For many creating the perfect garden is a strenuous labor of love, but nature seems to get it right every time without fail and without effort.

Today while driving out on the farm, I marveled a little at the gorgeous indigenous plants that grow wild. Planted by birds and animals and left to their own devices. Many of these plants are grown as garden plants in other parts of the world and even other parts of the country, and here I was looking at them self-planted in the African bushveld.

The Baloon Plant

(Gomphocarpus fruticosus)

Absolutely everything about this plant in fruit is intriguing. The contest in colors between the fruit and the leaves makes this plant stand out at a distance, but the fruit inflated itself is really what draws the eye. I couldn't help but get closer and squish a fruit just to be sure that it felt the same as it looked. And let me assure you that it truly does. from the soft playable spikes to the balloon feel minus the latex.

Once the fruits are ready to seed, the fruits open up to reveal a linear cluster of seeds in their hollow center, which just adds another dimension to this plant's visual appeal.

The lovely thing is that plant carries their fruits and flowers simultaneously. The flowers in contrast to the robust fruits and sharp leaves are a soft cluster of finely detailed white flowers.

Over and above the beauty that this plant brings to the table it is one of nature's useful gems.

This plant has a medicinal and functional purpose and the roots can be eaten if prepared correctly. Historically the toxins from these plants were used for arrow tip poison. For more details on this you can read this article

Pride of De Kaap

(Bauhinia galpinii)

I think that the beauty of this plant speaks for itself. This lovely shrub, although growing wild here, is a favorite in many gardens over the world. Its stunning flowers and evergreen shrubbery not only look great but they are wonderful at attracting butterflies and birds alike.

Sodom Apple

(Solanum incanum)

Another great bushveld fins was this gorgeous purple flower that stood out against the background of greenery. This plant is considered a weed here, but it is one of the most beautiful weeds that I have seen in a very long time. Just look at the flashy purple starlike flowers with the bright yellow center.

And its tiny fruits are just as striking. Resembling shiny miniature watermelons, the green fruits stand in contrast to the matted plant leaves of the plant.

This plant is in the same family as potatoes, tomatoes, and aubergines. Sadly the fruits of this plant are neither edible nor medicinal as far as I know, but they sure are lovely to look at.