Cacti Rescue

My mom was getting rid of this box of scaffy cacti and, as I hate to see a pot plant go to waste, I decided to rescue them. A pair of gloves, some cheap ceramic pots (R16.00) and a bag of gravel later, they were as good as new!    

Cactus cacti

I was up in Vryheid over the weekend, staying at the Natal Spa. They have some really great hot springs there and a very cool, old-school garden. Situated in the centre of this garden were these two interesting cacti.  I’m guessing they’re not indigenous to South Africa but are quite beautiful.

Cactus cacti
Cactus cacti

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Naboooooom!

I planted this tree (known as Naboom or umPapha) a few years back not knowing how big it would get.  Turns out, its going to be huge and near impossible to cut down due to its poisonous sap.  Luckily it has room to grow and I find its flowers and berries rather beautiful.  Birds are also very fond of the green fruits.

The plant is traditionally used to treat warts and chronic ulcers.

Naboom branch.
Naboom branch.

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