Combretum apiculatum subsp. apiculatum at a buffalo picnic spot

This spreading rooibos (red bush) or Combretum apiculatum subsp. apiculatum tree has many erect young branches. Most of the remaining winter leaves also point upwards.

The big stems in picture ending abruptly were probably broken by browsing elephants of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve rather than by these visiting buffaloes.

Grazers clearly have enough to eat here this season, as do the browsers. How will it be if the rains stay away? As people worry about next month’s salary, these animals living in veld dominated by rooibos are dependent upon replenishment of life resources. To them life is for the moment, never worrying about something called future.