamiifolia commonly referred to as the ZZ plants is a very well known and very popular house plant in many countries around the world. Growing at the base of the tree is the epiphytic fern, Microsorum punctatum.

The stately Dracaena aletriformis the larval host plant for a number of forest butterflies and moths. when in flower Dracaena aletriformis attracts vast numbers of insects to its flowers and birds that eat the soft yellow berries that ripen in the winter months.

The bright red flower of the Dwarf Coral tree Erythrina humeana  can be found in the late summer to early Autumn months on the eMalangeni forest margin as well as in the surrounding grassland. 

The Cape Honey Suckle Tecomaria capensis can be found within the eMalangeni forest where it probably does not flower due to insufficient sunlight as well as on the forest edge.

Guided excursions

Please join us on one of our many guided excursions conducted in Zulu, English or German into the eMalangeni Forest, Kosi Bay area, Tembe Elephant Park the home of the world largest elephants and other surrounding natural areas.

Please visit one of my websites for my contact details.

Michael Hickman

18.04.21

Please visit my websites at

www.ecoman.co.za

www.hlem.co.za

as well as my other blogs at

http://luthulienvironment.blogspot.com/ 

http://ecomandurban.blogspot.com/

http://ecoman.co.za/projects/emalangeni.html

https://www.hlem.co.za/emalangeni.html

Microsorum punctatum Fern eMalangeni Forest

Microsorum punctatum Climbing bird's nest fern or Fishtail fern

The majestic epiphytic fern Microsorum punctatum is found growing as an epiphyte on many of the tall mature trees in the eMalangeni Forest where it is probably the most noticed and numerous epiphyte growing in the forest. Microsorum punctatum adds structure to the forest and gives it a lush tropical appearance.

The majestic fern Microsorum punctatum, known world wide as the Climbing bird's nest fern or Fishtail fern growing as an epiphyte in the eMalangeni Forest in the Kosi Bay Complex north east South Africa

 

Description

Microsorum punctatum has a short, creeping rhizome up to 4 mm in diameter and is covered with a thick felt of roots. The fronds are short-stalked and up to 10 mm apart. The narrowly elliptic lamina is simple, and up to 1500 x 110 mm. It has a thin leathery texture and is minutely pitted. The sori are about 1 mm in diameter and are irregularly scattered on the under surface of the lamina. The specific name punctatum refers to the minutely pitted or dotted nature of the lamina.

A close up view of the root mat developed by the majestic fern Microsorum punctatum, known world wide as the Climbing bird's nest fern or Fishtail fern growing as an epiphyte in the eMalangeni Forest 

Distribution

Microsorum punctatum is widespread in the temperate and tropical parts of the Old World, occurring from the Pacific islands, Malesia, tropical Asia and southern China to India, Madagascar and Africa. In Africa it occurs from West Africa through central to tropical East Africa to the east coast of South Africa as far south as Port St Johns. Microsorum punctatum is a predominantly low-altitude species occurring from near sea level to 1 500 m.

Habitat

In South Africa Microsorum punctatum occurs mostly in hot and humid swamp and coastal forests, ranging from near sea level to approximately 750 m. The region experiences a seasonal rainfall of more than 1 000 mm per annum. Microsorum punctatum grows mostly as an epiphyte on trees, often high above the ground in evergreen forests, mostly in deep shade. They rarely occur on the ground and when on the ground usually as a lithophyte.

Microsorum punctatum, known world wide as the Climbing bird's nest fern or Fishtail fern growing as an epiphyte in the eMalangeni Forest 

Cultivation.

Microsorum punctatum is one of the easiest ferns to grow, which is grown extensively in many countries as a pot plant and garden plant where it is known as Climbing bird's nest fern or Fishtail fern with many exotic looking horticultural cultivars having been produced.

Microsorum punctatum seedlings growing indoors

Microsorum punctatum is ideal for cultivation both indoors as well as in the garden provided that it is planted in deep shade, never exposed to direct sunlight and kept moist at all times. When they receive too much sunlight, they turn yellow and develop burnt sections on the fronds. When grown indoors increased humidity is beneficial. The species is best cultivated in a well-drained humus-rich medium kept moist at all times. A good well drained growing medium can be made out of equal parts of coarse composted bark, charcoal and chopped coconut husk.

Traditional uses

A tea is made Microsorum punctatum and taken for coughing fits. The leaf sap has also been reported to be used as an enema.

Extracts from the leaves have demonstrated anti-bacterial activity.

Guided excursions

Guided excursions in English, Zulu and German into the eMalangeni Forest and surrounding area including the nearby Tembe Elephant Park can be arranged. Please visit my websites for contact details.

Michael Hickman

02.04.21

please visit my websites at 

www.ecoman.co.za 

www.hlem.co.za 

as well as my other blogs at

http://luthulienvironment.blogspot.com/ 

http://ecomandurban.blogspot.com/

http://ecoman.co.za/projects/emalangeni.html

https://www.hlem.co.za/emalangeni.html