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Protea atlassing at Salmonsdam Nature Reserve: 7-8 December 1991


Protea Atlas LogoSeven of us met at Salmonsdam at about 10.30, ready for our introduction to atlassing proteas. I did not know one protea from another, but after one and a half days in the veld with Tony we became acquainted with about 30 species. Having the second day to check how many of the new names and faces we had accurately committed to memory gave us a good idea of how much we had learnt. What is obvious is that the more time one spends out there the more familiar the plants become, until, hopefully, like Tony, one can start atlassing the roadside at 50 km/h.

His speed on foot is hardly much less, but if you can keep up it is well worth the effort. Atlassing can be extremely stimulating, lots of fun and it's a great opportunity to get outdoors, to learn new things and exercise those office-weary limbs. Considering that all these benefits are achieved simultaneously and at not much cost, it's a bargain. In our group we had an astronomer, ophthalmologist, palaeontologist, teacher and of course the botanists. It would seem that to atlas proteas all one needs is the interest and to be reasonably fit.

Whilst trampling through the bush there is time to make observations other than those relating to proteas, such as seeing hundreds of the immigrant Ladybird Beetles Hippodamia variegata taking refuge in the almost tailor-made leaves of the indigenous Silver Pea Priestleya vestita. Occurrences like this and observations of other fascinating plant life, insects, spiders and the like help to create and feed an awareness of just how intricately interwoven the web of life is.

I came home knowing quite a number of new names. Some, like Aulax, are easy to remember and others like Paranomus sceptrum-gustavianum, with its curious two leaf types, have already become a favourite. There was time to get acquainted with some non-Proteaceae as well, such as the endemic Cigarette Bush Retzia capensis, which was quite common in one area but otherwise occurred only infrequently.

Tony and Leanne are both very encouraging and it is thanks to them for organizing such an interesting weekend. I'm sure future outings will be equally rewarding.

Pippa Haarhoff, SA Museum


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