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
Dustflower, Daymar (3.9.1)

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.

Detail of torn leaf end (3.9.1)
Detail of undamaged leaf end (3.9.1)

Root node and inflorescence detail.

Root node Detail (3.9.1)

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.