Newlands forest
Encyclopedia
Newlands Forest is a conservancy area
on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain
, beside the suburb of Newlands, Cape Town
. It is owned and maintained by the Table Mountain National Park
s Board, along with the City Parks Department of Cape Town, and includes a Fire Station, Nursery and Reservoir.
The forest itself is a popular walking and jogging destination (See trail map below), close and easily accessible from the city's southern suburbs. Due to its location on the mountain slopes, there are impressive views eastward over the Cape Flats
.
and Peninsula Shale Fynbos, in an area that also originally supported large indigenous forests
.
In the late 1800s, much of the indigenous forests were felled, and the fynbos cleared, to make way for commercial pine plantations, which still remain and account for the remainder of the land.
and occurs nowhere else in the world.
Existing only on the Cape Granite Formation, it naturally assumes the form of medium-dense tree vegetation, dominated by a variety of Protea
and daisy
species. The striking and iconic Silvertree
grows in this vegetation type and a small population of these massive proteas can still be seen at Newlands forest. Historically this ecosystem supported a great many wild animals and there are at least 9 plant species which occur nowhere else in the world.
This vegetation is severely threatened, mainly by invasive alien plants. A total of 13 of this ecosystem's plant species are classed as endangered, two of them critically
. One local species, the Wynberg Conebush, is now extinct.
which is mainly found far to the east of Cape Town in the "Boland" region. The patch that occurs around Newlands Forest is a natural outlier, isolated in the middle of Cape Town.
The soils are naturally poor and slightly acidic but the biodiversity is incredibly rich. The vegetation consists of a diverse array of Protea
, Erica
, geophyte and daisy
species, as well as some endemic species.
In the moister areas, the Erica
s predominate over the other plant groups.
Along with the Granite Fynbos, this is by far the most diverse and richest in species of the ecosystems at Newlands Forest. As it typically grows on lower mountain slopes, which tend to be developed for housing or cultivated for farming, this vegetation is incredibly vulnerable. A total of 23 of this ecosystem's plant species are officially threatened, 7 of which are classified as endangered.
.
Such forests proliferated on the Cape Peninsula in areas that were partially or totally protected from seasonal fires. Wherever fires are naturally more frequent, the forests give way to various types of fynbos
. However, the streams and kloofs of Newlands ensure that fires are relatively infrequent here.
Several patches of indigenous forest survive at Newlands, mostly higher up the mountainside where historically they were safer from logging.
Mature examples of this forest are dominated by several species of massive tree which compose the tallest canopy; smaller trees which form lower layers of foliage; and a variety of fern
s, herb
s, bushes, bulbs, vines
and liana
s (eg. Asparagus scandens
, Rhoicissus tomentosa
).
Though not as rich in biodiversity as the various types of Cape Fynbos, these woodlands still contain a wide variety of plants and animals, some of which occur nowhere else in the world.
The Newlands Forest Nursery is engaged in a project to grow indigenous trees and plant them out, with the aim of eventually rehabilitating the original forests.
The major threats come from invasive alien plants such as Australian Cheesewood
, Bugweed
, Black Wattle, Lantana
, Privet
and Pine trees. Indigenous afrotemperate forests such as those at Newlands have a significant socio-economic value, due to their use for recreation
such as hiking
, their role in preserving the Western Cape
's water supply, and their natural production of an enormous range of medicinal plants.
Over many decades, large swaths of the Cape Peninsula were cleared of their indigenous vegetation types in order to make way for commercial logging, and these two species were imported and cultivated en masse to supply the Cape timber industry. These species were chosen for their fast growth, the quality of their wood and their straight uniform growth which made them easy to harvest. However, they rapidly spread and became invasive.
When the logging was eventually stopped, the final crop of trees was allowed to remain un-harvested, and today forms an important recreational area for the inhabitants of the surrounding suburbs.
Both the pines and the eucalyptus("gum") trees are Category 2 invasive weeds, which rapidly seed into the surrounding indigenous forests
and fynbos
. The invasive trees then gradually outgrow and kill these surrounding ecosystems.
In addition, the leaf-litter of pines and gums changes the pH of the surrounding soil, poisoning other plant life. The trees probably evolved this feature to kill competing plants, and it is so effective that pine or gum forests in southern Africa eventually turn into monocultures or "green deserts". Consequently, on-going maintenance is needed to keep these trees contained within the plantations. There is also a policy in place to regularly "thin" the remaining plantations so as to allow some other species to survive in between the pines.
.
Jan van Riebeeck
(the first Dutch governor of the Cape Colony
) came across the extensive indigenous forests on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain
and called them collectively "Boschenheuwel". Due to the need for timber, the local afro-temperate forests
were, by the late seventeenth century, being severely over-exploited, and the colonial government issued a series of (largely ineffectual) laws to protect the forests. By the close of the eighteenth century most were gone, excepting a few pockets on the steep upper slopes of the mountain.
As indigenous wood supplies declined, the authorities decided to clear the eastern slopes of Table Mountain for commercial plantations. Fast-growing tree species such as Eucalyptus
and Pinus radiata were chosen, and imported for cultivation. These trees also had the advantage of being tall, uniform and straight - all the more suitable for efficient logging.
The two World Wars each caused a boom in the timber industry and the size of the forests grew. After the subsequent decline in Cape Town's logging industry, some of the plantations were removed to allow for the return of the original natural vegetation. In other places such as Newlands Forest, the final crop was allowed to remain, unharvested, and the area recently took on a new function as a recreational area.
(VWS) fire fighting group.
The City Parks Nursery (See Map Image) is maintained and run to supply the public areas of Cape Town with a wide range of flora. Including four large green houses and a large expanse of growing land, the City Parks team grow a wide range of plants to be used in the Centre Islands of Cape Towns highways and public service areas.
It has also recently begun a project to grow and reintroduce indigenous species of tree to Newlands Forest, with the long-term aim of rehabilitating the original afro-temperate forests.
The Newlands Reservoir (See Map Image) was built in the 60's by the then Afrikaans Government. A tribute to South African engineering and construction of the time, it serves as the main potable water source to the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town. Water is stored, treated and distributed from this site.
Also included in the conservancy land are a number of Council Houses owned by the City Parks Board. Of the eight houses, one is particularly well known for its classical design and scenic location. The original building, constructed in 1965, underwent minor alterations between 2000-2003. However a large part of the original building was maintained.
The home, affectionately known by residents as "The Reservoir", has been home to a few well known Cape Town residents since it was built. Perhaps the best known resident being Father Kevin Robarts, a popular figure well known in the Newlands Parish. Since Father Robarts' passing in late 2007, the house has been maintained by his remaining family.
Conservation area
A conservation areas is a tract of land that has been awarded protected status in order to ensure that natural features, cultural heritage or biota are safeguarded...
on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain
Table Mountain
Table Mountain is a flat-topped mountain forming a prominent landmark overlooking the city of Cape Town in South Africa, and is featured in the flag of Cape Town and other local government insignia. It is a significant tourist attraction, with many visitors using the cableway or hiking to the top...
, beside the suburb of Newlands, Cape Town
Newlands, Cape Town
Newlands is an upmarket suburb of Cape Town, South Africa.It is located at the foot of Table Mountain in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town, and is the wettest suburb in South Africa due to its high winter rainfall...
. It is owned and maintained by the Table Mountain National Park
Table Mountain National Park
Table Mountain National Park, previously known as the Cape Peninsula National Park, is a national park in Cape Town, South Africa, proclaimed on May 29, 1998, for the purpose of protecting the natural environment of the Table Mountain Chain, and in particular the rare fynbos vegetation...
s Board, along with the City Parks Department of Cape Town, and includes a Fire Station, Nursery and Reservoir.
The forest itself is a popular walking and jogging destination (See trail map below), close and easily accessible from the city's southern suburbs. Due to its location on the mountain slopes, there are impressive views eastward over the Cape Flats
Cape Flats
The Cape Flats is an expansive, low-lying, flat area situated to the southeast of the central business district of Cape Town. To many people in Cape Town, the area is known simply as 'The Flats'....
.
Flora & Fauna
Newlands Forest lies at a natural transition zone between endangered Granite FynbosPeninsula Granite Fynbos
Peninsula Granite Fynbos is an endangered Fynbos vegetation type which is endemic to the city of Cape Town and occurs nowhere else. It is a unique type of tall, dense and diverse scrubland, scattered with trees...
and Peninsula Shale Fynbos, in an area that also originally supported large indigenous forests
Southern Afrotemperate Forest
Southern Afrotemperate Forest is a kind of tall, shady, multi-layered indigenous South African forest.This is the main forest-type in the south-western part of South Africa, naturally extending from the Cape Peninsula in the west, as far as Port Elizabeth in the east...
.
In the late 1800s, much of the indigenous forests were felled, and the fynbos cleared, to make way for commercial pine plantations, which still remain and account for the remainder of the land.
Peninsula Granite Fynbos
This is an endangered vegetation type, which can still be found on the southern edges of Newlands Forest. This ecosystem is endemic to the city of Cape TownCape Town
Cape Town is the second-most populous city in South Africa, and the provincial capital and primate city of the Western Cape. As the seat of the National Parliament, it is also the legislative capital of the country. It forms part of the City of Cape Town metropolitan municipality...
and occurs nowhere else in the world.
Existing only on the Cape Granite Formation, it naturally assumes the form of medium-dense tree vegetation, dominated by a variety of Protea
Proteaceae
Proteaceae is a family of flowering plants distributed in the Southern Hemisphere. The family comprises about 80 genera with about 1600 species. Together with the Platanaceae and Nelumbonaceae they make up the order Proteales. Well known genera include Protea, Banksia, Embothrium, Grevillea,...
and daisy
Asteraceae
The Asteraceae or Compositae , is an exceedingly large and widespread family of vascular plants. The group has more than 22,750 currently accepted species, spread across 1620 genera and 12 subfamilies...
species. The striking and iconic Silvertree
Leucadendron argenteum
Leucadendron argenteum is an endangered species in the family Proteaceae, endemic to a small area of the Cape Peninsula, in and around the city of Cape Town.-Appearance:...
grows in this vegetation type and a small population of these massive proteas can still be seen at Newlands forest. Historically this ecosystem supported a great many wild animals and there are at least 9 plant species which occur nowhere else in the world.
This vegetation is severely threatened, mainly by invasive alien plants. A total of 13 of this ecosystem's plant species are classed as endangered, two of them critically
Critically endangered
Version 2010.3 of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species identified 3744 Critically Endangered species, subspecies and varieties, stocks and subpopulations.Critically Endangered by kingdom:*1993 Animalia*2 Fungi*1745 Plantae*4 Protista-References:...
. One local species, the Wynberg Conebush, is now extinct.
- Leucadendron grandiflorum (The Wynberg Conebush, a tall protea that is now extinct)
- Hermannia micrantha (Small-flowered Dolls Rose, a flowering shrub)
- Gnidia parvula (Small-flowered Saffron Bush, a low shrub)
- Cliffortia carinata (Crown Climbers Friend)
- Polycarena silenoides (Granite Cape Flax, a small herb)
- Erepsia patula (The Spreading Ever-fig, a succulent shrub)
- Lampranthus curvifolius (Bakoven Brightfig, succulent)
- Aristea pauciflora (The Unistem Aristea, a geophytic herb)
- Willdenowia affinis (The Table Mountain Window Reed, a graminoid)
Peninsula Shale Fynbos
This is actually a type of Cape Winelands Shale FynbosCape Winelands Shale Fynbos
Cape Winelands Shale Fynbos is a vegetation type that naturally occurs in the Cape Winelands of the Western Cape, South Africa.This vegetation type is found on lower mountain slopes and high, rolling plains in the Western Cape Boland of South Africa...
which is mainly found far to the east of Cape Town in the "Boland" region. The patch that occurs around Newlands Forest is a natural outlier, isolated in the middle of Cape Town.
The soils are naturally poor and slightly acidic but the biodiversity is incredibly rich. The vegetation consists of a diverse array of Protea
Proteaceae
Proteaceae is a family of flowering plants distributed in the Southern Hemisphere. The family comprises about 80 genera with about 1600 species. Together with the Platanaceae and Nelumbonaceae they make up the order Proteales. Well known genera include Protea, Banksia, Embothrium, Grevillea,...
, Erica
Ericaceae
The Ericaceae, commonly known as the heath or heather family, is a group of mostly calcifuge flowering plants. The family is large, with roughly 4000 species spread across 126 genera, making it the 14th most speciose family of flowering plants...
, geophyte and daisy
Asteraceae
The Asteraceae or Compositae , is an exceedingly large and widespread family of vascular plants. The group has more than 22,750 currently accepted species, spread across 1620 genera and 12 subfamilies...
species, as well as some endemic species.
In the moister areas, the Erica
Erica
Erica ,the heaths or heathers, is a genus of approximately 860 species of flowering plants in the family Ericaceae. The English common names "heath" and "heather" are shared by some closely related genera of similar appearance....
s predominate over the other plant groups.
Along with the Granite Fynbos, this is by far the most diverse and richest in species of the ecosystems at Newlands Forest. As it typically grows on lower mountain slopes, which tend to be developed for housing or cultivated for farming, this vegetation is incredibly vulnerable. A total of 23 of this ecosystem's plant species are officially threatened, 7 of which are classified as endangered.
Indigenous Afrotemperate Forest
Newlands Forest lies in an area that used to naturally support large, dense, shady indigenous forestsSouthern Afrotemperate Forest
Southern Afrotemperate Forest is a kind of tall, shady, multi-layered indigenous South African forest.This is the main forest-type in the south-western part of South Africa, naturally extending from the Cape Peninsula in the west, as far as Port Elizabeth in the east...
.
Such forests proliferated on the Cape Peninsula in areas that were partially or totally protected from seasonal fires. Wherever fires are naturally more frequent, the forests give way to various types of fynbos
Fynbos
Fynbos is the natural shrubland or heathland vegetation occurring in a small belt of the Western Cape of South Africa, mainly in winter rainfall coastal and mountainous areas with a Mediterranean climate...
. However, the streams and kloofs of Newlands ensure that fires are relatively infrequent here.
Several patches of indigenous forest survive at Newlands, mostly higher up the mountainside where historically they were safer from logging.
Mature examples of this forest are dominated by several species of massive tree which compose the tallest canopy; smaller trees which form lower layers of foliage; and a variety of fern
Fern
A fern is any one of a group of about 12,000 species of plants belonging to the botanical group known as Pteridophyta. Unlike mosses, they have xylem and phloem . They have stems, leaves, and roots like other vascular plants...
s, herb
Herb
Except in botanical usage, an herb is "any plant with leaves, seeds, or flowers used for flavoring, food, medicine, or perfume" or "a part of such a plant as used in cooking"...
s, bushes, bulbs, vines
Rhoicissus
Rhoicissus is a genus in the Grape family and the Vitoideae subfamily having 2 or more species.The leaves of species R. tomentosa and R...
and liana
Liana
A liana is any of various long-stemmed, woody vines that are rooted in the soil at ground level and use trees, as well as other means of vertical support, to climb up to the canopy to get access to well-lit areas of the forest. Lianas are especially characteristic of tropical moist deciduous...
s (eg. Asparagus scandens
Asparagus scandens
Asparagus scandens, is a plant native to South Africa in the Asparagus genus....
, Rhoicissus tomentosa
Rhoicissus tomentosa
Rhoicissus tomentosa is a vigorous, evergreen vine that is indigenous to the afro-montane forests of southern Africa...
).
Though not as rich in biodiversity as the various types of Cape Fynbos, these woodlands still contain a wide variety of plants and animals, some of which occur nowhere else in the world.
The Newlands Forest Nursery is engaged in a project to grow indigenous trees and plant them out, with the aim of eventually rehabilitating the original forests.
The major threats come from invasive alien plants such as Australian Cheesewood
Pittosporum undulatum
Pittosporum undulatum is a tree growing to 15m tall with wavy leaf edges. It is sometimes also known known as Sweet Pittosporum, Native Daphne, Australian Cheesewood, Victorian Box or Mock Orange...
, Bugweed
Solanum mauritianum
Solanum mauritianum is a small tree or shrub native to South America, including Northern Argentina, Southern Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. It has become a widespread invasive weed in Cook Islands, Fiji, Hawai‘i, New Caledonia, Norfolk Island, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Réunion Island, Mauritius,...
, Black Wattle, Lantana
Lantana camara
Lantana camara, also known as Spanish Flag or West Indian Lantana, is a species of flowering plant in the verbena family, Verbenaceae, that is native to the American tropics. It has been introduced into other parts of the world as an ornamental plant and is considered an invasive species in many...
, Privet
Ligustrum
Ligustrum is a genus of about forty species of erect, deciduous or evergreen shrubs, sometimes forming small or medium-sized trees. They are now all known by the common name of privet.-Selected species:...
and Pine trees. Indigenous afrotemperate forests such as those at Newlands have a significant socio-economic value, due to their use for recreation
Recreation
Recreation is an activity of leisure, leisure being discretionary time. The "need to do something for recreation" is an essential element of human biology and psychology. Recreational activities are often done for enjoyment, amusement, or pleasure and are considered to be "fun"...
such as hiking
Hiking
Hiking is an outdoor activity which consists of walking in natural environments, often in mountainous or other scenic terrain. People often hike on hiking trails. It is such a popular activity that there are numerous hiking organizations worldwide. The health benefits of different types of hiking...
, their role in preserving the Western Cape
Western Cape
The Western Cape is a province in the south west of South Africa. The capital is Cape Town. Prior to 1994, the region that now forms the Western Cape was part of the much larger Cape Province...
's water supply, and their natural production of an enormous range of medicinal plants.
- Podocarpus falcatus (Outeniqua Yellowwood)
- Podocarpus latifoliusPodocarpus latifoliusPodocarpus latifolius is a large evergreen tree up to 35 m high and 3 m trunk diameter, in the conifer family Podocarpaceae; it is the type species of the genus Podocarpus....
(Real Yellowwood) - Apodytes dimidiataApodytes dimidiataApodytes dimidiata is a bushy tree, with white fragrant flowers and small, dark red berries. It is usually about 5 m tall , and it is indigenous to Southern Africa.The taxonomical family placement for this and other Apodytes is currently under debate...
(White Pear) - Brabejum stellatifoliumBrabejum stellatifoliumBrabejum stellatifolium is a large tree, indigenous to the Western Cape, South Africa....
(Cape Wild Almond) - Buddleja salignaBuddleja salignaBuddleja saligna, the False, or Bastard, Olive, is almost endemic to South Africa where it has a wide distribution. It occurs most often in ravines and against outcrops, and is distributed from coastal elevations to the central plateau at elevations Buddleja saligna, the False, or Bastard, Olive,...
(False Olive) - Celtis africanaCeltis africanaCeltis africana is a tree in the Cannabaceae family. This is a common and widespread forest tree from South Africa to Ethiopia. It is a fast growing and popular garden tree in South Africa and is easily propagated....
(White Stinkwood) - Chionanthus foveolatusChionanthus foveolatusChionanthus foveolatus is a medium-sized, evergreen, Afromontane tree that is indigenous to South Africa....
(Pock Ironwood) - Curtisia dentata (Assegai tree)
- Diospyros whyteanaDiospyros whyteanaDiospyros whyteana is a small African tree of the ebony family. Bearing dark green, strikingly glossy leaves and creamy fragrant flowers, it is increasingly cultivated in Southern African gardens as an attractive and strong ornamental tree...
(Bladdernut TreeBladdernutStaphylea is a small genus of 10 or 11 species of flowering plants in the family Staphyleaceae, native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The highest species diversity is in China, where four species occur....
) - Dodonaea viscosaDodonaea viscosaDodonaea viscosa is a species of flowering plant in the soapberry family, Sapindaceae, that has a cosmopolitan distribution in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate regions of Africa, the Americas, southern Asia and Australasia.-Description:...
(Hopbush) - Grewia occidentalisGrewia occidentalisGrewia occidentalis is a small, hardy, attractive tree indigenous to Southern Africa.A small, scrambling, deciduous tree reaching a height of about 3m, its purple, star-shaped flowers appear in summer, followed by distinctive four-lobed berries...
(Cross-berry tree) - Gymnosporia heterophyllaGymnosporia heterophyllaGymnosporia heterophylla is a small, hardy, deciduous African tree up to 5m tall, occurring in rocky places with a wide distribution from Ethiopia, the Sudan and the Congo, south to the Cape Province and west to Angola and Namibia, as well as the neighbouring islands of Madagascar and Saint...
(Common Spike-thorn) - Halleria lucidaHalleria lucidaHalleria lucida is an small, attractive, evergreen tree that is indigenous to Southern Africa. It is increasingly grown as an ornamental tree in African gardens.-Appearance:...
(Notsung) - Hartogiella schinoides (SpoonwoodSpoonwoodSpoonwood may refer to either of two plants:Kalmia latifolia, a North American plant known as mountain laurel and numerous other names emphasizing its poisonous nature, such as lambkill, kill-kid, and calf-kill....
) - Ilex mitisIlex mitisIlex mitis is a tall, dense, evergreen tree that is indigenous to Southern Africa. It makes an excellent fast-growing hedge for gardens - growing tall, straight and dense.-Appearance:If not pruned, Ilex mitis can grow to a height of 20 meters or more...
(Cape Holly) - Kiggelaria africanaKiggelaria africanaKiggelaria africana is a large, robust, low-branching African tree.Despite its common name, it is not related to the more familiar fruit-producing Peach tree although the leaves do superficially look similar.-Appearance:A well-shaped, robust, evergreen tree with grey-green leaves...
(Wild Peach) - Maytenus acuminataMaytenus acuminataMaytenus acuminata is a variable, medium-sized, evergreen tree indigenous to Africa, including South Africa. Here it is especially common on the verges of afro-montane forest. It produces small, white flowers and bright orange or red berries. In cultivation it is useful as a light shade tree or as...
(Silky bark tree) - Maytenus oleoidesMaytenus oleoidesMaytenus oleoides is a dense, medium-sized tree that grows throughout the western half of South Africa....
(Mountain Maytenus) - Cassine peraguaCassine peraguaCassine peragua is a medium-sized tree with fragrant flowers, decorative fruits and a saffron-coloured trunk. It is indigenous to the Afro-montane forests of South Africa....
(Forest Spoonwood) - Canthium inermeCanthium inermeCanthium inerme is a tough, adaptable medium-sized tree from South Africa. It bears small edible fruits and has a variety of uses in traditional medicine....
(Turkeyberry tree) - Cunonia capensisCunonia capensisCunonia capensis is a small tree, found in the afromontane forests of Southern Africa, and along rivers....
(Butterspoon treeCunonia capensisCunonia capensis is a small tree, found in the afromontane forests of Southern Africa, and along rivers....
) - Ocotea bullataOcotea bullataOcotea bullata is a species of flowering tree in the family Lauraceae, native to South Africa. It produces very fine and valuable timber which, along with Yellowood, was much sought after to make traditional furniture. Due to over-exploitation it is now a protected species. Other names for it are...
(Black Stinkwood) - Olea capensisOlea capensisOlea capensis, the Black Ironwood tree, is an African tree species belonging to the olive family . Olea capensis is widespread in Africa. It is found almost throughout Africa south of the Sahara desert from the east in Somalia, Ethiopia and Sudan, south to the tip of South Africa, and west to...
subsp. macrocarpa (Ironwood tree) - Olinia ventosaOlinia ventosaOlinia ventosa is an evergreen forest tree indigenous to South Africa.Olinia ventosa is a native of the southern and eastern coastal regions of South Africa, from the Cape Peninsula to southern KwaZulu-Natal...
(Hard PearOlinia ventosaOlinia ventosa is an evergreen forest tree indigenous to South Africa.Olinia ventosa is a native of the southern and eastern coastal regions of South Africa, from the Cape Peninsula to southern KwaZulu-Natal...
) - Cyathea capensisCyathea capensisCyathea capensis, also known as the Forest Tree Fern, is a widespread and highly variable species of tree fern. It is divided into two subspecies: C. c. capensis from the Old World Tropics and C. c. polypodioides from the New World Tropics. It is the only member of the family Cyatheaceae found in...
(Forest Tree Fern) - Cyathea dregeiCyathea dregeiCyathea dregei, also known as the Common Tree Fern and Gewone Boomvaring in Afrikaans, is a widespread species of tree fern in southern Africa...
(Common Tree Fern) - Pterocelastrus tricuspidatusPterocelastrus tricuspidatusPterocelastrus tricuspidatus is a medium-sized evergreen tree, indigenous to South Africa....
(Candlewood) - Rapanea melanophloeosRapanea melanophloeosRapanea melanophloeos, commonly known as Cape Beech, Kaapse Boekenhout or IsiCalabi, is native to the afromontane forests of Southern Africa.-Distribution:...
(Cape Beech) - Tarchonanthus camphoratusTarchonanthus camphoratusTarchonanthus camphoratus , is a shrub or small tree, native to eastern and Southern Africa and Arabia....
(Camphor TreeTarchonanthus camphoratusTarchonanthus camphoratus , is a shrub or small tree, native to eastern and Southern Africa and Arabia....
) - Virgilia (genus)Virgilia (genus)Virgilia is a genus of Southern African trees in the family Fabaceae, having shiny to hairy pinnate leaves and attractive mauve to pink pea-shaped flowers followed by leathery pods...
(Blossom TreeVirgilia (genus)Virgilia is a genus of Southern African trees in the family Fabaceae, having shiny to hairy pinnate leaves and attractive mauve to pink pea-shaped flowers followed by leathery pods...
)
Pine and Gum plantations
In Newlands Forest, there are also 2 types of commercial plantation, Pines (Pinus radiata, Pinus pinaster) from Europe and America, and Gums (Eucalyptus lehmannii) from Australia.Over many decades, large swaths of the Cape Peninsula were cleared of their indigenous vegetation types in order to make way for commercial logging, and these two species were imported and cultivated en masse to supply the Cape timber industry. These species were chosen for their fast growth, the quality of their wood and their straight uniform growth which made them easy to harvest. However, they rapidly spread and became invasive.
When the logging was eventually stopped, the final crop of trees was allowed to remain un-harvested, and today forms an important recreational area for the inhabitants of the surrounding suburbs.
Both the pines and the eucalyptus("gum") trees are Category 2 invasive weeds, which rapidly seed into the surrounding indigenous forests
Southern Afrotemperate Forest
Southern Afrotemperate Forest is a kind of tall, shady, multi-layered indigenous South African forest.This is the main forest-type in the south-western part of South Africa, naturally extending from the Cape Peninsula in the west, as far as Port Elizabeth in the east...
and fynbos
Fynbos
Fynbos is the natural shrubland or heathland vegetation occurring in a small belt of the Western Cape of South Africa, mainly in winter rainfall coastal and mountainous areas with a Mediterranean climate...
. The invasive trees then gradually outgrow and kill these surrounding ecosystems.
In addition, the leaf-litter of pines and gums changes the pH of the surrounding soil, poisoning other plant life. The trees probably evolved this feature to kill competing plants, and it is so effective that pine or gum forests in southern Africa eventually turn into monocultures or "green deserts". Consequently, on-going maintenance is needed to keep these trees contained within the plantations. There is also a policy in place to regularly "thin" the remaining plantations so as to allow some other species to survive in between the pines.
History
The original inhabitants of the area were undoubtedly the Khoi-khoi, who migrated and herded their cattle over much of what is now the city of Cape TownCape Town
Cape Town is the second-most populous city in South Africa, and the provincial capital and primate city of the Western Cape. As the seat of the National Parliament, it is also the legislative capital of the country. It forms part of the City of Cape Town metropolitan municipality...
.
Jan van Riebeeck
Jan van Riebeeck
Johan Anthoniszoon "Jan" van Riebeeck was a Dutch colonial administrator and founder of Cape Town.-Biography:...
(the first Dutch governor of the Cape Colony
Cape Colony
The Cape Colony, part of modern South Africa, was established by the Dutch East India Company in 1652, with the founding of Cape Town. It was subsequently occupied by the British in 1795 when the Netherlands were occupied by revolutionary France, so that the French revolutionaries could not take...
) came across the extensive indigenous forests on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain
Table Mountain
Table Mountain is a flat-topped mountain forming a prominent landmark overlooking the city of Cape Town in South Africa, and is featured in the flag of Cape Town and other local government insignia. It is a significant tourist attraction, with many visitors using the cableway or hiking to the top...
and called them collectively "Boschenheuwel". Due to the need for timber, the local afro-temperate forests
Southern Afrotemperate Forest
Southern Afrotemperate Forest is a kind of tall, shady, multi-layered indigenous South African forest.This is the main forest-type in the south-western part of South Africa, naturally extending from the Cape Peninsula in the west, as far as Port Elizabeth in the east...
were, by the late seventeenth century, being severely over-exploited, and the colonial government issued a series of (largely ineffectual) laws to protect the forests. By the close of the eighteenth century most were gone, excepting a few pockets on the steep upper slopes of the mountain.
As indigenous wood supplies declined, the authorities decided to clear the eastern slopes of Table Mountain for commercial plantations. Fast-growing tree species such as Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is a diverse genus of flowering trees in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. Members of the genus dominate the tree flora of Australia...
and Pinus radiata were chosen, and imported for cultivation. These trees also had the advantage of being tall, uniform and straight - all the more suitable for efficient logging.
The two World Wars each caused a boom in the timber industry and the size of the forests grew. After the subsequent decline in Cape Town's logging industry, some of the plantations were removed to allow for the return of the original natural vegetation. In other places such as Newlands Forest, the final crop was allowed to remain, unharvested, and the area recently took on a new function as a recreational area.
Buildings and Infrastructure
The Fire Station operates emergency bushfire operations from the Newlands base, running water dumps with three helicopters. The Fire Station also serves as the Headquarters of the growing Volunteer Wildfire ServicesVolunteer Wildfire Services
The Volunteer Wildfire Services is a group of volunteers in Cape Town, South Africa who assist local fire fighting agencies to suppress wildfires...
(VWS) fire fighting group.
The City Parks Nursery (See Map Image) is maintained and run to supply the public areas of Cape Town with a wide range of flora. Including four large green houses and a large expanse of growing land, the City Parks team grow a wide range of plants to be used in the Centre Islands of Cape Towns highways and public service areas.
It has also recently begun a project to grow and reintroduce indigenous species of tree to Newlands Forest, with the long-term aim of rehabilitating the original afro-temperate forests.
The Newlands Reservoir (See Map Image) was built in the 60's by the then Afrikaans Government. A tribute to South African engineering and construction of the time, it serves as the main potable water source to the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town. Water is stored, treated and distributed from this site.
Also included in the conservancy land are a number of Council Houses owned by the City Parks Board. Of the eight houses, one is particularly well known for its classical design and scenic location. The original building, constructed in 1965, underwent minor alterations between 2000-2003. However a large part of the original building was maintained.
The home, affectionately known by residents as "The Reservoir", has been home to a few well known Cape Town residents since it was built. Perhaps the best known resident being Father Kevin Robarts, a popular figure well known in the Newlands Parish. Since Father Robarts' passing in late 2007, the house has been maintained by his remaining family.
Further Reading
- Von Maltitz, G., Mucina, L., Geldenhuys, C.J., Lawes, M., Eeley, H., Adie, H., Vink, D., Fleming, G. & Bailey, C. 2003. Classification system for South African indigenous forests: An objective classification for the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry. Report ENV-P-C 2003-017, Environmentek, CSIR, Pretoria.