eMalangeni Forest

http://luthulienvironment.blogspot.com/

as well as my other blogs at

http://ecomandurban.blogspot.com/

https://www.africansnakebiteinstitute.com/snake/gaboon-adder/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwytOEBhD5ARIsANnRjVgY8o5GH_LqwWppznLB048ZSuneDrU_1Q4cKLmbO3tgmuiMrPiaZVIaAlFTEALw_wcB

Thursday 6 May 2021

The Gaboon Adder Bitis gabonica in the eMalangeni Forest

The Gaboon Adder Bitis gabonica is a large, colourful and highly venomous snake that with a measure of good luck can be seen in the eMalangeni Peat Swamp Forest in the southern portion of the Kosi Bay System.

The Gaboon Adder Bitis gabonica

Although the Gaboon Adder has a wide distribution throughout the tropical rainforests of Africa, in South Africa they are confined to the hot and humid coastal forests that stretch south from the Mozambique border to the Mapelane Nature Reserve which is the southern most reserve within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park just South of lake St. Lucia then further south to Mtunzini being their southern limit.

The Gaboon adder is the largest of the adders in Africa, weighing up to 20 kilograms and reaching lengths of up to 1.8 meters, with a head up to 15 cm across at the widest point. In South Africa they are a little smaller averaging from .90 to 1.20 meters in length. The fangs which are the longest of any venomous snake may reach a length of 55 mm. Unlike most snakes the Gaboon Adder gives birth in late summer to up to 60 live young.

The colouration is a striking combination of light and dark brown, pink and purple arranged in diamonds and stripes along its back. Light and dark lines radiate from around its small eyes. The broad head mimics a fallen leaf, right down to the central vein, this striking pattern is excellent camouflage in the snake's native habitat, helping it blend into the leaf litter on the forest floor.

Gaboon Adders with are primarily nocturnal have a reputation for being slow-moving and placid, locomotion is mostly rectilinear, in a sluggish walking motion of the ventral scales.

Gaboon Adders are passive ambush hunters, waiting often for considerable periods of time, often in puddles of water, concealed to strike at whatever variety of birds, mammals, and amphibians such as doves, guineafowl, francolins, many different species of rodents, including field mice and rats, as well as hares, rabbits, frogs and toads, even prey items, such as monkeys, that pass within range. It has been reported that the occasional kid goat belonging to local farmers has been caught and eaten by the Gaboon adder at eMalangeni. Unlike most venomous snakes that strike and release the Gaboon adder holds onto its prey until its dies.

Gaboon adders have a placid nature and very rarely bite humans, most bites that do occur happen when the snake is stepped on before it has an opportunity to get away. If harassed, it will raise the upper part of its body and they may hiss loudly as a warning, doing so in a deep and steady rhythm, slightly flattening the head at the expiration of each breath. Despite this, they are unlikely to strike unless severely provoked, however, they are one of the fastest-striking snakes in the world, so care should be taken in regards to provoking them.

A bite from a Gaboon adder is extremely rare, due to their unaggressive nature, their sluggishness and unwillingness to move even when approached. Bites most often occur due to persons accidentally stepping on a Gaboon adder, but even then in some cases this does not guarantee a bite. When a bite does occur, though, it should always be considered a serious medical emergency. Polyvalent anti venom is effective in the treatment of a bite from the Gaboon adder.

Please pay a visit to the African Snake Bite Institute for more information and lots more photos

Michael Hickman

06.05.21

please visit my websites

http://luthulienvironment.blogspot.com/

as well as my other blogs at

http://ecomandurban.blogspot.com/

Thursday 29 April 2021

What is a peat swamp forest?

Peat swamp forests known as idobo in the Zulu language are moist forests that are formed where waterlogged soil prevents dead leaves and wood from fully decomposing. Over time, this creates a thick layer of acidic peat inhabited by unique plant communities adapted to these wet, acidic, nutrient and oxygen poor soils.

Swamp fig Ficus trichopoda growing on the banks of the aManzimnyama river in the eMalangeni peat swamp forest

Peat swamp forests form in areas where saturated soils or frequent flooding prevent organic material from fully decomposing. As this organic material slowly accumulates, it retains even more water through capillary action, up to 13 times its weight, acting as a giant sponge that holds in the moisture. Peat swamps known as ixhaphozi in the Zulu language eventually form a dome of wet organic material that can rise above the surrounding flood levels.

It takes thousands of years for peatlands to form, with organic matter accumulating at 0.5 – 2 mm per year . Peat layers over 4 meters are common, while depths of up to 20 meters have been reported.

a photograph of the water well known as Kwa Ginga that has been used by the eMalangeni community for over 100 years in the eMalangeni peat swamp forest that was named after the royal son of Makhuza Tembe

Above is a photograph of the water well known as Kwa Ginga that has been used by the eMalangeni community for over 100 years in the eMalangeni peat swamp forest. the well was named after the royal son of Makhuza Tembe

The unique hydrology of this habitat provides a critical buffer against flooding during the wet season, and insurance against drought in the dry season. The swamp retains heavy rainfall and slowly releases the moisture over an extended period of time. As climate change results in more extreme weather events and irregular precipitation, this ecosystem service is becoming even more critical.

The jewel of the eMalangeni Forest Euphaedra neophron, the gold banded forester, is a butterfly in the family Nymphalidae

In many ways, Peat swamp forests are similar to other tropical and sub-tropical lowland forests such as in the size and density of large trees. Unique biological communities are specially adapted to thrive in the flooded, oxygen poor environment.

Many tree species have large buttresses and Seepage of black water stained by tannins in the eMalangeni peat swamp forest to hold themselves up in the soft peat soil. Others have pneumatophores or are covered with lenticels at the base of the stem to permit gas exchange with the air, as soils are waterlogged and often inundated.

The red mangrove Rhizophora mucronata with prop roots to support it in the unstable peat soil

Wetland associated plants are also very common in the understory and on the forest floor, epiphytes growing on the trees right up into the canopy are numerous, such as ferns and orchids.

The epiphytic fern Microsorum punctatum growing on threes in the eMalangeni peat Swamp forest in the Kosi Bay System

Peat Swamp Forests supply numerous ecosystem services to human communities. These are natural services that are beneficial to humans but not paid for directly, these services include timber and non timber forest products such as honey, nuts, fruits, medicines, latex, dyes, and fiber. Peat swamps also provide fresh water and fish to local communities.

Peat Swamp forests regulate landscape hydrology, and have been described as “landscape sponges”, absorbing excess rainwater during wet seasons and during extreme storm events, and steadily releasing stored water during dry spells or droughts. They also serve as biofilters which trap sediments and excess nutrient runoff from agricultural activities upstream. In their natural state, peat swamps are also globally significant sinks of atmospheric carbon.

The Narina trogon Apaloderma narina is a most spectacular forest bird that is to be found in the eMalangeni peat swamp forest.

In South Africa peat swamp forests are highly threatened ecosystems, being the second rarest forest type in the whole country and only occur in isolated patches from the Mozambique border a few kilometers north of the Kosi Bay System and the eMalangeni peat swamp forest to just south of the Msikaba River in the Eastern Cape

The coastal peat swamp forests on the flat coastal plain of Maputaland which include the eMalangeni coastal peat swamp forest the largest of the peat swamp forests represent seventy five percent of all the swamp forest found in South Africa.

The eMalangeni coastal peat swamp forest which has a total area of 880 ha feeds the Siyadla- aManzimnyama river that flows through it is the largest peat swamp forest in South Africa. The eMalangeni coastal peat swamp forest which is situated immediately south of lake aManzimnyama is the main source of fresh water for the Kosi Bay Lake System.

The water that is released by the eMalangeni peat forest into the aManzimnyama river (black water river) is stained dark brown by the tannins that leach from the fallen leaves and peat, hence the name aManzimnyama the Zulu name for black water.

The aManzimnyama river, black water river that flows through the eMalangeni peat swamp forest

The eMalangeni peat swamp forest displays a gradient between wet and dry swamp forest. Raphia australis, Syzygium cordatum, Schefflera umbellifera generally grow under drier conditions, while Syzygium cordatum, Voacanga thouarsii grow in intermediate conditions and Ficus trichopoda dominate the Riverine area of the forest.

The drier swamp forest on the western shore of Lake aManzimnyama has large stands of the endemic Kosi Bay Palm, Raphia australis palms. Syzygium cordatum which exhibits a grade of hydrological preferences, is mostly absent in the very dry Raphia australis and very wet Ficus trichopoda dominated vegetation areas.

The Kosi Bay palm Raphia australis growing in the eMalangeni peat swamp forest

Heavily disturbed areas of the forest which were caused primarily due to previous agricultural practices are characterized by a general lack of a fully developed tree canopy as well as hydrological modifications made to the peat by means of drainage ditches. Natural gaps in the forest are created where stands of the monocarpic Raphia australis palms die and fall over after flowering.

Traditionally the light and durable wood of the endemic Raphia australis palms has been a very important component in the livelihood of the local peoples, the collection of fallen rachi is used for construction material for houses as well as canoes and rafts to cross the aManzimnyama river.

A traditional boat used on the lakes at Kosi Bay made of the leaf rachi of the Kosi Bay palm Raphia australis

In the past traditional farming practices enabled the local communities who have been relocated to live in harmony with their wetlands for several generations, as they rotated their gardens on a chosen peatland and still have wetland habitat that remain intact in spite of their presence over several centuries.

Tourism in this largely pristine peat swamp forest area that has been placed under the protection of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority is playing an increasingly important role in the local economy as access and tourist numbers improve due to better infrastructure, such as new roads and lodges, and wider circulated publicity.

An African Jacana Actophilornis africana and young on the lily pads of the blue water lily Nymphaea nouchali in the eMalangeni peat forest

Guided excursions that offer far more scientific knowledge and interesting facts in regards to the plants birds animals and other creatures encountered in the forest than the usual guided can be conducted in English, Zulu and German into the eMalangeni Swamp Forest and surrounding area including the nearby Tembe Elephant Park can be arranged and tailored to the individual needs of the client/s no matter at which establishment one will be staying at while at Kosi Bay. Please visit one of my websites for contact details.

Michael Hickman

29.04.21

please visit my websites

http://luthulienvironment.blogspot.com/

as well as my other blogs at

http://ecomandurban.blogspot.com/

Monday 19 April 2021

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.

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 on the eMalangeni forest

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

Sunday 18 April 2021

Microsorum scolopendria a Magnificent Fern in the eMalangeni Forest

This striking fern Microsorum scolopendria will very soon be noticed on entering into the eMalangeni forest, with its shining lush green leaves it is hard to not notice. In addition Microsorum scolopendria is one of the most numerous plants on the forest floor often forming extensive patches and occasionally up into the trees.

Microsorum scolopendria is known locally as umlalamvubu commonly called wart fern in English

Distribution

This magnificent forest fern which is a favorite of mine was formerly known as Phymatodes scolopendria, does not only grow in the eMalangeni Forest it is widespread in the Old World, occurring from Africa and Madagascar to Asia and Australia, as well as throughout Polynesia.

In Africa umlalamvubu occurs along the east coast of South Africa from as far south as Port St Johns where it occurs mostly in dune forests and dune scrub as well as swamp forest near to the coast. From South Africa its range extends throughout tropical Africa up into West Africa.

Microsorum scolopendria locally known as umlalamvubu, translated as the plants that hippos sleep on

Description

Microsorum scolopendria has a strong widely creeping rhizome up to 10 mm in diameter that mostly occurs on the soil surface.

The deeply pinnatifid, leathery fronds, up to 0.9 m long, are widely spaced along the rhizome. The leaf stalk is up to 400 mm long. The leaf blade is divided into narrowly oblong lobes, up to 220 x 30 mm.

The deeply pinnatifid, leathery fronds of umlalamvubu Microsorum scolopendria

The somewhat sunken sori are round to oval, 2 to 3 mm in diameter and occur in one or two rows on either side of the costa. Adaxially the sori are embossed.

The sunken sori on the underside of the leaf of Microsorum scolopendria

Microsorum scolopendria crawls along the ground to form an extensive ground cover in places, but will also climb up tree trunks at times.

Ethnobotanical uses

locally umlalamvubu is used by herbalists to treat abscesses for which a paste of ground leaves is mixed with earth from a wasp's nest before being applied. Umlalamvubu is also used to dress wounds where leaf pulp is used as a dressing, as well as to treat insanity, where leaves are ground then mixed with water and the liquid drunk.

Uses Singapore

The crushed Fronds of Microsorum scolopendria which contain coumarin a fragrant colorless crystalline solid with a sweet odor resembling the scent of vanilla are used to perfume clothes as well as coconut oil.

Uses in Hawaii

When crushed, the fern issues a scent similar to the fragrant maile plant, Alyxia stellata which is used in making traditional leis. Sometimes, pieces of the fern are interlaced into leis because of their fragrance. Microsorum scolopendria is also one of the plants used for scenting kapa fabric.

When crushed, the leaves of the fern Microsorum scolopendria issues a fragrant scent similar to vanilla

Cultivation

Microsorum scolopendria is a hardy species that is often used in landscape design in shady areas and for indoor landscapes. Microsorum scolopendria is easy to cultivate and grows in a wide range of habitats. Microsorum scolopendria when grown outdoors it grows best in light shade, but it will also tolerate direct sunlight for part of the day. In older gardens it often establishes on brick or stone walls, or on trees, especially palms. Although it will tolerate short dry spells it is best kept well watered.

Microsorum scolopendria makes and excellent indoor pot plant.

When grown in hanging baskets the creeping rhizome droop gracefully down from the basket.

This magnificent fern warrants being planted far more often in landscapes and gardens in the areas in KwaZulu-Natal where it grows.

Guided excursions

Michael Hickman

18.04.21

Please visit my websites at

as well as my other blogs at

http://luthulienvironment.blogspot.com/

http://ecomandurban.blogspot.com/

Wednesday 14 April 2021

Indlubu an indigenous ground bean eMalangeni Forest

Indlubu is an African indigenous ground bean which plays an important role in the local culture of eMalangeni

Indlubu is an African indigenous ground bean belonging to the legumes in the plant family Fabacaceae having the botanical name Vigna subterranea and known in English as Bambara groundnut. Indlubu was probably brought to and grown in this region through migration of the inguni indigenous peoples who brought it as far south as KwaZulu-Natal. Presently the cultivation of indlubu is confined to the Northern Province and KwaZulu-Natal.

Indlubu African indigenous ground bean Fabacaceae Vigna subterranea Bambara groundnut emalangeni kosi bay

Indlubu is an African indigenous ground bean which plays an important role in the local culture of eMalangeni

Indlubu which plays an important role in the local culture of eMalangeni is very tasty when cooked in salt water and eaten as a snack, they are just like salted peanuts or potato crisps. once you have had one you simply cannot stop eating them until the whole lot are eaten.

Description

Indlubu Vigna subterranea is an annual, much branched, prostrate creeping leguminous plant, grown primarily for its very tasty nutritious edible seeds. In Africa, indlubu is the third eaten legume after namantongomane peanuts Arachis hypogaea and cowpea Vigna unguiculata.

The beans of Indlubu Vigna subterranea which is an African indigenous ground bean

Origin and geographic distribution

The center of origin of indlubu groundnut is probably north-eastern Nigeria and northern Cameroon. It is found in the wild from central Nigeria eastwards to southern Sudan, and is now cultivated throughout tropical Africa, and to a lesser extent in tropical parts of the Americas, Asia and Australia. Its use as a pulse in West Africa was recorded by Arabic travelers in the14th Century. Its importance declined after the introduction of groundnut from the New World tropics.

Importance

Indlubu represents the third most important grain legume in semi-arid Africa, Indlubu is resistant to high temperature and is suitable for marginal soils where other leguminous crops cannot be grown.

Sadly indlubu has largely been ignored by the scientific community being regarded as a poor man's crop.

traditional grain storage hut at emalangeni forest kosi bay south africa

Traditional grain storage hut isididi or inqolobane at eMalangeni Forest Kosi Bay iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Uses

Indlubu is grown primarily for its seeds, which are used in many types of foods. Mature, dry seeds are boiled and eaten as a pulse. Dried seeds, either whole or split, are also mixed with maize then boiled. The seeds may be ground into flour, sometimes after roasting, to prepare a porridge. They are also added to maize flour to enrich traditional preparations. Sometimes seeds are soaked in water and ground into a paste which is used to prepare fried or steamed dishes. Immature seeds are often boiled with salt and eaten as a snack.

The seeds and left overs are fed to poultry, and the leafy shoots are used as fodder for goats, Zulu sheep and cows.

Indigenous Zulu fowl hens

Indlubu played an important role in the agriculture and of diets of the local people of the eMalangeni area before they were forcefully removed to make way for the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Today indlubu still plays an important role in the local cuisine.

The local people make a very tasty soup out of peanuts Arachis hypogaea and ground beans Indlubu Vigna subterranea and use them in very many other dishes.

a local woman pounding peanuts to make a delicious peanut and indlubu soup at emalangeni forest

A local woman pounding peanut seeds to make a tasty soup to which indlubu groundnut is added

In the Local area it was believed that men that went away to work for long periods of time had to eat Indlubu on their return to cleanse themselves of possible diseases before having intercourse with their wives

Climatic requirements

Optimal conditions for growth are 30-35°C day-temperature for germination, average day temperatures ranging from 20 to 28°C under full sun, average annual rainfall of 600-750 mm (optimum yields are obtained when rainfall is higher), good P and K soil content and light sandy loams with a pH of 5.0-6.5. Indlubu can grow in more humid conditions (annual rainfall > 2000 mm), and in every type of soil provided it is well drained and not too calcareous. It is tolerant to drought, to pests and diseases, particularly in hot conditions. In many traditional cropping systems it is intercropped with other root and tuber crops

iZimvu indigenous Zulu sheep at eMalangeni Forest Bush Camp iSimangaliso Wetland park

Soil requirements

Optimal soils for Indlubu production are sandy soils to prevent waterlogging. Optimal soil depth is between 50 and 100 cm, with a light soil texture. Soil fertility should be low and soil pH is best suited between 5 and 6.5 and should not be lower than 4.3 or higher than 7.

Cropping system

Indlubu are suited to and were intercropped with ummbila maize, amabele sorghum, unyawothi pearly millet, ithanga pumpkin, ubhatata sweet potato and umdumbula cassava at eMalangeni.

Unyawothi Cenchrus americanus has been grown in Africa since ancient times as has been indlubu, the center of diversity, and suggested area of domestication for the crop is in the Sahel zone of West Africa. Zulu beer Umqombothi was traditionally brewed from unyawothi pearl millet and amabele sorghum.

Growth cycle

The growth cycle is between 90–170 days and under optimal conditions the cycle is about 120–150 days to pod maturity. Flowers appear 40–60 days after planting. 30 days after pollination the pod reaches maturity and during another 55 days the seeds fully develop. Every 30 days they are produced again. Like the peanut Vigna subterranea ripens its pods underground.

Like most other legumes, Indlubu harbor symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the root nodules. The capacity to fix nitrogen means Indlubu require less nitrogen-containing fertilizer and they improve soil fertility, making them valuable in crop rotations.

Makhathini ecotype Zulu indigenous veld goats

Indigenous Zulu goat, Makhathini Ecotype Mbuzi, eMalangeni Forest Bush Camp iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Guided excursions

Michael Hickman

14.04.21

Please visit my websites at

as well as my other blogs at

http://luthulienvironment.blogspot.com/

http://ecomandurban.blogspot.com/

Tuesday 6 April 2021

iNjemane the local iLala palm wine

The local palm wine iNjemane is made from the sap of Hyphaene coriacea, locally known as iLala, as well as the sap of the local date palm, Phoenix reclinata, locally known as uSundu.

Mature iLala palm Hyphaene coriacea at emalangeni forest kosi bay complex isimangaliso wetland park

Mature iLala palm Hyphaene coriacea growing in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Although the ilala palm Hyphaene coriacea is not abundant in and immediately around the eMalangeni Forest very significant numbers grow in the area which have considerable cultural and economic significance and clearly make a significant contribution to the economy of the area. The local date palm Phoenix reclinata in however abundant in the eMalangeni Forest.

Distribution

Hyphaene coriacea is common in coastal sand from eastern South Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania, Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia and Madagascar it is much rarer inland.

Habitat

Hyphaene coriacea is often seen growing near but not on the banks of rivers often in hot, dry areas in poor or exhausted soils with impeded drainage

reflextion of Mature iLala palm Hyphaene coriacea growing in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Reflection of a mature iLala palm Hyphaene coriacea growing in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Description

Hyphaene coriacea is dioecious with separate male and female trees. Hyphaene coriacea suckers to forms clumps

Fruit

The fruits that are found only on the female trees are green to pale orange at first, becoming progressively more brown with age, they irregularly pear-shaped, about 60-80mm in diameter with a distinctive fruity aroma.

Unripe seed of the iLala palm Hyphaene coriacea growing in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park

The outer shell is glossy and tough, internally an edible spongy fibrous pulp surrounds the single seed.

Ripe seed of the iLala palm Hyphaene coriacea growing in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park

The fruits take about two years to reach maturity and another two years before falling from the plant where they are dispersed by elephants, monkeys and baboons.

African elephant still distribute the ripe seed of the iLala palm Hyphaene coriacea in the nearby Tembe elephant park

Uses

The iLala palm Hyphaene coriacea is an ethnobotanically-important plant to the local Maputaland communities where one estimate puts the number of plants at over 10 million plants in an area of 156,000 hectares.

Leaves

The leaves are used extensively for weaving mats and baskets and brooms and similar ware, these were historically manufactured for domestic usage but now are becoming prominent items in the increasing tourist trade.

Handbag made at Kosi Bay from leaves of the iLala palm Hyphaene coriacea

Imbenge or lid made at Kosi Bay from leaves of the iLala palm covering a traditional Ukhamba pot

Imbenge or lid made at Kosi Bay from leaves of the iLala palmHyphaene coriacea covering a traditional Ukhamba pot

umshanelo broom made at Kosi Bay from leaves of the iLala palm Hyphaene coriacea

The purchase of these useful household goods and souvenirs is to be encouraged, as the raw material from which they are made is eminently renewable. The methods used to harvest the leaves are sustainable. Only the young pliable leaves are harvested, with only one third of the leaf taken, so the remainder can develop fully. They are boiled and then dried in the sun to soften them for weaving and may be coloured using natural dyes.

iNjemane the local iLala palm wine

The is a vigorous local industry in the manufacture of palm wine known locally as iNjemane that it is highly intoxicating with an alcohol content of some 5-10%, which lies between the beers and wines. Injemane is obtained by tapping the stems of the iLala Palm as well to a lesser extent the local date palm Phoenix reclinata which is far more abundant in the eMalangeni Forest, to produce a sugary sap which is fermented by natural yeasts. To tap the palms the leaves are either burned or stripped and the growing tip is cut away, incisions made and a leaf stalk inserted as a spout. The sap oozes down this and is collected into plastic mineral bottles hung below. A plaited straw hat is placed over the tip of the palm to protect it from the sun and to keep it moist as well as to keep dirt out.

Plaited cap covering the container collecting the sap of the iLala Palm Hyphaene coriacea to make palm wine known locally as iNjemane

As much as 60 to 70 litres can be obtained from an average tree of which the alcohol level reaches 3.6-3.7% by volume within 36 hours. Nutritional studies have shown that the product is rich in vitamin C and nicotinic acid but its value in terms of protein, thiamin and riboflavin content is limited. It has been estimated that over I million litres of iNjemane was sold annually in the 1980's. The iNjemane is used domestically, sold or traded locally. The iNjemane can be distilled to give about a 10% yield of a rather potent spirit.

Plaited caps covering the containers collecting the sap of the iLala Palm Hyphaene coriacea to make palm wine known locally as iNjemane

Unfortunately, the tapping process is at best semi-destructive and repeated harvesting eventually kills the iLala Palm. Apart from the physical decapitation, plants are often burnt to stimulate sap secretion. This industry is having a negative impact on the plant population numbers in Maputaland. A further complication is that the large but limited plant resource is leading to a clash of interest between the leaf harvesters and the wine tappers.

Palm Milk

The liquid, or 'milk' from the immature seed is used as a drink that has the flavour and colour of coconut milk

Propagation

The iLala palm is not well known horticulturally, only a few botanical gardens and private collectors have it as something of a curiosity. Although relatively slow growing, it is an ideal plant for a dramatic effect and will do well in any sunny well-drained site in a frost-free tropical or subtropical area.

As a qualified and experienced horticulturist and landscape designer I encourage all that have suitably large properties and live along the KwaZulu-Natal coast to plant one or more of these magnificent palms in their garden. These palms do prefer growing in alluvial sands.

For own use the easiest way to establish this palm is to plant mature seeds directly into the ground where one wants to have the palms. Prepare a hole with a little compost then simply place 4-6 seeds the seeds on the ground on their sides and lightly press them into the soil leaving the seed clearly visible. Water daily and within no time at all they will sprout.

Young iLala palms Hyphaene coriacea

The seed of Hyphaene coriacea requires high temperatures to initiate germination so keep the seeds until the beginning of summer before planting. Place the seeds in containers in a well-drained medium in a sunny position. Do not allow the soil to dry out or become too wet. Germination can take place within 2 weeks, and requires only one week for the seedling radicle to establish in the medium below the seed. A germination rate of 66% has been attained within 3 weeks

The seedling radicle rapidly sinks itself into the medium and is very brittle. At this stage the seedlings can be carefully potted out individually into larger pots to accommodate the vigorous root system. Keep the plants in full sun at all stages.

If you do buy a young plant or grow one in a bag, take care not to injure the massive taproot when transplanting.

Conservation Status

This common and widespread palm neither needs nor receives protection. Moll (1972) estimated the population in Kwazulu-Natal alone at over 10 000 000 individuals.

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

06.04.21

Please visit my websites at

as well as my other blogs at

http://luthulienvironment.blogspot.com/

http://ecomandurban.blogspot.com/