Whatshot
The festive season beckons, but counts the costs where there has been neglect of the environment
The festive season beckons, but counts the costs where there has been neglect of the environment
Date: 2021-12-17
Once again we welcome the Festival of Christmas with reunion of Families, and friends, and the excitement of Santa Claus, balloons and crackers for the children. It is interesting to record that Germany is credited with starting the Christmas Tree tradition. In the 16th Century the devout Christians brought decorated pine trees into their homes. It is a widely held belief that Martin
Luther, the Protestant Reformer, added lighted candles to a tree. One evening when walking home, composing a sermon, he was awed by the brilliance of stars twinkling through the evergreen foliage. He recaptured the scene for his family, with an erect tree in his main room, and wired its branches with lighted candles.
The Pine species in South Africa are mainly confined to regions of commercial forestry production for the Pulp and Paper industry, furniture grade timber and for construction. The growers of Christmas Trees will this year be faced with the added economic burden of the higher fuel price to reach their market. The same impact will be evident with all fresh produce delivered to the Market and chain stores. Sadly, there is no relief for the Farmer or subsidy for the small producer in sight.
Our local indigenous trees with starry clusters to join the Festive array, include Pavetta lanceolata, Weeping Brides-bush, Apodytes dimidiata, the White-pear which flourishes from the Cape coast to inland landscapes, and northwards to Ethiopia. Another medium, quick-growing tree, Psydrax obovata, Quar, presents sweetly-scented creamy-white flower clusters, in profusion. The starry display echoes the bright stars over Bethlehem. To add the Christmas touch to gardens or decor enjoy the blue and white Agapanthus, Crassula species with reddish leaves, or orange bells. Add to the hedgerow bright orange and red Cape Honeysuckle with Christmas nectar for the Sunbirds. From the Cape bright Pincushion Proteas in yellow, oranges to red will cheer the decor, also colourful Leucadendron with textured appeal.
The year has been blessed with plentiful rainfall, but alas far and wide this has brought about extensive spread of the Alien and Invasive species. We are not keeping pace with the
challenges to "REMOVE AND ERRADICATE" these plants to the ROOTS. Reports as far afield as the Transkei, indicate areas being over-run with Lantana camara are of grave concern, at a time when the Land Resource should be nurtured for cultivation and food production for the local communities. Furthermore, the leaves of Lantana contain a toxic component, which is harmful to cattle, horses and game, if eaten. The problem needs urgent attention by the authorities concerned and under competent supervision would provide occupation for unemployed work seekers.
Where our bounteous Natural Landscape is in balance, we enjoy shade, seasonal flowering ambience and habitat for our birds, bees, insects and the fauna within the Eco Estates and Nature Reserves. Where there has been effort and successful growth, congratulations are due. Where there is Environmental apathy and evidence of disturbed and modified areas the message of Good Cheer for Christmas invites an increasing effort for the New Year to all communities within this beautiful country. A Contribution however great or small to our Natural Habitat to be our AIM for 2022. Blessings for the Season of the three Wise men, and the Star of Bethlehem, proclaiming the birth of the baby Jesus.
Bible reference Matthew, chapter 2. Verses 1 — 14.