The Overberg is an area that has been extensively transformed. Of the original Renosterveld, which is a rich soil excellent for agriculture, only about 5% remains, and much of this is overgrazed and eroded. The remaining pockets are isolated and disjoined, with specialist pollinators not flying between them, or becoming rare themselves due to crop insecticide sprays. Renosterveld endemics therefore face increasing genetic impoverishment and loss of habitat. The situation in the fynbos is not much better, with vast tracts of land completely smothered by alien Acacia, Eucalyptus and pine species. It is almost a certainty that many of the plants in this gallery will disappear within the next twenty years. CREW (Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wildflowers) is doing excellent work in creating awareness and educating communities. This is a glimmer of hope in an otherwise gloomy picture.

PS: The wind in the Overberg area can blow at an average of 30 mph seemingly without end, which it did gleefully during my week-long visit. If a photograph is not critically sharp, just enjoy it for the sake of the flowers and bear in mind that it was the best I could do under the circumstances. Maybe next time?