Frans Noltee

Crassula mesembryanthoides

There are 2 subspecies: ssp. mesembryanthoides (first picture) and ssp. hispida (second one). They both occur in the Eastern Cape Province. Although the distribution areas partly overlap, they never seem to grow together.

Glottiphyllum neilii

This is one of the Glottiphyllum species that do not occur in the Little Karoo. Not to be confused with G. nelii.
Photographed 3 October 2012 on the outskirts of Prince Albert.

Euphorbia stellata

As these plants have big underground bodies formed by a combination of root and stem, they qualify as caudiciforms.
Photographed near Port Elizabeth, 25 October 2012

Gasteria acinacifolia

Whereas most Gasterias are found on dry rocky slopes -usually hiding under taller plants- this species is typical for sand dunes on the South African south coast, from Knysna eastwards to Port Alfred. Its large rosettes may become up to 75 cm tall and almost as much in diameter.

Coming to terms: panicle

In the first installment of”Coming to terms” (28 June), I discussed an type of inflorescence called a raceme. Today’s post is about a kind of “super raceme” called a panicle. This is a raceme with side-branches which in turn are also racemes.
The plant chosen as an example is Aloe perfoliata (A. comptonii), flowering on the Rooiberg plateau south of Calitzdorp 6 October 2012.

Conophytum concavum

Photographed near Riethuis 1 April 2012. The flowers were not open yet as it was early in the afternoon.

Impressions from the quiver tree forest near Loeriesfontein

Quiver tree or kokerboom is the local name for Aloe dichotoma.

Depth of field and atmosphere in plant photography

As a rule I use a diaphragm of f/16 when photographing plants, because it usually gives the best combination of sharpness and Depth of Field. After taking this picture of Euphorbia pseudoglobosa last Sunday, I wondered what the result would be if I used the lens’s full opening. The result is shown below. Both pictures have their merits, but to me the second one is more interesting as it imparts a brooding atmosphere and a feeling of loneliness. I would be interested to hear your opinion.