In 1952 J P H Acocks published his monumental work on the veld types of South Africa (Memoirs of the Botanical Survey of South Africa – No 40). This treatise by Acocks together with his maps can be referred to at the SMIDSWINKEL RESTAURANT & INFO CENTRE.
For purposes of his survey, Acocks defined the vegetation of South Africa into 88 different types. This he did without the use of a computer and whilst travelling extensively through South Africa from 1938 to 1952. In his mind he must have had one of the most complete pictures of the flora of South Africa that anyone has had before or after him. We should actually erect a monument to Acocks at Nieuwoudtville!
As far as we have been able to establish, Nieuwoudtville is the only place in South Africa where 9 of Acock's 88 veld types can be visited within a 100 km radius. This means that based at Nieuwoudtville, inclement weather should never inhibit you. It will always be possible for you to find good weather and visit extremely interesting sites from succulents to fynbos. |
