Welwitschia

Tumboa (Eng.), Tweeblaarkanniedood (Afr.)

This evergreen perennial species is the sole member of the genus Welwitschia and is commonly referred to as Welwitschia, tree tumbo and also tweeblaarkanniedood in Afrikaans. It is categorised in the only genus in the order Welwitschiales and this order contains just one family, Welwitschiaceae. Thus the genus is termed monotypic as it contains just one species. Originating from desert regions in Angola and Namibia, this species possesses a large, but shallow taproot and fleshy, strap-shaped, leathery, grey-green foliage. Male and female cone-like flowers are produced on individual plants and this species is wind pollinated. However rarely does this plant flower in cultivation, most documented occurrences take place in botanic gardens with highly specialised plant care.