The spectacle of the calving season of the southern right whale (Eubalaena australis) can be enjoyed between Dyer Island and Quoin Point in the southwestern Cape. Landwards of this phenomenon lies the coastal village of Pearly Beach. The area surrounding this village is home to an equally impressive spectacle, although terrestrial, in the form of a distinct flora.   

Pearly Beach is located along a vast stretch of coast between Uilenkraalsmond to the west and Buffeljagsbaai to the east. To the north lies the small rural village of Baardskeerdersbos. It connects to Pearly Beach via a dirt road bordering the Agulhas National Park. Pearly Beach dates back to the early 1900s when families spent summer holidays camping and fishing at the seaside. Even today, the village remains a secluded oasis of spectacular beauty and a popular tourist destination, comprising a relatively unspoilt coastline, various beaches and vegetation of the Fynbos Biome. 

The official historical classification of the vegetation of Pearly Beach, dating back to the 1950s, was Coastal Macchia, according to Acocks. It was later known as Strandveld, and even later, in accordance with Low and Rebelo, the vegetation has been referred to as Dune Thicket.

A fynbos vegetation with a difference

The vegetation of the coastal strip surrounding Pearly Beach is currently classified as Overberg Dune Strandveld (listed as endangered). Inland of this, two critically endangered vegetation units occur, namely Agulhas Limestone Fynbos and Agulhas Sand Fynbos. These border inland onto Overberg Sandstone Fynbos (endangered). All of these vegetation units are threatened because of their limited distribution and the increasing impact of alien invasive plant species, alongside various development activities. 

Very close to the village is a small section of Coastal Forest which is dominated by milkwood trees (Sideroxylon inerme). This forms part of the Southern Afrotemperate Forest unit which is the westernmost type of the Afrotemperate Forest Biome. Sadly, alien invasive vegetation has even encroached upon these milkwood trees. 

Overberg Dune Strandveld occurs from the Cape Hangklip area in the west to Cape Infanta in the east, usually bordering on coastal limestone formations. The landscapes include flat or slightly undulating dune fields on deep calcareous sand dunes that line the coast. This vegetation unit is composed essentially of sclerophyllous Cape Floral elements – which refers to the hard, leathery leaves that are adapted to survive long periods of heat and dryness.  

 In Overberg Dune Strandveld, no proteaceous elements and very few succulent species occur, but you’ll rather find asteraceous and ericoid shrubs. Other important elements are the annual herbs and the great diversity of geophytes. The succulent vygie, Lampranthus ceriseus (cerise brightfig, listed as vulnerable), is endemic to Overberg Dune Strandveld and has been recorded at Pearly Beach. Another vulnerable species is Lachenalia magentea. Range-restricted and only known from a small number of locations, this is an exquisite, tiny Lachenalia with purple flowers. 

Tracking the tassel heath

The blackrim heath, Erica melastoma, with its bright yellow flowers, occurs in Agulhas Limestone Fynbos in Pearly Beach and surrounds. Another striking member of the Erica family in this same environment is Erica coccinea subsp. coccinea. The flowers of this species are either yellow or red and the common name, tassel heath, refers to the hanging nature of the flowers. A near threatened species occurring within the greater Pearly Beach is the dune conebush, Leucadendron coniferum. Slightly to the east of Pearly Beach, you can find populations of the near threatened dune buchu, Agathosma collina. The sea preenfig, Mesembryanthemum vanrensburgii, although also listed as near threatened, is a relatively common vygie along the coast, growing in coastal sands at Pearly Beach.  

The line-leaf conebush, Leucadendron linifolium, has quite a wide distribution, but is listed as near threatened. It is a beautiful conebush and therefore targeted for wildflower harvesting. It is also threatened due to ongoing wetland drainage and groundwater extraction. The vulnerable dune bitterbuchu, Diosma subulata, has been recorded at Uilenkraalsmond, but also occurs around Pearly Beach.  

A beautiful Protea with a less impressive name is the stink-leaf sugarbush, Protea susannae, listed as near threatened. Nearly 30% of this species has been lost in the past 60 years. Nonetheless, it has been recorded at many sites around Pearly Beach. Protea obtusifolia, the limestone sugarbush, is an equally beautiful, dark pink-red Protea. Although listed as near threatened, it is locally abundant within the greater Pearly Beach.  

Gladiolus species that deserve the spotlight

This region is also home to some remarkable Gladiolus species. Two worth mentioning are the orange swordlily, Gladiolus miniatus, and the little painted lady, Gladiolus variegatus, both listed as vulnerable. These species can be found on calcareous sands and limestone outcrops. Gladiolus variegatus is known from less than ten locations, whereas Gladiolus miniatus is probably extinct at three of 13 historically recorded locations due to urban development. Both species are threatened by residential developments in Pearly Beach.

A particularly sensational species is the candelabra lily, Brunsvigia orientalis. This species is a large bulbous perennial that flowers in late summer. The flowers and leaves occur at different times of the year. The leaves are large, tongue-shaped and appear from May onwards. The impressive spherical flowerhead starts as an egg-shaped phenomenon and grows quickly into the large flowerhead with numerous red flowers.

One of the most visible orchids is the Rooi-trewwa, Satyrium carneum. The common English name is the pink satyr orchid as the flowers are distinctly pink. The specific name ‘carneum’ refers to the pink colour of the flowers. It grows in coastal fynbos amongst dune vegetation and flowers in spring and early summer, from September to November.

Adopting a dark-sky policy in Pearly Beach

The Pearly Beach Conservancy was established for the village in December 2006. The team here works to conserve, protect and restore all natural systems and resources in the protected coastal zone, and limit the impact of urban development with particular attention to indigenous plant and animal life.

To maintain the relatively undisturbed, natural and rural character of Pearly Beach, the conservancy facilitates and supports several initiatives, including protecting indigenous flora, as well as clearing invasive alien vegetation. They also promote a dark-sky policy. The night sky has inspired humans for many generations. A naturally dark night sky is more than a scenic canvas; it is part of a complex ecosystem that supports both natural and cultural resources.

The dark-sky policy works for both people and nature: people need opportunities for wonderment and contemplation of the universe, and animals need darkness for protection, navigation, nesting and predation. Glaring light negatively affects the environment – disrupting the natural light cycles that species are cued into. Plants and animals depend on Earth’s daily cycle of light and dark rhythm to govern life-sustaining behaviours such as reproduction, nourishment, sleep and protection from predators.

Light pollution poses a serious threat to wildlife, having negative impacts on plant and animal physiology. The rhythm of life is orchestrated by the natural diurnal patterns of light and dark, so disruption to these patterns could impact the ecological dynamics. That’s why the conservancy aims to contribute to an improved night-time environment.

From the coastline of Pearly Beach to the immediate countryside, floral marvels include the minute to the magnificent, the sprawling to the sensational, showcasing diverse growth forms and a full spectrum of colours. The splendid natural vegetation serves as a drawcard to residents and tourists alike and benefits both mind and spirit. In the words of Rachel Carson (1965): “Those who dwell, as scientists or laymen, among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life.” Pearly Beach is truly a pristine gem where many floral wonders still lie waiting to be discovered and cherished.

References:

1. Acocks, J.P.H. 1953. Veld types of South Africa. Memoirs of the Botanical Survey of South Africa, 28:1-192. 

2. Acocks, J.P.H. 1988. Veld types of South Africa. 3rd ed. Memoirs of the Botanical Survey of South Africa, 57:1-146. 

3. Low, A.B. & Rebelo, A.G. (eds.) 1996. Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. A companion to the vegetation map of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Pretoria: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism. 

4. Rebelo, A.G., Boucher, C., Helme, N., Mucina, L. & Rutherford, M.C. 2006. Fynbos Biome. Chapter 4, pages 53-219. In: Mucina, L. & Rutherford, M.C. (eds). The vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Strelitzia 19. Pretoria: South African National Biodiversity Institute. 

5. SANBI. 2024. Red List of South African Plants. Available from: http://redlist.sanbi.org/index.php.

6. Skowno, A.L. & Monyeki, M.S. 2021. South Africa’s Red List of Terrestrial Ecosystems (RLEs). Land, MDPI, 10(10):1-14. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3390/land10101048.

7. UNESCO Office in Mexico City. 2016. The Right to dark skies. 239 pp. ISBN: 978-92-3-000028-8. Available from: https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000246131.