Page 10 - Landscape SA 99

FEATURE

RAND WATER’S NATURE

RESERVE CONSERVES

GAUTENG’S BIODIVERSITY

Rand Water’s Rietvlei head office in the south of Johannesburg is regarded as an indigenous
site within the Highveld region, forming part of its long-standing environmental
commitment to the preservation of all its natural resources. The landscape design is
informal, blending in with the natural surrounds. A range of educational tools, including
strategically placed information boards on important aspects of the site, are close to
access points for the education of both staff and visitors.

s part of an educational campaign boardwalk to prevent soil compaction Vachellia karroo - Sweet thorn,

to promote the nature reserve, around the trunk. Special fire breaks are Soetdoring (Afrikaans), Umunga
Aa booklet has been developed, also burned each year to reduce the threat (Zulu and Xhosa)
describing aspects of the reserve and how of fire damage to the tree. Other examples
it contributes to the conservation of one of medicinal plants, and their uses, found The bark and leaves are used as a remedy
of the country’s most vulnerable biomes. at Rand Water, are listed below: for diarrhoea and dysentery. The gum, bark
One of the important features of the and leaves have been used for treating
nature reserve is the range of medicinal Dombeya rotundifolia – Common colds, conjunctivitis and haemorrhage.
plants it contains. wild pear, Gewone Drolpeer (Afri- The gum is used as food and also taken for
kaans), Inhliziyonkhulu (Zulu) oral thrush.
Medicinal plants at Rand Water
Bark infusions are used orally or as Cussonia paniculata - Common
The nature reserve is home to several an enema to treat internal ulcers, cabbage tree, Bergkiepersol
plants used for medicinal purposes, one haemorrhoids, and diarrhoea, as well as (Afrikaans), umSenge (Zulu and
of which is the site’s protected Wild Olive stomach ailments. The bark is claimed to Xhosa), Manenzhe (Venda)
(Olea europea subsp africana). “Gogo be effective against nausea for pregnant
Olive” is one of the oldest trees on the women. A decoction of the bark is The bark is used for ridding the body of
site, believed to be more than 400 years sometimes used in delaying labour, or to excess bile by inducing vomiting. Roots
old, and the name “Gogo” was given out speed the onset process. It is also used for are succulent and edible, and mashed
of respect to its age. The tree is protected chest complaints. roots have been used in the treatment of
by means of a specially constructed inflammation, malaria and infections.

Rhoicissus tridentata Pathway leading to the entrance of the nature reserve

8 Landscape SA • Issue 99 2021