Vegetation complexity on the Swartberge

The Little Karoo plant species mix is, like elsewhere in the world, adapted to cope with the climatic conditions of altitude; each ecology in its own way.

Adaptation also means restriction to the areas that suit every plant type. The ill wind that blows a seed beyond its viable germination or growing range, condemns it to becoming animal food or otherwise recycled.

Far down in the valley, within sight of this Swartberg Mountain top, brack water adapted plants of the low-lying, alluvial plains withstand saline conditions, the terrain dominated by trees, reeds and annuals. Up the mountain, fynbos species appear and vanish dramatically with increases in altitude.

Several contrasting habitats succeed each other over short distances as slope, soil and other variables craft vegetation variety. Fast flowing freshwater streams down leached slopes where fynbos dominates are soon replaced by grey renosterveld on low hills.

Fire occasionally denudes the higher slopes temporarily. The resprouters, bulbs and annuals are first to stabilise the bare soil, before the reseeder plant species gradually push them from sight in old veld. This is the established sequential land sharing by plants who take turns rather than squeeze each in cramped quarters perpetually.

Snow will do nothing of the sort to plants at home in this vegetation. Whatever grows here finds the contrasting conditions under wind and sun cool as the teenagers would say. A shake in the breeze after the melt, enjoying the sunlight and moisture under-root, theyre ready for living through whatever comes next.