Kenilworth Racecourse Conservation Area

30/10/2026

In Flower this week at KRCA: Ixia dubia (Yellow kalossie)🌼

The name dubia means “doubtful” in Latin – a curious name for a flower that is sure to stand out! Its delicate, star-shaped flowers are part of the incredible diversity of the South African Cape flora.

With its bright yellow to orange petals and striking dark centre, Ixia dubia certainly knows how to catch everyone’s eye. This elegant member of the iris family grows from an underground corm and produces slender stems with narrow, grass-like leaves. When it blooms, it adds a splash of colour to the spring landscape. Even when its petals are closed, Ixia dubia still puts on a show, with beautiful red markings on the underside of its petals. 🌸

By Maximillian Spangler, KRCA volunteer

28/10/2026

The little bugs hiding in plain sight 🐞🔎

We came across a whole cluster of Dismegistus fimbriatus (Orange-fridged Chevron bugs) bundled together on a log at KRCA. It looked like a tiny bug nursery!

These fascinating insects belong to the family Parastrachiidae and are commonly known as burrower bugs. They’re adapted to life close to the ground, among soil and leaf litter, with specialised comb-like structures on their legs that help them navigate these environments.
Even more interesting, Dismegistus has some unusual features for a true bug, including specialised scent glands and structures that can produce sound. These adaptations are part of what makes this small group of insects so unique!

Found across parts of sub-Saharan Africa, including South Africa, these bugs are a reminder that there’s a whole world of fascinating life beneath our feet, and sometimes, all it takes is a closer look at a random log to discover it. 🌿

23/10/2026

Now in flower at KRCA: Vlei Clocktower or Vleiuintjie (Moraea ramosissima). 🌼

Standing up to 120cm high with multiple stunning yellow flowers, the Vlei Clocktower stands out from the sprawling green fynbos. It has several flowers branching off the main stem, with each flower structured with a two ranked fan, typical of the Iris family shape. Combined with the red anthers and dark spotted nectar guides, it’s no wonder it’s a springtime favourite for hungry pollinators.

Like its name suggests, the Vlei Clocktower can be found mostly in wet fynbos areas like vleis, seeps and near streams. Flowering from October to December, from midday to afternoon, its a sight not to be missed. But there’s more to this flower than good looks, its very spiny root system protects it from mole attacks, saving it for generations to come.

By Eryn van Rooyen, Nature Connect intern

21/10/2026

Lately we’ve been seeing much more Rain Spiders (Palystes) on egg sacs between the shrubs, and this only means one thing..🕷️

The single life for the female is officially over as brave males set out to fulfil their ultimate life goal: finding love! During mating season, these adventurous romantics embark on a high-stakes quest to find their prize, risking it all for the chance to reproduce. The male crafts a clever s***m web to transfer his genetic cargo into the female's welcoming embrace.

Once romance has blossomed, it's time for the mama-to-be to step into the spotlight! Running from now until April, egg sac season is in full swing. The females construct an architectural masterpiece out of papery white silk and cleverly woven leaves. Tucked snugly into hedges, shrubs or low-lying vegetation and securely anchored to surrounding branches with heavy, dusty silk threads. These cozy nurseries keep her precious future brood safe and sound! Under her protection, of course.

By Janelle Isaacs, KRCA intern

16/10/2026

🌷In Flower This Week: Taai-uintjie (Moraea inconspicua)

A master of disguise hiding in plain sight across the southern parts of South Africa.

Even though it stands proudly between 20cm and 45cm tall on stiff stems with sleek, flattened leaves, this little plant is remarkably hard to spot. Why? True to its species name, inconspicua, its petite flowers are practically playing hide-and-seek. Flaunting shades of yellow, brown, or cream, flaunting tall crests. These fleeting blooms last for just one single day.

You'll find these botanical introverts hanging out in exposed, wide-open habitats, and they definitely count on their local fan club mainly potter wasps, along with the occasional syrphid fly and robber fly, to keep the conversation going!

16/10/2026

There is something magical about spring in the fynbos. Almost overnight, the veld begins to transform as flowers burst into bloom, splashes of colour emerge across the landscape, and pollinators buzz from flower to flower. Read More:

Programme: Nature Care Fund Author: Fayruz Prins Headline: A Celebration of Spring Blooms, Wildlife and Fynbos Biodiversity There is something magical about spring in the fynbos. Almost overnight, the veld begins to transform as flowers burst into bloom, splashes of colour emerge across the

09/10/2026

Sustainable Schools wins Gold for Eco-Innovation at the 2026 Eco-Logic Awards!

We’re delighted to share that the Sustainable Schools Online Hub has won Gold in the Eco-Innovation category at the 2026 Eco-Logic Awards, announced on 5 O...

We’re delighted to share that the Sustainable Schools Online Hub has won Gold in the Eco-Innovation category at the 2026 Eco-Logic Awards, announced on 5 October at the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town. The Eco-Logic Awards, now in their 15th year, recognise individuals, organisations and initiati...

09/10/2026

Now in flower at KRCA: Tube kalossie (Ixia paniculata) 🌿

This beautiful Cape native is showing off its long, tubular flowers, adding a splash of colour to our Cape Flats Sand Fynbos this spring.

But those flowers aren’t just pretty! Their long, narrow shape suggests they may be adapted for pollination by long-tongued insects, which can reach the nectar hidden deep inside. A clever little match between flower and pollinator!

It’s another reminder that every flower has its own story to tell, and that there’s so much more happening in the fynbos than meets the eye. 💚

🌱

07/10/2026

The temperatures are rising, and it’s officially mating season for our local Parrot-beaked Tortoises! 💘 🐢

We’ve been spotting these usually secretive little reptiles much more often out in the field as they become more active in the warmer weather. They’re on the move, exploring the fynbos and, most importantly, looking for love. 🐢🌿

You know you’re looking at a male if you see a bright orange nasal scale during the mating season 🧡

So if you’re out exploring the field and spot a tortoise wandering around, give them plenty of space and let them get on with their very important springtime business.

The dating scene is wild out here. 💚


Photos: corriedt: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/395837101, luke-kemp: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/393445414, koosretief: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/379450665, jolo12: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/393155550

02/10/2026

🌼 What’s in Flower? | Slanting Froetang (Romulea obscura) 🌸

This little spring-flowering geophyte might be small, growing just 10–20 cm tall, but its flowers pack a punch 💛 Its yellow to apricot petals (sometimes even red!) are decorated with dark blotches around a greenish-yellow centre.

🌱 Native to the sandy flats of the Western and Southern Cape, this member of the iris family grows from an underground corm that helps it survive the dry summer months.
Keep an eye out for these colourful little blooms on your next walk through the fynbos! 🌿

Photos: lindile_masinyana: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/316491975