Welwitschia

Welwitschia is a unique gymnosperm in the genus Welwitschia and the family Welwitschiaceae, order Gnetales. It is represented by a single living species, Welwitschia mirabilis, and is endemic to the cool, fog-laden coastal deserts of Namibia and southern Angola. The plant is famous for its unusual morphology rather than its size, with a short underground trunk and only two evergreen, strap-shaped leaves that grow throughout its life.

Morphology and growth: Welwitschia has two perpetually growing leaves that can reach extreme lengths and gradually split and fray at the tips. The leaves encircle a basal, woody root crown rather than a tall trunk. The species is dioecious, producing male pollen cones on some plants and a large female seed cone on others.

Ecology and adaptations: The plant is highly adapted to extreme aridity. It relies on fog and dew for much of its water, and its leaves efficiently capture moisture from the atmosphere. The shallow but extensive root system anchors the plant and accesses groundwater where available. Growth is very slow, and individuals can live for centuries to millennia.

Distribution and habitat: Welwitschia mirabilis is naturally found in the Namib Desert, typically on gravelly plains and dune slopes within a few kilometers of the Atlantic coast. Its microhabitats are patchy and depend on local fog patterns.

Conservation and cultivation: The species is notable and vulnerable to environmental change and habitat disturbance. It is protected within protected areas and in botanical gardens, though ex situ cultivation remains challenging due to its slow growth and specific habitat needs.

Etymology: The genus name honors Friedrich Welwitsch, who discovered the plant; mirabilis means remarkable or wonderful.