Silwerbloomkloof Nature Reserve

Overview

This beautiful 4,9 ha kloof in Somerset West, just northwest of the Helderberg Nature Reserve, was proclaimed a Natural Heritage Site in 1988. The
site conserves a fine forest of silver trees (Leucadendron argenteum), as well as granite fynbos and renosterveld, with 220 plant species.

Silver trees belong to the protea family, and are the largest cone bush species. They are spectacular, and are found only on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. Therefore, this population at Silwerboomkloof is an anomaly – outlying and isolated. There are male and female silver trees. They are windpollinated, and the seeds float on fluffy parachutes from the sweetly scented female silver tree’s cones.

ADDRESS: Van Gogh Road, Somerset West (GPS -34.054571 S, 18.852046 E)

OPENING HOURS: Open access

ENTRANCE FEE: None

PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Taxi

ACTIVITIES AND FACILITIES: Hiking trails, birdwatching

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: No formal programme

WEBSITE: www.helderbergnaturereserve.co.za

Cape Town Green Map
updated 10/2014 by Cape Town Green Map