Swaziland is located below the Equator, which means that its season are the opposite of the seasons in the northern hemisphere -- where Connecticut is located. So, as much of the United States enters into fall and winter, Swaziland and southern Africa is entering into spring and summer.The weather can change dramatically and quickly. So far I have experienced very hot sunny days, very cold rainy days and very windy days. Many Swazis say that their weather is changing as compared to years' past...the same commentary you hear from Connecticut people!
The rock you see in the upper photo is called "Executioner's Rock." This rock was reserved for royal family members who committed a crime -- and they were killed (pushed?) off this rock.
This beautiful tree is called a Jacaranda. The leaves begin life purple -- it is an amazing site amidst all the green that is starting to sprout here in the Middle and High Velds. I was commenting on how lovely these Jacaranda trees were, and was told by a naturalist that they are actually an invasive species, and are removed from nature reserves and parks.
2 comments:
Invasive? What does that mean. Do they "drink" more water? Spread quickly and "kill" the other vegetation. So often with gardening and such we go for what is pretty to the eye but might be disasterous for other plants or poisonous for living creatures. Sandy Macaluso
Yes, exactly. I don't know the scientific definition -- I'm not at work, so there is no naturalist around to ask -- but it seems that invasive species crowd out indigenous plants, sometimes to the point of total loss. I don't know specifically what the Jacaranda does to make it problematic -- but I can say that it is everywhere in Swaziland.
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