Eucomis schijffii in habitat

Eucomis schijffii is such a small plant that people may step on it in the veld without even noticing. The rocky slopes high in Drakensberg or Maluti terrain where these curiously coloured dwarfs may be encountered could take hours to reach on foot. See, some green, striped ones and purple ones, leafy beginnings and maybe more!

On how many small plants and insects has one stepped by the time one gets here? Does it matter? It matters to all those who decide that it does. But shall one rather not go to avoid the risk of harming something and the possible guilt?

Wonderful to think that we can consider such notions and we’re only one more living species sharing the earth with E. schijffii. And, of course, with the occasional puffadder lying very still in the meantime. So, watch your step!