Suitably Named – Senecio chrysocoma (Golden Haired)

One of the joys of a natural area like the Msinsi Nature Reserve is that no matter how many times you visit the sanctuary there is always something new to see. This Spring I noticed this interesting herb growing along a shady bank. I cannot recall ever seen this particular plant growing at the reserve. Perhaps one of its furry seeds clung to a bird who flew in from a neighbouring natural area, where it dropped and took root. I guess I am being fanciful. That night after taking its image, I pored through Elsa Pooley’s book ‘A Field Guide to Wild Flowers KwaZulu Natal and the Eastern Regions’ until I was able to identify it. Many thanks Elsa – your hard and diligent work has blessed us lesser enthusiasts. So what was the mystery plant – well! suitably named ‘Golden Hair’ (Senecio chrysocoma). Attractive too are the fine thin leaves that resemble fine hair too.

Graham Leslie McCallum