Dustflower
Welwitschia exulis
Almost certianly related to Welwitschia mirabilis, a species originating in the Namib desert on Earth. Long, straight, kelp-like lfs. 15-20cm broad throughout tapering to a point only at distal end and growing to 1.5-2m in length, though many are often torn Lfs. without pedicels all green with streaks of red, radiating regularly from a central root node. Infl. of several many branched panicles growing to 30-40cm, usually below highest point of lfs. fls. composed of 3-5 mottled yellow-red organs occuring over root node only.
- Wild, Daymar
- Wild, Hurston
![](http://scflora.cmd.pm/entries/dustflower/dustflower.png)
Damage to leaves
Leaves appear to grow to a pointed tip but there is almost ubiquitously present tearing on the blades. We theorise this is due to wind damage.
![](http://scflora.cmd.pm/entries/dustflower/damaged.png)
![](http://scflora.cmd.pm/entries/dustflower/undamaged.png)
Root node and inflorescence detail.
![](http://scflora.cmd.pm/entries/dustflower/root_node.png)
Relation to Dustweed
Dustweed, initially assumed to be a seperate species of plant, is always found among dustflower and is now believed to be a part of the same plant, arising from adventitious roots.