Spiral aloe Aloe polyphylla
The most remarkable of several aloe species found in Lesotho, this stemless evergreen succulent is easily recognised by its neat base of fleshy leaves arranged in a near-symmetrical clockwise or anti-clockwise spiral. Also known by the Sesotho name kharetsa, it is endemic to the highlands of Lesotho, where it favours east-facing slopes at altitudes of 2,000-2,500 metres. The flamboyant reddish inflorescence, which appears over winter, is the national flower of Lesotho.
Berg bamboo Thamnocalamus tessellatus
This is the only species of this typical Afromontane plant family indigenous to southern Africa. It grows in dense 5-metre tall clumps that favour moist rocky habitats and only flower at 45-year intervals. The Sesotho name for this unmistakeable plant is Ts’ehlanyane and the eponymous <national park> in Lesotho is its most important global stronghold.
Sehlabathebe waterlily Aponogeton ranunculiflorus
This white-and-yellow buttercup-like endemic grows in the muddy base of shallow sandstone rock pools. Listed as endangered, it blooms over November to January and is most commonly seen in <Sehlabathebe National Park>.
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Red-hot pokers Kniphofia spp
The prominent red, yellow and orange flowers of the red-hot poker come into bloom in autumn, when they form a magnet for the nectarivorous malachite sunbird and Gurney’s sugarbird.
Lesotho lily Gladiolus saundersii
This hardy snow-resistant geophyte is a spring bloomer with tall stems and gorgeous reddish flowers.
Pineapple flower Eucomis autumnalis
This bizarre geophyte grows up to about 40cm high and is named for the pineapple-like shape of its spiked yellow-green flowers. It blooms from late summer into autumn.
Snake aloe Aloe broomii
Associated with rocky slopes below 2,000m, this otherwise typical aloe is named for the unique sinuous footlong inflorescences which hide its flowers.
Waterlily sugarbush Protea subvestita
This snow-resistant evergreen highland shrub has hairy leaves and large salmon-pink flowers typical of the Proteas. It blooms most prolifically in late summer.
Thank you
I am on the same mission. Been looking and doing some research into trees. We have a club around the corner from Oxbow lodge.
We have panted over 100 trees in the past 5 years of which very few have survived. We have 3 beautiful White birch tree and 2 conifers that has survived.
The trees that survived had better wind protection and the sheep generally do not come to close to the club. (protection is a big must through the growing and establishing phase. Even found that the snow rats love munching on the barks causing the trees to die.)
We learnt the hard way and we are not giving up.
Poplar, Aspen Birch poplar, Red ceder, conifers and Pine are high altitude growers and can also handle the snow of the area.
Should you consider fruit trees. Crab apple, Apple, plum and grapes will work well.
Prepping of soil before planting will also ensure optimal growth.
Hope this helps a little. Please do share if you have planted trees with success and what you panted.
Thank you.