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Plants of the Namib Desert
Plants of the Namib Desert. Located in the country of Namibia in South Africa, the Namib Desert stretches over 1,200 square miles along the coastline, according to the Encyclopedia Britannica. Generally considered to be one of the oldest deserts of the world, the Namib Desert contains a wide variety of plant life. Plants include the unusual-looking...
Located in the country of Namibia in South Africa, the Namib Desert stretches over 1,200 square miles along the coastline, according to the Encyclopedia Britannica. Generally considered to be one of the oldest deserts of the world, the Namib Desert contains a wide variety of plant life. Plants include the unusual-looking welwitschia plant, which resembles a small wilted shrub.
Halfmens Plant
When it reaches its full height, the halfmens plant can be mistaken for a small tree. In the Namib Desert, this plant is also easily mistaken for a human being from a distance--which explains why its African name means "semi-human" when translated to English. According to PlantzAfrica.com, the halfmens plant can grow up to 16 feet. It boasts yellow and red flowers between the months of July and September, when it is in full bloom.
Welwitschia Mirabilis
Consisting of just two main leaves that spread out over the Namib desert, the welwitschia mirabilis plant can grow up to six feet high and around 24 feet in total width, according to Conifers.org. This plant looks like it is wilting almost as soon as it begins to sprout its leaves because the leaves hang very low to the ground. It also has a malnourished appearance because the leaves have a brown coloring.
Lichens
Drawing moisture from fog areas on west-facing slopes in the Namib desert, the lichen is the most common plant in this vast desert region of Southern Africa. Providing food sustenance for invertebrates living in the Namib Desert, the lichen plant grows very slowly but also stabilizes soil erosion with its deep roots. Since some of the lichens in the Namib desert are brightly colored, visitors gather up the orange-colored plants and take them home on a regular basis.
Kokerboom
The Kokerboom plant features smooth branches containing a light powder that reflects sunlight. During the months of June and July, the kokerboom boasts blue leaves that bloom to its fullest extent. It can grow up to 22 feet and is definitely the largest plant in this desert region. According to AndersonAfrica.com, the kokerboom features the ability to store water in its stems and leaf areas.
