In the middle of the dry bush, the highlight of the dry August month has been pops of colour beginning to flush.
Tucked among the dry grass, these impala lilies in full bloom have been a wonderful reminder that even in the dry, winter months, the bush continues to thrive in cycles.
Impala lilies (Adenium multiflorum) are one of the most striking flowering plants seen in the bush. Famous for the distinctive dark pink and white flowers, this is one of the few species of plants in the lowveld that flowers almost exclusively in July and August - the dry winter months - when limited flowers can be seen.
Interestingly, there are many varieties of impala lilies, which are usually subspecies of impala lily localised to smaller regions within the distribution across Africa. There may also be slight variances in flower colour and patterning based on genetics. Therefore, although we may be used to the “typical” colouration of a pink and white, the flowers can also be brilliant white, crimson, pink, red or even bi-coloured, as a combination of the above.
This plant is a succulent, and is toxic to most animals, containing a milky latex. Most browsers avoid this plant; however, animals such nyalas can tolerate the toxins contained within. The toxins are known to affect the cardiovascular system and have traditionally been extracted for use as a poison for fish and for use on arrowheads. The toxins are extracted from the latex in the bark and trunk of the succulent, and are combined with other poisons before use, as the toxins from the impala lily are not as potent as in other species.
The distribution of impala lilies includes Zambia, South Africa, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Swaziland, and they are mostly found in sandy soil or rocky habitats. This species is undoubtedly a favourite for anyone who visits the lowveld, and this species has made it a month full of blooming brilliance in the UPNR. With the onset of spring, we look forward to seeing more flowering plants and pops of colour in the bush soon!
Words by Tess Woollgar. Images courtesy of Stacey Pretorius and Tess Woollgar.