Impermanence

YOU ONLY LOOSE WHAT YOU CLING TO

- Buddha

Medicinal Plant: Lippia javanica (fever tea)

Lippia javanica (fever tea)
Medicinal Plant from the Healing Plant Collective

Photograph by David Gwynne-Evans

Not only is this plant of medicinal advantage, it is a great addition to any herb garden. Rich in volatile oils, the leaves produce a pleasing aroma. Lippia javanica is also an aesthetic delight with its creamy white flowers in dense rounded heads. Infusions are used to treat colds, coughs, bronchial problems and headaches. 

The leaves and twigs (and sometimes even the roots) of L. javinica are used. Hot leaf infusions are made with water and sometimes with milk. A weaker infusion is taken for general health purposes while a stronger infusion is used topically for scabies, lice, rashes, scratches, stings and bites. 

Mixed together with Artemesia afra, it is taken to combat fever in the case of malaria, influenza and measles.

Lippia belongs to the family with many scented-leaf genera, Verbenaceae. It was named after Augustin Lippi (1679-1701) ans also occurs in Java, hence this species name javinica. With the exception of the Western Cape, L. javanica is widespread throughout South Africa up into tropical Africa. 

This widely used medicinal herb is easy to grow from cuttings or seeds. It is great in a pot-pourri mix and makes a good cupboard freshener. 

Click here for image reference

Healing Plants Collective - click here to learn and share in the wonders of medicinal & useful plants!

"As a human race we have always used plants. Mother Nature supplies a wonderful abundance of medicinal, healing and useful plants. Let's learn together!

Tradition peoples still make use of these healing plants. The Healing Plants Collective aims to learn and share this knowledge. Through respect, sensitivity and openness we can learn how to work with nature.

It is an honour to be healed by plants."

Information largely taken from "Medicinal Plants of South Africa", 2009, and "PlantZAfrica.com".

A Taste for Medicinal Plants of Madagascar

There is a saying in Malagasy: “Ny sary vitan'anamalaho tsy amonoana vatotr'akoho” = One should try use natural means such as medicinal plants before resorting to Western chemical medicines.

Operation Smile - Madagascar Mission

It’s first light. The city is already thick with noisy character, filtering in through half open windows to waken those attempting the luxurious post alarm-clock snooze. Dawn gracefully allows the sleepy eyes of the privileged to slowly adjust to a new day while the streets beyond golden windows are already a hive of buzzing bodies.

Malagasy Cocktail: straight up with a pinch of vanilla

Antananarivo, capital city of Madagascar. The name takes some getting used to, and a few spiced-rums to accomplish correct pronunciation. 

Medicinal Plant: Athrixia phylacoides (bushman's tea)

Athrixia phylacoides (bushman's tea)
Medicinal Plant from the Healing Plant Collective

This aromatic shrub is widely distributed in eastern and northern parts of South Africa. The leafy twigs and roots are both used to treat a variety of ailments. The plant has antioxidant effects and there is significant activity against cancer cells.    

Medicinal Plant: Alepidea amatymbica (kalmoes)

Alepidea amatymbica (kalmoes)
Medicinal Plant from the Healing Plant Collective

This is a well known plant used to treat chest ailments and general colds. It is also used for asthma, influenza, and abdominal cramps. Roots and rhizomes of Alepidea amatymbica are chewed, ingested as part of an infusion, used as snuff or burned and inhaled. 

Poem: "Processing me"

From a bench in the sky
A kiss from the eternal river below
A moment of clarity
...humbles

Life continues with
     or without me
A choice to be present
     or to be stale
Grateful retrospectively
Appreciative blood-pumping post contentedness

But where was I?
Closing doors on the open sky
Ignoring kisses of the river
...Ashamed
Small
Human

But alive
     learning
            loving

Realisation of independence
     yet connectivity
Dependency, energy-bonding life

Seemingly apart
Ultimately one

Poem: "Opening"

Look at the clouds
See how they change
Look
What do you see?
How does your soul respond to the movements around?

Feel
Notice the movement within
     as you change subtly
     to the dance of the air

Listen
Hear the music midst the noise
     inner
                and outer

Breathe

No other function could be so satisfying!

Open
Embrace the music of your heart
     Let it sing
Let it love
     Let it be loved

This your choice
     Your freedom

Your joy

Medicinal Plant: Cinnamomum camphora (camphor tree)

Cinnamomum camphora (camphor tree)
Medicinal Plant from the Healing Plant Collective

Click here for image reference

Although not indigenous to South Africa (it is native to China, Japan and Taiwan), the camphor tree was introduced and has adapted well to our climate, growing as tall as 26m. The bark and leaves have a characteristic camphor smell.

Medicinal Plant: Bulbine frutescens (burn jelly plant)

Bulbine frutescens (burn jelly plant)
Medicinal Plant from the Healing Plant Collective

This is another great medicinal plant whereby the leaf sap is used, along with its brothers B. asphodeloides, B. alooides, B. natalensis and B. narcissifolia. The leaves and its sap are used to treat wounds, burns, cracked lips, itches, rashes, ringworm and even herpes. The roots are believed to prevent and treat madness. 

Medicinal Plant: Carpobrotus edulis (sour fig)

Carpobrotus edulis (sour fig)
Medicinal plant from the Healing Plant Collective

The leaf sap is usually gargled to treat mouth and throat infections. It is also taken orally for dysentery, digestion problems and as a diuretic. The fruit are cold at street markets in the cape and are popular for jams and curry dishes.

Knights of the Round Desert Moon

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za, 2012]

A very warm thank you to Marion Siebrits, Rochez O'Gardy and Dean Harrison for their kindness!

Mountain-biking in the desert sounds like a crazy idea. But when done at night, in the luminosity of the full moon, it becomes a surrealistically pleasurable experience. The five-day Desert Knights Mountain-biking Tour takes place in the spectacular ruggedness of the /Ai/Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park.

Listen... What do you hear?

The elements have been trying to tell me something this past week. Actually it’s more like they’ve been shouting at the top of their voices from the highest peak for all to hear! I have been listening. And this is what I have heard…

Campsites along the water's edge

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za, 2012]

The Cederberg has several rock pools with silky water where you can cool off on a summer's day. Picture by Fran Siebrits.

Being mesmerised by the flames of the campfire under a star-filled sky is indeed special. But the night becomes magical when you add the trickling sound of a river or the reflection of the moon on a still dam.

Zebras and canines

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za, 2012]

Picture by Romi Boom

Because of their vegetarian diet, zebras have no use for the killing-sharp canine teeth so essential to carnivores. These canines, however, are quite developed in male zebra … and quite useful too.

Campsites with the most privacy

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za, 2012]

Cederberg Wilderness Area. Picture by Fran Siebrits

Camping alone in nature is a transcendental experience. It is so quiet without the crowds that one can hear the flap of a bird’s wing, the whispering of shy leaves and the silence-hugging landscape as it stretches awake in the early morning.

Everlasting Spring Celebrations in Cape Point

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za, 2012]
 
This year’s spectacular displays of spring wild flowers have come and gone in many parts of the Cape and along the West Coast. But delicate petals of delightful colours are still showing off in Cape Point. 
 

Bokbaai vygies (Dorotheanthus bellidiformis) Photograph by Fran Siebrits

Red-billed Oxpeckers Released in Mokala

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za, 2012]

After disappearing form the area for over half a century, the red-billed oxpecker has been introduced into Mokala National Park

Deceiving Daisies

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za, 2012]

There is more to the dazzling beauty of spring daisies than one would have thought. Their main aim is to attract pollinators, and they have more than one way of going about this challenge … even if it boils down to being a little deceptive.

Trail Runner's Guide

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za, 2012]

Southern Africa has an incredible diversity of natural landscapes, providing an abundance of beautiful terrain to explore and enjoy on foot. Trail runner and adventure photographer Jacques Marais has compiled the best trail running routes in and around South Africa in Trail Runner’s Guide.

Campsites with the best views

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za, 2012] 

Few things in life come close to watching a breathtaking sunset over endless hills while your potjie bubbles away happily at your side. Or enjoying a panorama of silence and eye-candy from the comfort of your fold-out chair. It’s not impossible to find camping destinations with such magnificent views, you just have to know where to find them.

Camping Traditions

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za, 2012]

The little camping customs adopted by each family or group of friends are what make camping trips so special.

Surviving the Cold

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za, 2012]


During the winter months, temperatures drop to below freezing in some parts of South Africa. Us humans put on layers of clothing, hide indoors and keep warm next to the fireplace, but what do the animals do?

Who-oo-oo's out there? A closer look at owls

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za, 2012]

Their large eyes, silencing presence and contented nature make them a symbol of wisdom for many people. But underneath this honourable facade lies the instinct of a merciless hunter. 

Get the most out of your winter game viewing

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za, 2012]
 
School holidays are here! Many families are heading to the bush, especially to Kruger, for some game viewing excitement. There are no hard and fast rules on how to do it, but it never hurts reading a few guidelines on how to maximise your sightings this winter.

African Fish Eagle: Bird of the Year 2012

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by CapeNature, 2012]

Bird of the Year is one of several initiatives by BirdLife South Africa aiming to create awareness about birds, their habitat and conservation. A much loved king of the sky, it comes as no surprise that the mighty African fish eagle is Bird of the Year for 2012.

Fickle Feeders

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2012]

The cluster disa, a Western Cape endemic, changes its flower colour according to the area in which it grows. This chameleon-like adaptation is all in an effort to fool the iconic mountain pride butterfly into visiting it.

African wild cats in Kruger National Park

An African wild cat (picture supplied by SANParks).

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wildlife Extra www.wildlifeextra.com and Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2012]

Kruger's wild cats are nocturnal and secretive, plus so perfectly camouflaged for the bush that you should count yourself lucky if you see one. A new research project is trying to determine what impact domesticated cats are having on their wild cousins.

5 Wild Tips: Beginner's guide to beach hiking

 [This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2012]

The therapeutic sound of the waves, the gentle breeze on your skin and the salty smell tickling your nostrils … short strolls on the beach can easily turn into lengthy meditative walks. Follow our tips to get the most from a seaside saunter.

Charming Chappies

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2011]

Chapman’s Peak, or Chappies as it is locally known, towers 593 metres above the Atlantic Ocean and is one of Cape Town’s best kept hiking secrets.

Find love at one of these romantic spots

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and Kate Collins, and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2012]

We’ve got the right ideas when it comes to romantic inspiration; just have a look at our choice of dreamy destinations. Here are our suggestions for making the month of love one to share in the wild…

Copying Nature's Design

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2012]

Not only is nature fashionable in the variety of beauty it displays, but it is the leader in engineering and design too.

World Wetlands Day: 2 February

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2012] 

Every year on the second of February ecologists, conservationists and nature lovers pay homage to the giant natural sponges that are so beneficial to our planet’s functioning. Find out why wetlands are such important places.

African Wild Cats in Kruger National Park

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2012]

Kruger’s wild cats are nocturnal and secretive, plus so perfectly camouflaged for the bush that you should count yourself lucky if you see one. A new research project is trying to determine what impact domesticated cats are having on their wild cousins.

Scandalously Sexy Bishops and Widows

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2011]
 
African widowbirds and bishops share an array of colourful feathers and lengthy tails – signals used to attract a mate.

Smelling Arousal

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2011]

Sight is normally responsible for stimulating sexual excitement in humans. But with certain fruit flies, it seems to be scent that acts as an aphrodisiac. 

A Bit About Bustards

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2011]

When it comes to attracting a female, there are many similarities between men and bustards. For one thing, size matters!

Unique Nests

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2011]

If you’ve ever observed a weaver at work, you know it takes the bird time and effort to construct its nest. Now research from Botswana indicates that quite a lot of intelligence and skill also go into it.

Lions Roar Like Babies

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2011]

Lions are just big babies, roaring to tell others of their presence in the same way a baby cries to get attention.

Sugar Meals

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2011]
 
In a world where predators are as common as crumbs on a loaf of bread, bees have to make their feeding activity as quick and effective as possible.  

Mysterious Meerkats

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2011]

How much do we actually know about meerkats? The name implies a cat, but do they belong to the feline family? They live in large groups under the ground, but how do they communicate? 

It's that Simple

Smell the rain 

Watch the clouds

 Listen to the wind

Feel the energy

Taste the breath

Open the heart

IT's that SIMPLE

Where is Your Shadow?

Where is your SHADOW?

A soul is crying - the rain beats angrily onto heart-shaped leaves.

And then ... STILLNESS ...

Charming Chappies

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2011]

Chapman’s Peak, or Chappies as it is locally known, towers 593 metres above the Atlantic Ocean and is one of Cape Town’s best kept hiking secrets.

Mother Nature in Her Finest

Moody Beauty

Colour

Let's Get Wet

Tietiesbaai

Cold-Blooded

The Reality of Shadow

When it Rains in the Desert

Creative Talent

The Mighty Orange River

Smile

What the FRACK?!

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Hy-Se-Sy-Se www.hy-se-sy-se.com/what-the-frack, 2011]

Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) is a method of extracting natural gas and oil from the layers of rock underneath our feet. A phenomenal amount of water, mixed with a shocking variety of chemicals with unpronounceable names, is forced down a pipe that has to first be drilled into the earth. The pressure of this action forces the liquid concoction into cracks in the shale layers of the rock, dislodging and releasing pockets of trapped natural gas and oil wells.

Killer Guides

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2011]
 
It's not all milk and honey when it comes to sharing a nest with a honeyguide, especially if you happen to be the foster sibling. These brood parasites have a deadly way of dealing with any eggs left in the nest.

Pigeons Will Remember You

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2011]


How many of us would change our behaviour if we knew certain animals could remember every mean thing done to them by specific individuals? For all we know they may be holding a grudge and are going to act in revenge one of these days.

Beautiful Damage Control

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2011]

Orb-weaving spiders do not construct silky patterns only to catch their prey, but also as a means of reacting to web damage.

Flap, Run, Fly

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2011]


Why do birds sometimes run and flap their wings up a steep hill rather than fly over it?

Migration Decreases Disease

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2011]

 It has previously been assumed that migratory animals spread diseases from one area to another. But a recent study has suggested the opposite. 

Starving for Survival

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2011]

The familiar saying “He who laughs last, laughs the loudest” applies to plants in their ability to survive as a species, even after they have been eaten!

Brown Paper vs. Plastic: Marie Claire shows their greener side

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Hy-Se-Sy-Se www.hy-se-sy-se.com/brown-paper-vs-plastic-marie-claire-shows-their-greener-side, 2011]

Packaged in a brown paper bag, as opposed to the usual plastic, the June issue of Marie Claire appears to be an impressive environmentally friendly edition. But is a brown paper bag good enough to get the point across?

Boring Invaders

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2011]

 Previously, to get information about trees suffering an insect invasion, bits of the bark would have to be ripped from the trunk. But a new finding has revealed a less invasive way of obtaining such information.

Lion Lineage

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2011]

 It has already been suggested that lions from Central and West Africa look and behave differently to those in East and Southern Africa, but little scientific evidence has previously been presented to back it up. Recent studies, however, have now proven this difference as a result of their genetic make-ups.

Venomous Speed and a Slithering Success

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2011]

 

Most people think that venomous snakes inject their poison into their prey through hollowed fangs. But this is not quite so true …

More to this bag than meets the eye

[This article was written by Fran Siebrits and published in Simply Green Magazine in the March/April issue]

You know Woolies exceptionally well, right? But have you heard of Isikhwama? Isi-what?, you may ask. Well, hold onto your groceries, because we’re thrilled to be letting this home-spun cat out the bag.

Barricading Bad Bacteria

When foreign bacteria decide to conquer our bodies, the environment turns hostile. War is soon declared with the influx of antibiotics allies. But the bacteria are able to counter our drugs with a more effective weapon - top of the range communication.

Humbling Himba in Namibia

The Himba people of north-west Namibia are among the few nomadic groups left in the world. I was fortunate enough to live near them in 2008 while doing nature conservation work ...


[To view, click the link below]
Published online by Getaway Magazine, photographs and text by Fran Siebrits:
http://blog.getaway.co.za/photography/humbling-himba-in-namibia/

Mozambique Water

Beautiful photos representing the importance of water in a diversity of lives. Photos taken in Mozambique.

[To view, click the link below]

Published online by Getaway Magazine, photographs and text by Fran Siebrits:
http://blog.getaway.co.za/photography/photo-albums/mozambique-water-photo-album/

Capturing the Storm

No words can do justice to an approaching storm. Photographs taken in Mozambique and Namibia.


[To view, click the link below]

Published online by Getaway Magazine, photographs and text by Fran Siebrits: http://blog.getaway.co.za/photography/photo-albums/capturing-the-storm/

Paddling in the Richtersveld

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2011]


An African Fish Eagle greets our eyes as we search the brilliant sky tracking its decrescendo call. Ah, we have arrived. No river trip is complete without the masters of the sky. And so, with excited anticipation, begins a four-day-three-night nomadic journey down the mighty Gariep, better known as the Orange River.

Trail-running in South Africa's Parks

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2011]


From the Cape to the ‘berg, from the coast to the peaks … trail-running is one of those activities that, like running and hiking, can be enjoyed just about anywhere. All you really need is a path, a good pair of shoes and your sense of adventure. Below are a few trails you might like to attempt.

Trail-running 1-0-1

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2011]

There are many hikers and runners out there, but trail-runners are a slightly rarer breed. I would expect it to be more popular. The sport involves running on trails used for hiking in the mountains, bringing one closer to nature and ensuring a CO2-free run.

Through the Eyes of the Jellyfish

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2011]


Life is quite beautiful seen through one pair of eyes. But imagine what the world would look like through 24 eyes.

Malaria Mozzies and their Foot Fetish

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2011]


There are some strange fetishes out there, but this one has to take the cake … Malaria mosquitoes are attracted to human toes.

Clever Little Bumblebees

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2011]



In nature, predators know that bright colours most likely mean danger. But it may not be the striking stripes of bumblebees that warn predators they are dangerous.
Flying predators, such as birds, are the biggest threat to a bumblebee. It may seem like the colour markings of bumblebees are solely responsible for their defence; but their shape, flight pattern and buzzing sound should probably take more of the credit.

Birds view the world differently to us. They are able to see a range of light in the ultra-violet spectrum. Because the white tip of the bumblebee’s tail reflects ultra-violet light, it is very obvious to birds, as are their bright bands.

New research involved comparing different bumblebee populations in the same environment, each with different colour patterns. If colour patterning in bumblebees is important in alerting danger, then birds would have eaten bees they had not previously encountered, therefore avoiding a nasty sting. This, however, was not the case.

So what is it then that acts as the warning bell to the bird predators? Scientists found that the way in which bumblebees fly as well as their deep buzzing sound are more important for birds in order to avoid danger.

Even though colour-pattern recognition plays a role in identification, it seems that birds do not initially notice this in the split-second when a bumblebee passes. A bumblebee’s combination of sound, flight and colour acts as a warning bell to their flying predators.

Interesting fact

Bumblebees, like birds, also see in the ultra-violet range of the spectrum. This comes in handy when detecting ultra-violet markings on flowers, invisible to the human eye.

Source: Royal Holloway, University of London (2010, May 29). How do bumblebees get predators to buzz off?. ScienceDaily.


Viewed online [http://www.sciencedaily.com¬ /releases/2010/05/100526093608.htm]

A Sense for Scents

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2011]



It is common knowledge that birds, while having excellent sight and hearing, lack in the scent department. Interestingly enough, a few thousand years ago it was their sense of smell which was so heightened.

Bonkers About Bananas

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2011]

Bananas are not merely a fruit, rich in vitamins and delicious anytime of the day. Of their many other uses, water purification has most recently been discovered.

Give-away Giggles

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine https://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2011]



The piercing giggle of a hyena does not only function to add that element of danger and excitement to a camping holiday. These giggles act much the same as a Rolex watch or other brand label, identifying the social status of an individual.

Deadvlei (Namibia) AND Verneukpan (South Africa) PHOTO DIARY