Welwitschia

Welwitschia

This picture shows the most peculiar of the Gnetophyte species Welwitschia which grows in Africa's Namib desert. The seed of Welwitschia germinates to produce two large leaves on a short thick stem. These strap-like leaves are permanent and go on growing from the base for as much as 2000 years. A long tap root enables this strange plant to exist in desert conditions. [CH] {EN}