- Western Cape
- Darling Renosterveld Nature Reserve
Darling Renosterveld Nature Reserve, Western Cape
Renosterveld Reserve is situated in the village of Darling, behind the Primary School and is approx. 20 ha in size. It is one of several tracts of land in and around Darling that was donated by the local Versveld family in 1958 to preserve the local wild flowers that appear towards the end of each winter.
Here you will find a large variety of renosterbos species including larger bushes of Wild Olive (Olea spp), Rhus species, Putterlickia Pyracantha plus smaller shrubs such as Renosterbos (Elytropappus Rhinocerotis), Kapokbos (Eriocephalus Africanus) with its 'cottonballs' of seed or delicate tiny white flower heads covering the bush and various Euphorbiaceae. Oxalis are in profusion from the beginning of the season, joined by the Romulea Eximea, Pterygodium Catholicum (Moederkappie - small bonnets), Sparaxis Parviflora, Moreas, Vygies, Gladiolus Alatus, Lachenalias, the tall elegant Bellendini and many more.
Here, too, you may encounter the entertaining Clapper Lark (Mirafra Apiata), Sunbirds (Liparia species), the local Red Bellied Tortoise (Chersina angulata) and other reptiles.
The name Renosterveld translated, means ‘rhinoceros field’ - possibly due to the high number of rhino once spotted by the settlers, but it more than likely comes from the name of the common shrub found here, known as the Renosterbos or ‘rhinoceros bush’ which is grey in colour, similar to the hide of a rhino and may even have been eaten by them.
Spring Flowers
The reserve is open all year round and entrance is free, but if you want to see the landscape transform into a carpet of colourful spring flowers the best time to visit is between July and October.
Managed by the local municipality, it forms part of the Darling commonage. There is a rugged circular walk where a fair amount of varied plant types can be spotted.
On the third weekend of September each year Darling is host to the Darling Wild Flower Show and the reserve forms part of the Darling Wild Flower Route.
Contact details
Darling TourismCnr Pastorie & Hill St
7345 Darling
Tel: +27 22 492 3361
Fax: +27 22 492 2935
Email Website
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