"It's My Religion"
by Richard and Julie Braby
A photographic guide to the orchids of the Southern Drakensberg
This book is a photographic representation of the Orchids found in the 30km band from Ramatseliso's Gate to Loteni Nature Reserve in the Maloti Drakensberg Transboundary World Heritage Site.
The intention of the book was to make identification of the over 100 species found in this area easier for the amateur botanists and enthusiasts.
Text has been kept to a minimum and in difficult identification situations, illustrations of the key areas are provided
My wife, Julie, and I are fortunate that we share a passion for the mountains. I enjoy photography and Julie is interested in the flora, so our combined interest ensures that almost every weekend we head into the hills.
About this book
This book covers terrestrial and two epiphytic Orchids found in approximately 30km band from Ramatseliso's gate (Sehlabatebe) to Loteni Nature Reserve. The information detailed in the descriptions is specifically based on this area, which is not necessarily applicable to other areas. The orchids are arranged in alphabetical order and to make identification easier, a pictorial display of the Genera is shown on the next page.
Habitat
Orchids have an ability to adapt to viable conditions so they may be found in a variety of habitats. The descriptions given are based on the most likely habitat that they could be found in, in this area.
Status
The status given is applicable to this area only.
Flowering date
The flowering date is also variable and dependant on circumstances eg. rainfall, fire and/or temperature.
The rule of thumb is that the higher the altitude the later the orchid will flower. Orchids found at lower altitudes will generally flower at the beginning of the months described, and those found at higher altitude at the end of the description.
Similar species
Once again this is based on orchids found in this area. There may be several similar orchids found in other areas but in an attempt to keep the book as simple as possible these similarities have been kept to a minimum. Pages at the back of each A4 or A6 book, illustrate the methods of differentiation between similar species.
Our Book is Available in A4 and A6 sizes
About Us
Richard and Julie Braby moved permanently to the Drakensberg Garden area near Underberg KZN in 2006.
Living in the foothills of the southern Drakensberg inspired them to produce a photographic book on the wild orchids of the area.