Stellenbosch Mountain

Stellenbosch Mountain (Afrikaans: Die Groteberg or Stellenbosseberg) is a mountain forming a prominent landmark overlooking the town of Stellenbosch in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. The mountain forms part of the Coetsenburg Estate, the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, the Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve and the larger Hottentots-Holland Mountains Catchment Area.

An eastern view of Stellenbosch Mountain

Geology

The peak of Stellenbosch Mountain is 1,156m.^[1] The source of the Blaauwklippen (Blouklip) River is near the peak.^[2] The range is primarily composed of Table Mountain Sandstone.^[3] The climate is typically Mediterranean; warm and temperate, classified as Csb by the Köppen-Geiger system. However, it is generally much cooler and more verdant than other areas in the Western Cape, with annual precipitation at 802mm and an average temperature of 16.4 °C. In winter, there is much more rainfall than in summer.^[4] Snow is not unusual on the peak during winter.^[5] The Hottentots Holland Mountains, of which the Stellenbosch Mountain is a peak, are considered the hub of the Cape floristic region with the most biodiversity in the entire fynbos biome.^[6] The surrounding lowlands have rich alluvial soils supporting viticulture and other deciduous fruit farms.^[7]

Wildlife

The Jonkershoek Mountains, of which Stellenbosch Mountain is a peak, are home to Leopards, Caracals, Klipspringer, Baboons, Honey Badgers and Mongooses, however, all but the baboons are very secretive. Birdlife includes Kingfishers, Black Eagles, Fish Eagles, Spotted Eagle Owls, Sugarbirds, Orange-breasted Sunbirds and Protea Seed-eaters.^[8]

Painting

A famous painting of Stellenbosch Mountain, titled "Stellenbosberg" (sic) by Jacobus Hendrik Pierneef (1886-1957) sold at auction by Strauss & Co. auctioneers for 612,700ZAR ^[9]

References