Barboon, Bourbon, Boerboon

Schotia Brachypetala is the name given by the botanists.

When the 1820 settlers arrived in the Eastern Cape, the local farmers were found to be, in the main, friendly and helpful.  The difference in language between Boer and Brit was big.  To the one the Schotia Brachypetala was a Boerboon and to the other it was a Bourbon.

Charles Michell visited the Eastern Cape several times during his career in the Colony.  On his first trip to the Frontier, he used his travelling time to sketch and make notes.  Here is his depiction of the Baarboon, which he later correctly titled the Boerboon.  There is not much written about the Boerboon spelt Bourbon save for a brief mention in Dorothy Rivett-Carnac's volume"Thus came the English in 1820"

Like the more famous Harry Smith, Charles Michell fought for the Portugese against Napolean in the Peninsular Wars. Whilst convalescing from a war wound, Lieutenant Michell eloped with and married a