Grootvaderbosch Nature Reserve
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Grootvaderbosch Nature Reserve
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| location | South Africa |
| surface | 2.5 km² |
| Geographical location | 33 ° 56 ′ S , 20 ° 48 ′ E |
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| Setup date | 1986 |
| administration | CapeNature |
The Grootvaderbosch nature reserve is located in the Overberg region in the Langeberg Mountains , between the cities of Swellendam and Heidelberg and, with an area of 250 hectares, includes the largest contiguous forest in the Western Cape . It is part of the 14,000 hectare Boosmansbos Wilderness Area .
history
The area in which the forest is located was originally called Melkhoutskraal and was owned by Roelof Oelofse in 1723 . This hermit was known as the "Groot Vader" and subsequent owners took over this title. The adjacent Boosmansbos wilderness area was proclaimed in 1978 and the Grootvaderbosch nature reserve was integrated into it in 1986. Since 2004, the entire area belongs as part of the Cape Floral for UNESCO - World Heritage .
Climate / geology
The average annual rainfall in Boosmansbos is 1050 millimeters. Dry periods are from May to July and December to January. At 1,637 m, the Grootberg is the highest mountain in Boosmansbos. Some rivers have their source here, e.g .: the Duiwenhoks river and the Noukrans river.
flora
In addition to the 35 tree species, there are a variety of proteas , mountain fynbos and erica . A selection of the species found: Erica barrydalensis , Erica blenna , Erica langebergensis , Leucadendron album , Leucadendron radiatum , Leucadendron eucalyptifolium , Leucadendron radiatum , Mimetes cucullatus , Mimetes splendidus , Protea aristata , Protea grandiceps , Protea aurea aurea , Protea grandiceps , Spatalla colorata , Spatalla nubicola , Spatalla colorata , Spatalla nubicola .
