For those valued readers  as well as all the concerned Franschhoek residents,  one of the more recent posts I wrote about a very strange fire up on Keerweder nek last week.  For those of you who missed that thrilling instalment:  catch it here..

Back to the lekker little plantjie… I was having what some people might call a rough day in the office,  pity poor sod who gets to take a quick walk out and a few minutes later is staring this in the face:

This absolute beaut’s scientific name is Erica cerinthoides, in Afrikaans the rooihaartjie, and commonly referred to as the Fire heather.   They bloom throughout the year but it is this time of year when their colour is utterly magnificent.   Hence the photo.  No spice; this was taken on my walk today.

Some botanical vibe for you from PlantzAfrica..

” Their ability to survive and respond to fire and to freely produce seed is a major factor in their success as a survivor of adverse growing conditions.”

The whole point of this little botanical journey, is the following.   Fire is a destructive element, it tears through our fynbos, destroying habitat, burning nests and homes and impacting on the biodiversity greatly.   Yet once the destruction is over, rebuilding and re-growth occurrs on a massive scale.  This plant is a pioneer in this regards, teaches us all to always have that positive outlook and grow.   Regardless of what environmental kick backs we receive.

Just by the by, the Erica’s happen to be one of my personal fynbos favourites,  so much so I  married an Erica.  And a quick tidbit of useless botanical mutterings, Ericas are very well known to Scotsman.  They are the typical heathers one finds in the highlands where they make all that delicious single malt we all enjoy so much, and haggis and one of the more erratic rugby sides.    Apparently one of my great great great great great Grandfathers lifted an injured king off his horse in battle, hence the title Armstrong.   Also one of the last people to be hung in Scotland for stealing sheep, was an Armstrong.   Must be why I love my wife, rugby and single malt so much!