The Black Stick Lily (Xerophyta retinervis) also known as the Monkey's Tail, a name derived from its Afrikaans name of Bobbejaanï's Stert, which means Baboon's Tail. The plant is resistant to extreme conditions, from cold to drought and fire and they can survive without water for long periods.
Many of our trails are currently covered with numbers of these plants in flower. It is a beautiful, memorable sight, although short-lived, as the blooms only last for a few weeks.
Photo: Rietfontein Nature Reserve