Renosterveld Wildflower Reserve

Description

The Renosterveld Wildflower Reserve is a 20 hectare reserve located in the West Coast town of Darling. It was donated for conservation by the Versveld family in 1958 and is one of several pieces of land in and around Darling that have been maintained to preserve endemic wildflowers. While the reserve is open all year round, the best time to visit is from August to October when the landscape abounds in a multitude of colourful spring flowers.

Renosterveld is an umbrella term that describes one of the major vegetation types of the Cape Floral Region. Directly translated, it means “rhinoceros field” perhaps due to the high number of rhino seen by settlers, but it more likely derives from the common shrub found here, known as the Renosterbos or rhinoceros bush. This plant is grey in colour, similar to the hide of a rhino.

The Renosterveld Wildflower Reserve hosts the Darling Wild Flower Show in the third weekend of September each year. Make sure you plan a visit to see Renosterbos, a variety of birds, and the red bellied tortoise. There is also circular walk in the reserve. Take a Wild Flower Guide with to identify a number of different plant types along the way.