Most of the flowers are still to be seen on the 5km circle route at the Skilpad Rest Camp, Chuene says. The best flowers on the 21km circle route will be found at the Groenrivier coastal section, she says.

“The most dominating species are Ursinia cakilefolia (Glansooggousblom), followed by Dimorphotheca sinuate (Namaqualand daisy). Other flowers to see are the Diascia namaquensis (Ramhoringkies) and the Gymnodiscus capillaris (Reksening). The flowers to view there are the Gousblom (Dubbelgousblom, Bittergousblom, Wit-sôe) and the Vygiebos (t’nouroebos). Flowers can be seen alongside the coastal line, stretching from the entrance gate at Hondeklipbaai southwards to Groenriviermond,” Chuene says.

Persistent wind is forecasted and temperatures are also relatively low for the rest of the week which has a negative impact on the flowers. Thursday 19 August 2021 will see temperatures of 15 degrees and 2 mm of rainfall is expected. On Friday 20 August, temperatures of 18 degrees, with 0 mm rain is expected and on Saturday 21 August, temperatures of 18 degrees, with 0 mm rainfall is expected in the Namaqua area. Minimum temperatures should be at least 18 degrees for the flower crowns to open up fully, Chuene adds.

OFM News/Blaine Jones