As the ash settles around the Cape peninsula and we come to terms with the devastation the blazes caused, both to people’s properties and the environment, we can at least take some solace from the words of this fynbos expert.

Table Mountain National Park regional ecologist Carly Cowell believes that from a purely ecological point of view, and especially with an eye on fynbos, the fire performed a valuable role in ensuring the survival of many of the Cape’s species.

In an ideal world, fynbos will be exposed to fire every 12-15 years and we were due for a big one as the seeds were ready and the fynbos matured. This from IOL:

In a week’s time in Silvermine we will see flame lilies [pictured above] and all the bulbs coming up that we haven’t seen since 2002 and 2003…

They will emerge from the ashes and in the years directly after the fire many bulb plants such as interesting orchids and colourful lilies will suddenly appear. They have been dormant in the soil waiting for cues from fires to emerge, flower and set seed.

I imagine this comes as very little consolation to those who lost their houses (such as THESE GUYS) but they say every cloud has a silver lining, right? Here’s hoping we see some colour returning to the barren landscape that is Ou Kaapse Weg, which currently resembles the surface of the moon.

If your hankering for fynbos can’t wait that long and you want to see a veritable treasure trove of floral diversity, all whilst experiencing 5-star luxury, then why not spend a weekend away at Grootbos? Located just two hours from Cape Town and sporting the ‘Marine 5’ (whales, sharks, dolphins, seals and penguins) Grootbos offers the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

[source:iol]