In spite of it being a blustery, rather wet day, I explored some more the Cape to Cape region today. We did a 5km loop from Rainbow Cave Road, heading west across to the Cape to Cape track and following that in a northerly direction before looping back to the east to finally walk parallel with Caves Road, back to Rainbow Cave Road. I lost count of how many species were in flower – everything from common Davesias, Bossiaeas and Kennedias to spider orchids and everything in between, with all colours of the rainbow represented. It was one of the most spectacular days for wildflowers that I can remember. We even managed to get a window of clear weather for the walk.
The capes are excellent for wildflower-spotting, especially at this time of year. Any track you take will delight, and the vegetation communities change quite frequently so there’s always something new to see. To help trigger those ‘it’s on the tip of my tongue…’ species names, I love Jane Scott’s book, titled “Find That Flower”, which was written for walkers of the Capes who want to know more about the flowers they see. Flowers are catalogued by colour, so if you see a purple flower that you don’t recognise, just head to the purple section of the book and chances are you’ll find it there.
I can’t help myself – I just have to post the flowers for our viewing pleasure… but I think a dedicated ‘flowers’ gallery page is called for… so here’s a teaser then follow the link to the Cape to Cape flowers gallery page to see more.
Philotheca spicata, Pepper and Salt
Diuris longifolia, Donkey orchid
Anigozanthos manglesii, Red and Green Kangaroo Paw
Anthracophyllum archeri, Orange fan fungi
View the Cape to Cape flowers gallery
Well, that’s a wrap. Until next time… and happy spring!
