Welwitschia Facts

Welwitschia belongs to the gymnosperm group. Because of its unique characteristics, botanists classified Welwitschia in a distinct family called Welwitschiaceae, which contains no other species.

This unusual plant is found only in the Namib Desert, located in Namibia and Angola. Sometimes, it is referred to as a Living Fossil because it has been on the planet for millions of years. Unfortunately, Welwitschia is prone to fungal diseases, and desert animals often target it. Fortunately, this plant remains abundant in the wild and is not listed as endangered.

Interesting Facts

• Welwitschia consists of a stem, two leaves, and roots. This plant usually grows 20 inches (50 cm) in height and 6.6 feet (2 m) in length. Larger plants are often seen in areas with rare rainfall.
• The largest recorded specimen reached 6 feet (1.8 m) in height and 28 feet (8.5 m) in length.

• Welwitschia has a short, firm, woody stem without branches. The stem is hollow and shaped like an inverted cone.
• Welwitschia develops two leaves that grow continually throughout the plant's whole life. Leaves are broad, leathery, and belt-shaped.
• After decades of exposure to harsh weather, strong winds, and the constant abrasion of sandy ground, the leaves become frayed and resemble a bunch of worn-out ribbons.
• Welwitschia has a long taproot that can reach water hidden deep underground. However, because of limited rain and available water, the plant absorbs most of its water from fog and dew.
• Welwitschia is a dioecious plant, meaning each plant develops either male or female reproductive organs. Male plants produce salmon-colored cones, while female plants produce larger bluish-green cones.
• Flowering takes place from summer to autumn. Both male and female plants produce large quantities of nectar, which attracts wasps, tree bugs, and flies, thereby ensuring pollination.
• Female cones reach maturity nine months after fertilization. As female cones degrade, they release seeds. The seed has wings that help it disperse by wind.
• Seeds can remain viable (able to germinate) during an extended period. However, successful germination requires heavy rains. As a result, only a small number of seeds will germinate. The rest are lost to fungal diseases and to desert animals.
• Antelopes and rhinos eat leaves and soft stem parts to obtain water. The damaged plant usually recovers.
• Welwitschia is also known as the Onion of the Desert because indigenous people eat the plant's core. It can be eaten raw or as part of a cooked meal.
• Welwitschia is an ancient plant. It originated in the Jurassic period, when gymnosperms were the most dominant plants on Earth.
• Although it may seem challenging, you can easily cultivate it as a houseplant.
• Welwitschia usually lives from 300 to 500 years in the wild. However, some plants can survive for over 2000 years.

Source: softschools.com

Links

• Back to genus Welwitschia
• Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus

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