Klapperbos

I brought it back from Gamkaskloof.

Die Hel is a mystical place deep in the heart of the Klein Karoo, where we once laid down to sleep under the stars. We heard many interesting stories of isolated families, dodgy communities and their questionable relationships. The lady we encountered at the gatehouse shared many intriguing stories of how the original families arrived in this ‘hel’ hole. A true South African folklore was developing in this hidden, lush green valley. Traversing mountainous terrain, creating industry, selling their goods which they painstakingly produced and carried on their backs to the rest of the country, was the essence of the people we learned of. An isolated people with a rich history which goes 'untold', existed here for generations.

This small shrub has now finally revealed its fruits to me. For the first time since 2007, when I planted it in my courtyard garden, it produced a beautiful bell shaped flower. Pinkish, with bright yellow stamen discreetly appeared towards the beginning of February this year. There are now two capsules, resembling chinese lanterns, hanging from one branch. A glimmer of red shining through a delicate, thin greenish white wall. A fruit inside is waiting to be enjoyed by the first visiting bird.
In my garden grows a Chinese lantern, also known as the Klapperbos.

It is heart warming to finally see a fruit on this tree because even though I was told its name, I was never really sure because the information we received from that lady was always taken with a pinch of salt. Now I am convinced. She knew what she was talking about. If you’ve never seen the Klapperbos, come have a look. It’s truly amazing to know that my little garden can provide the necessary climate and soil conditions needed for this tree which we’ve carted to the Western Cape all the way from the Karoo.

Balckie