Igwala Gwala Forest Trail In Eden Park St Lucia
Slowly easing into life on this tranquil island town situated between the Indian Ocean and St Lucia Estuary one can enjoy walking during daylight without a worry, nights preferably keep off the roads with Hippo coming up to forage on the lawns and in small forest at the edge of town.
First tree ones eyes are attracted to, standing out above most is the cabbage-tree (Cussonia spicate Thunb.) in Afrikaans we call this the kiepersol.
This tree has medicinal uses in treatment for indigestion, roots are edible and mashed root used in treatment of maleria. This area one may encounter maleria however we never take medication prior to going since have not heard of any infections in many years. More information on the Cussonia Spicata where I researched and source information.
African Tulip Tree (Spathodea campanula) of West Africa is now deemed invasive. Some still survive being planted years ago before new scientific evidence ruled no new planting or selling of this beautiful specimen to offer local plant life better survival.
African Weaver Ants (Oecophylla longinoda) always exciting to see these nests, more to come with quite a few seen at different spots this time.
African weaver ants, Oecophylla longinoda (Latreille, 1802), are conspicuous arboreal ants, well known in the humid tropics of Africa. Weaver ants build large distinctive nest structures in trees by binding together clusters of leaves using a silk-like substance. Although many regard weaver ants as pests due to their bite, local people also use weaver ants for food, medicine, and as biological control agents. Here, I mapped the geographic distribution of O. longinoda based on >500 site records from 34 countries: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo-Brazzaville, Congo-Kinshasa, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tomé and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The documented range of O. longinoda is confined almost entirely within areas with Tropical (Group A) climates as defined by the Köppen-Geiger system: rainforest (Af), monsoon (Am), and savanna (Aw). This range map based on site records corrects inaccuracies in earlier published range maps, and allows prediction of areas where O. longinoda might be expected to occur, but it has not yet been reported. Source
Fungi on an old log had dried out and was hard to the touch, did not break any off took a photograph and carried on with the walk. Tried searching what I looked at to no avail, sorry perhaps members will be able to assist with identification.
Layman (Amauris albimaculata) elevated above to capture with a bit of zooming in to try capture this beauty.
The sedate and elegant Layman inhabits forests, woodlands and savannas, occurring from the Eastern Cape through Kwazulu Natal into the Lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpopo, and from there as far north as Cameroon and Ethiopia. They fly slow and high, descending only to feed on flowers and alkaloids seeping from damaged and wilted plants. Being a distasteful species, at least three other kinds of butterfly mimic the Layman’s colouration and patterns. Adult Laymans have a wingspan of 5 - 7cm and can be seen on the wing throughout the year. Females lay clusters of 3-40 eggs on the underside of the leaves of a wide variety of food plants. Source
Buquet's Vagrant (Nepheronia buquetii) the day of butterflies, birds were shy or just having a good time above very few settled!
Nepheronia buquetii, the plain vagrant, Buquet's vagrant, or green-eyed monster, is a butterfly of the family Pieridae. It is found throughout Africa. The wingspan is 45-50 mm for males and 48-56 mm for females. Adults are on the wing year-round, more commonly in winter months. Source
Ambling around this area you take as long as you wish, on soft soil one is able to go silently in the hope of seeing small buck, today was not the day for us. Moving on the flora and insects made the day appealing.
Puzzle-Bush (Ehretia rigida), or in Afrikaans Deurmekaarbos an apt description of the criss-cross growth in a state of confusion, giving colour under the green forest canopy above. Hardy wood used to make bows, spear shafts or pestles for the kitchen. Identification Source
This bush will transform into bright orange berries enjoyed by bushbuck and birds alike in the next season.
Between the green an African Wood White (Leptosia alcesta) - Afrikaans Fladderpapiertjie or 3 - 4 cm fluttering piece of paper found in forested area, small in size enjoying the shaded areas year round, feast your eyes in this small Eden Forest, lose yourself in oneness with nature. More information
Next up along the path possible Genus Crepidotus fallen trees remain to enhance growth on the sandy floor beneath, damp underfoot one will see fungi, no expert so rely on broad definition for these, perhaps similar in above photograph. Experts on fungi may assist with identification.
African Common White (Belenois creona) butterflies aplenty wherever one turns another appears dazzling in beauty of the undergrowth. Source
Lush green trees with monkey ropes everywhere, not much bird life as witnessed in May visits, apparently July is a quiet time of year, wait and see this is only the first day out!
Somewhere within we had taken the wrong path ending up on tar, so we ambled along seeing a small red duiker jump into the bush and hide, found the path taking us back to the other side of the forest back up the main road of town.
This remote little town has/is taking a big knock financially with all restaurants closed, no international visitors, very few local visitors, more like a ghost town!
Today 12th July I sit with a heavy heart, my soul weeps for the country with looting, burning, mayhem breaking out throughout our province, spreading like wild fire.
Media are trying to excuse this away as hunger, sorry not when people are stealing TV's, beds and anything they can muster up on a spree of randomly targeting stores. Local business have now been called to support police trying to hold back criminal element.
This has nothing to do with Zuma going to jail for ignoring the law, jailed for contemp of court, this is planned looting by creating an ungovernable mob, till next we chat....
To all South African's stay safe, lock up and be vigilant! Covid is a drop in the ocean compared to what is happening now.
All photography my own using Canon Powershot SX730 HS camera. Any queries or requests please drop a comment below or make contact with me, have a wonderful day! Photography without tripod, go with the flow wherever life takes you. NB: Amateur photographer in nature, keep smiling!
Thought for Today: "A regular fighter who discords peace is bound to be fought by his own anger." - African Proverb
Communities to Enjoy On Hive: #lifestylelounge @hive-114105, #qurator @hive-102880, #featheredfriends @hive-106444, #wednesdaywalk @hive-155530, #amazingnature @hive-127788, #alwaysaflower @hive-154065, #feelgood @hive-19093, #theterminal @hive-101265, #ladiesofhive @hive-124452
The rewards earned on this comment will go directly to the person sharing the post on Twitter as long as they are registered with @poshtoken. Sign up at https://hiveposh.com.
The abundance there is amazing and so beautiful
So sad to read what is going on there it’s shocking and frankly disgusting as you say it’s not about hunger some just use any excuse to steal and do damage
Thanks for joining Wednesday Walk
Very upsetting to witness the destruction happening everywhere, fortunately our little area the men got out to assist police and security companies man strategic spots to/from our villages, we have not gone unscathed but far less damage compared to other towns.
Another day another dawn, we have been asked to remain indoors and vigilant, so glad we managed this week away, now savouring the sights and reliving moments.
Have a wonderful day!
!ENGAGE 15
I am glad you got the weak away as well, stay safe and lets hope things settle down soon, this madness has to stop
Interesting trees, read their names but already forgotten them. Beautiful butterflies with even more names which I also have forgotten already ... maybe not the word "white" of the ones which are called "White ..." 😉
Jokes aside, you have had a very nice walk in this forest and taken beautiful photos, Joan. I am specialized in taking the wrong path - show me two paths and I will take the wrong one most times 😁
We can see the happenings on TV, but having it live in front of your door is very different. I hope they don't take it too far, although such riots are too far anyway.
!BEER and !WINE - both make a nice dinner with !PIZZA :)
!invest_vote
Our men folk are going out assisting man local check points/barricades set up for protection with police and private security companies. Yesterday we heard gun shots higher up the road, staying indoors and laying low till this blows over.
Butterflies were so abundant in the forest, refreshing to see before/after turmoil we live in our daily lives, winter month offered a very different perspective in the region.
Till next time, stay well!
!BEER with !WINE - Prohibition here for another two weeks, extended once again!
!PIZZA if deliveries get through...?
!ENGAGE 10
@johannpiber! I sent you a slice of $PIZZA on behalf of @joanstewart.
Learn more about $PIZZA Token at hive.pizza (1/10)
That sounds like a civil war to me - please take care!
I believe you that after all that's happening down there at the moment, you had a good time off in this forest.
!LUV
!PIZZA and a smuggled !BEER - sounds like a nice dinner :)
!invest_vote
Factionalism and looting, close to us we are staying connected with local residents to keep up to date. There will be food shortages after all the shops have been robbed/burned which is total madness
Yes our short visit will have to stay fresh in my memory bank to keep me going 😄
!ENGAGE 15
These are disturbing images in the video - I have said take care, haven't I ... please take care till it's hopefully soon over and I hope you have got some food stored at home for such cases.
!PIZZA and !BEER - sounds like a nice dinner :)
!invest_vote
@joanstewart! I sent you a slice of $PIZZA on behalf of @johannpiber.
Learn more about $PIZZA Token at hive.pizza (14/20)
@johannpiber denkt du hast ein Vote durch @investinthefutur verdient!
@johannpiber thinks you have earned a vote of @investinthefutur !
View or trade
BEER.Hey @joanstewart, here is a little bit of
BEERfrom @johannpiber for you. Enjoy it!Do you want to win SOME BEER together with your friends and draw the
BEERKING.@joanstewart, you've been given LUV from @johannpiber.
Share the LUV. @LUVshares. (1/3)
@joanstewart! I sent you a slice of $PIZZA on behalf of @johannpiber.
Learn more about $PIZZA Token at hive.pizza (3/20)
@johannpiber denkt du hast ein Vote durch @investinthefutur verdient!
@johannpiber thinks you have earned a vote of @investinthefutur !
View or trade
BEER.Hey @joanstewart, here is a little bit of
BEERfrom @johannpiber for you. Enjoy it!Learn how to earn FREE BEER each day by staking your
BEER.@joanstewart! I sent you a slice of $PIZZA on behalf of @johannpiber.
Learn more about $PIZZA Token at hive.pizza (18/20)
View or trade
BEER.Hey @johannpiber, here is a little bit of
BEERfrom @joanstewart for you. Enjoy it!Do you want to win SOME BEER together with your friends and draw the
BEERKING.@johannpiber denkt du hast ein Vote durch @investinthefutur verdient!
@johannpiber thinks you have earned a vote of @investinthefutur !
View or trade
BEER.Hey @joanstewart, here is a little bit of
BEERfrom @johannpiber for you. Enjoy it!Do you want to win SOME BEER together with your friends and draw the
BEERKING.A wonderful nature you live in a paradise,interesting the cabbage tree, thanks for sharing!
More gentle area to our rough bush with interesting life living beneath, thanks for visiting @almi
Great post!
I'm curious, are African Weaver Ants aggressive ants, like jumping and attacking humans or anything that comes close or disturbs their habitat?
Apart from that, it is a magnificent and awesome nest!
Never seen nor heard of them attacking, possible if you disturb their nest they would defend. These ants do move their nests according to the weather, sometimes around the same tree depending on food source and size.
Got to see many more on this visit in different parts of the region, previous content Aboreal Ants fascinating insects to say the least.
Thanks for visiting @keuudeip and have a great day.
Oh, then, I'm sure, that means they're friendly ants, with really awesome nests. In your previous content I also left my admiration for them there. Thank you very much for your explanation, it satisfied my curiosity.😊
Really amazing nature!
You have covered everything from A to Z!
If only I would be able to teleport myself to St Lucia right now...
I would gladly show you around, only condition is being quiet to enjoy to the full.... Ha ha some people walk and talk like there is no tomorrow and miss most of the nature unfolding before their eyes.
Have a great day!
What a wealth of information, except for the African Tulip Tree the rest were all new to me.
Loved the butterflies and the stunning natal cabbage tree. I haven't seen the likes of it before.
Glad you enjoyed the variety of trees and appreciate your visit @sofs-su
Hi @joanstewart, you have fabulous photos, loved them all especially the butterflies.
Little fairies fluttering around everywhere, truly a joy to behold. Thanks for visiting @angiemitchell
So much beauty to be taken in and appreciated.
Yet, on the other hand, so much darkness as your area seems to be imploding.
A very sad story that has got to be scary for anyone caught up in such a threatening situation.
It seems that in most corners of the world violence tends to be how people deal with problems.
Stay safe, God Bless.
Landscape changes dramatically in this region, we were fortunate to get home safely, will share the natural beauty as and when able.
All hell breaking lose in our region, private security, residents and police working together, still have faith in the majority, this is a minority!
Enjoyed your post, trees, flowers, butterflies, sample of the exotic beauty of the African continent.
Thank you for sharing, discovering and enjoying nature in Africa.
Happy Life
So glad you enjoyed our beautiful region here in South Africa.
Have a great day and stay safe.
Wonderful pictures and information about the local flora and fauna, @joanstewart! I love the white butterflies.
So interesting about those ant colonies. I never thought of ants as the type of creature to make a silk-like substance.
I'm sorry to hear about the looting. They are opportunists. We have seen that here as well. It can't be excused or it will be condoned! That said, I'm very compassionate for those who are truly suffering the effects of the pandemic.
Butterflies were so beautiful floating around, feels like a lifetime ago after the last few days.
We are living on the edge of our pants, no food available, fortunately I normally keep reasonable stock at home.
What!? Really? No food available because of the rioting? My goodness, that is frightening. I hope it all calms down very soon!
We can only assist where able, most are staying home, enabling local residents (who have licensed arms), police and private security to control access points into area. Never in my life have I witnessed so much destruction!
Hopefully a better tomorrow and thanks for visiting @jayna.
The looting is one thing Lady Joan, but burning trucks, shopping centres and even looting a medical blood bank centre speaks of very sinister aims.
There are many over there queuing for bread hand outs now. How do you feed people that burns everything down and even the sugar farms have been burnt. Farmers had cattle and chickens taken and a gas plant was also burnt,
This lovely post clearly show how life could be so different if only everything did not revolve around power, riches and lies.
Needless to say take care, as we are all on full alert.
!ENGAGE 20
!PIZZA
!BEER
@joanstewart! I sent you a slice of $PIZZA on behalf of @papilloncharity.
Learn more about $PIZZA Token at hive.pizza (8/10)
Cleaned up in Durban yesterday, today burning again on Grey Street, people are tired of rhetorical talk by leaders.
Trying to stop barricades into areas have seen some harrowing video not getting to main stream media, just in between town folk in various spots.
Have been assisting wherever possible, every little bit helps. **If anyone wishes to donates it must go to Gift of the Givers who have proven reliability!
!ENGAGE 15
Well we have had no looting here in the western cape Lady Joan.
Amazing stories are emerging about people standing up against it, like the taxi drivers in Vosloorus.
Sad for you guys and we hope that all of it will soon be eradicated.
We are keeping you guys in our prayers.
Popping in when I have a minute, still not out of the woods yet. Communities have been amazing with everyone helping the next.
Quite honestly I think this proves we can stand together united, many have changed attitudes about life in general.
Not sure what will happen tomorrow, hopefully a little more time to share here. Managed to make contact with @bigbear Port Edward was swarmed and cleaned out of stock, never mentioned any burning though.
!LUV
@papilloncharity, you've been given LUV from @joanstewart.
Check the LUV in your H-E wallet. Daily limits change soon, check @LUVshares for info. (1/10)
Just stay on the alert and yes, the news is full about how the communities are binding together to build again.
I remember bigbear from jaynie's site and hope that they are all safe there in Port Edward.
We spent a week there and stayed in the holiday house of a couple that was in our old congregation up north.
Blessings and !LUV
@joanstewart, you've been given LUV from @papilloncharity.
Check the LUV in your H-E wallet. Daily limits change soon, check @LUVshares for info. (1/5)
Most blockades now removed, people have started going back to work and trying to start a new normal under covid once again.
Estimated cost impact....
!LUV for those who will suffer the effects of this for years to come.... The Poor!
@papilloncharity, you've been given LUV from @joanstewart.
Check the LUV in your H-E wallet. Daily limits change soon, check @LUVshares for info. (2/10)
View or trade
BEER.Hey @joanstewart, here is a little bit of
BEERfrom @papilloncharity for you. Enjoy it!Learn how to earn FREE BEER each day by staking your
BEER.Good to have some time away in these frightening times. Beautiful photos Joan with lots of pretty butterflies.
Stay safe and hope everything settles down.
To smell the earthy dank forest, this one I particularly enjoy, we always see some life.
Thanks for stopping with greeting, we too hope things settle soon.
Oh my goodness Joan your remark that Covid is just a drop in the ocean to what is happening there now really hit how awful it must be!
Were you still in lock down when this irrupted? Now instead of having lock downs you are having to lock up to stay safe!
I'm glad you got out to the forest for a break before this all hit! Such beautiful images you shared!
Take care!
My favorite
So many beauties very hard to say which with them dancing between the undergrowth.
Thanks for visiting and kind words @burnoutawesome
!ENGAGE 15