Morukuru Ocean House and Morukuru Beach lodge are surrounded by vast stretches of indigenous Fynbos which at first glance seems pretty unimpressive. But these shrubby, bulbous plants with hardy, thick leaves are pretty distinguished.
Fynbos is only found in a small belt of of South Africa where it thrives in coastal, mountainous areas with a winter rainfall and Mediterranean climate. De Hoop Nature Reserve has the largest conserved area of lowland fynbos in the Western Cape with an estimated 1500 species. These hardy plants are floral super heroes being able to withstand low nutrient soils, heavy downpours, strong winds and even droughts.
There are six Floral Kingdoms in the world with the Cape Floral Kingdom being the smallest in area but highly distinctive in terms of diversity, density and number of endemic species. The Proteaceae, Ericaceae, Restionaceaeand Asteraceaefamilies make up the Fynbos Biome together with other groups of plants, like geophytes, daisies, legumes and vygies. You can look out for all of these when you are out on a nature ramble.
Like the mythical Phoenix rising from the ashes, Fynbos emerges even more magnificent after fire. Although veld fires are of extreme concern and should never be taken lightly, Fynbos thrives after the natural devastation of seasonal fires. The heat opens the cones of the Proteaceae species which encourages the germination of the seeds. For the bulbous geophite species, it clears the canopy of overgrowing plants, fertilises the soil and allows for the flowers to emerge from their underground state.
Ericaceae or Erica’sare one of our favourites and there are plenty of different ones to see. Look out for the small, cup-shaped, hairy pink flowers of Erica canescenswhich flower all year round. Erica corifolia is prolific in sandy areas of De Hoop and also has all-year flowering. The delightful pink flowers make this species very popular in fynbos flower bouquets. Erica nudiflora makes a dramatic appearance in late summer and autumn when its small pink flowers cause the landscape to blush.
Arguably the most famous Fynbos flowers is the Protea cynaroides or King Protea. Also known as giant protea, honeypot or king sugar bush, this protea was proclaimed as South Africa's national flower in 1976. The King Protea has an enormous flower head and is sought after for its artichoke-like blooms. Growing up to 300mm in diameter, these breathtaking flowers vary in color from creamy white to blush pink or deep red.
We love bringing a little bit of fynbos indoors and our hospitality team has a weakness for bold, dramatic, natural or subtle arrangements using naturally foraged foliage and blooms. Look out for statement arrangements in living areas, soft table decoration and serene bedroom adornment.
