The Amaryllis Family - Ammoccharis Coranica

The genus Ammocharis in the Amaryllis Family (Amaryllidaceae) is endemic to Africa. They are herbaceous perennials growing from a true bulb. The flowers are borne in an umbel, a cluster at the top of the peduncle or stalk.
Ammocharis is closely related to Crinum. Like Crinum, it has fleshy seeds that do not go dormant ("recalcitrant"). For two species of Ammocharis, the seeds appear to be dispersed by wind.

 

There are several species in the genus:

angolensis

   Not in cultivation as far as I know.

   Distribution: Africa, Uganda and Tanzania to Angola.

   

baumii

   Syn., Crinum baumii

   Summer growing, small species.

   Distribution: Southern Tropical Africa to Namibia. 

 

coranica

 

Summer growing or opportunistic.

   Distribution: Southern Africa, widespread in summer-rainfall areas.

deserticola

   Closely related to A. longifolia. Infructescence: seeds probably dispersed by wind.

   Not in cultivation as far as I know.

   Distribution: Namib Naukluft Park, Namibia

longifolia

   Syn., Cybistetes longifolia

   Leaves straight and erect. Infructescence: seeds dispersed by wind.

   Winter growing.

   Distribution: Southern Namibia and the western areas of South Africa.  

 

Nerinoides

Syn., Crinum nerinoides
       Summer growing (probably), dwarf species.
       Distribution: Namibia. 

Tinneana

       

 Summer growing (probably).
       Distribution: Ethiopia southward and westward to Botswana and Namibia.

Fire destroys villa at Camp Jabulani

“It is with regret that we advise that the Zindoga Villa has been ravaged by a fire. The thatched roof above the lounge area caught alight at approximately 04h30 on Saturday July 7. All guests were immediately evacuated to the lounge area of the main camp,” said Roode.

The Zindoga Villa is one of Camp Jabulani’s most recent additions and is a completely self-contained facility.

The team managed to save the furniture from the lounge and to contain the fire to the central section of the villa. Both bedrooms were unscathed, although the adjoining lounge and dining area have been burned beyond repair.

“The Zindoga Villa will be out of commission until further notice as the central structure will need to be reconstructed. Our reservations department will be in touch with agents and guests who have been booked into the villa to make alternative arrangements,” she said.

“While we regret any inconvenience caused as a result of the fire, we are thankful that no one sustained any injuries. Thanks go to my team at Camp Jabulani and to the folks at Kapama Game Reserve, who all rolled up their sleeves and pulled together to manage this very unfortunate situation.”

Info received by Southern Africa Tourism Update.

For more information please contact us at:info@namibiareservations.com

Amazing JNB-FRA fares from SAA

To celebrate 60 years flying between Johannesburg and Frankfurt, South African Airways is offering discounted fares on direct flights between the two cities for a limited period only.

The offer is available from June 29-July 14 in Germany and from July 6-13 in South Africa.

Passengers starting the journey in Johannesburg will be eligible to fly from November 14 to December 14 and from February 1 to February 28, 2013.



“With these fantastic fares we are inviting our passengers and friends to join us in celebrating 60 years of superb service linking South Africa and its biggest European trading partner, Germany, via the two countries’ key airline hubs, Johannesburg and Frankfurt,” said Theunis Potgieter, SAA’s General Manager Commercial. “In real terms, these are among the best fares ever over the last 60 years between South Africa and Europe.”

Info received from Southern Africa Tourism Update.

For more information please contact us at:info@namibiareservations.com

SA Tourism launches cookbook to cater for new markets

SA Tourism, in partnership with the South African Chefs Association (SACA) has produced a cookbook called ‘Guide to Vegetarian, Vegan and Jain Dining in South Africa’ in a bid to help the country’s hospitality industry better cater for the tastes of emerging markets, such as India.

“The increase in visitors from emerging markets has given us a good dilemma – how can we better create for the travel needs of our visitors from these new markets? How can we literally make them feel at home in our country, ensure they are welcomed as family and ensure their every need – including their specific dietary requirements – is catered for while they are here?” said SA Tourism CEO, Thulani Nzima.

The book sets out the specific dietary requirements of vegetarians, vegans and Jains (an Indian religion that follows a path of non-violence towards all living creatures) with lists of food items that each group may and may not eat; gives a brief explanation of the culture that informs the dietary needs of these tourists; and gives a broad selection of recipes.

The recipes have been contributed by some of South Africa’s best chefs from top hotels and lodges. It will be made available to SA’s hospitality industry and will be distributed to 6 000 chefs through SACA.

SA Tourism has recently completed research about Indian tourists’ travel behavior-some of the findings included:

- More than half of Indian travellers come to SA in large groups comprising family and friends.

- More than half of them say the cuisine on offer in their leisure destination of choice is an important factor when choosing where to go on holiday – and where to stay.

- These visitors prefer accommodation with inter-leading rooms for the holiday party. 

Info received by Southern Africa Tourism update

For  more information please contact us at: info@namibiareservations.com