Another week of frigid air, snow and ice here in Central Indiana.  Therefore, I am going to take us on an adventure outside of the state.  In fact we are about to leave the country all together, so please put your trays and seats in their upright position and turn off all electronic devices (Except the one you are currently using to read this of course)!  We are landing in the warmer climate of Africa!

I’m excited to write about this weeks plant of the week, a living fossil and a wonderfully wild, highly resistant plant found in the Namibian desert.  Welwitschia mirabilis is a truly amazing specimen.  Being unique and I mean truly nothing else is quite like this plant, in my opinion makes it a true wonder of the plant kingdom.  Welwitschia mirabilis has only two leaves, just two, that elongate for its entire life span and eventually resemble something you may find on an alien planet.  These two leaves are attached to a short stocky stem that instead of growing up thickens with age.  Masters of the desert the Welwitschia mirabilis, or the Tree Tumbo, can survive for up to 5 years without water and are know to live from 500-1500 years.  Its specialized leaves help to collect dew from fog and funnel the water to its’ roots.  The plant has two separate sexes, a female and a male plant, and its pollen is most likely spread by an insect, romantic right?  I have also read that the plant is pretty tasty if cooked over hot ashes or eaten raw, give it a taste next time you visit the Namibian Desert and let me know if it’s true!

If you are as fascinated with Welwitschia as I am please read more HERE!  This has been a great source for me and a very interesting read on the plant.