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30 June 2009

Namaqua National Park Flower Report

South African National Parks (SANParks) would like to update guests about the flowers in Namaqua National Park this season. The Flower season usually starts in July and lasts until September. This is a great opportunity for photographers to get some beautiful shots of nature in bloom.

According to Park Manager, Bernard van Lente we had very early, good rains in March and April, and then a hot dry spell in May. “It seems as if the flowers are earlier than normal for Skilpad and some sections of the park”.

Skilpad is looking spectacular. Orange daisies (Ursinia sp.) are now the dominant species. Pietsnot (Grielum homifusum) and Varkiesknol (Herria elongata) are also more visible. The first Cattails (Bulbinella latifolia) have also started to bloom.

For the rest of the park the Caracal Eco-trial (4×4 only) will give a good view of the diversity on show. Further afield the road from Garies to Groen river, as well as the road from Garies to Hondeklip bay around the Wallekraal area have very nice carpets of Beetle daisies (Gorteria diffusa).

The road to Skilpad from Kamieskroon has been graded.

“For those guest with a 4×4 vehicle the coastal section from the Spoeg river to the Groen river is really a must-see for a variety of species and colours. We expect the coastal flowers to last quite a while,” said Van Lente.

Rainfall, Skilpad section, Namaqua National Park:

  • March 2013: 38.09mm (most of it on 29-31 March)
  • April 2013: 46.74mm
  • May 2013: 12.69mm
  • June 2013: 76.71mm
  • July 2013: 17.02mm (to date)

Flowers at Skilpad
Flowers from the Skilpad section of Namaqua National Park.

Issued By

South African National Parks (SANParks) Corporate Communications
Tel: 012 426 5065

Enquiries

Gabrielle “Gabby” Venter
Acting Regional Communications Manager: Arid, SANParks
Tel: 012 426 5065; Cell: 083 825 9435
Email: [email protected]

Tourist enquiries:
Namaqua National Park, Skilpad Office
Tel: 027 672 1948