Little Karoo geometry

Parallel rocky ridges curve across some Little Karoo hills, breaking the renosterveld east of Montagu. This is a fun place to check superstition, imagination and geological insight among hikers.

This veld may be arid, particularly now in March before the winter rain. It bears a covering of renosterbos (Elytropappus rhinocerotis) upon the sandstone slopes where succulents, bulbs and some pelargoniums hide among the bushes.

Low-lying patches of deeper soil allow taller growth of the scrub, bringing about modification in the species mix. Some areas include the occasional klapperbos (Nymania capensis), guarri (Euclea undulata), several Pteronia species, as well as some spekboom (Portulacaria afra). Where the moisture is sufficient, an increase in grasses of various species may be seen (Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2010).