The river stopped the fire

The flames did not cross the water here during the last fire. This fire-adapted fynbos took its turn a few growth seasons ago, leaving the veld on the near bank bare for a short while. This veld is consequently several years younger than that on the far side.

The flowering, flourishing plant mix encountered on the two sides comprise different species, the veld gradually changing to thicket as it ages before the next fire. Big rocks may occasionally shield a plant from full annihilation of its above-ground components, while resprouters make fast recoveries from root systems left intact underground.

Some rarely seen annual and short-lived reseeders may be met for the first time in many years in the bare, burnt areas. They benefit from the regained space and sunlight. They also benefit from the recycled nutrients deposited, the ashes of the last, the lost generation. It is the chance of a lifetime. The chance for setting seed during an appropriately brisk life cycle before the “giants” rule again (http://www.fynboshub.co.za).