This blog is dedicated to plants from desert regions around the world as well as plants that have adapted to withstand arid conditions, but do not occur in real deserts. Many of the plants are found in arid semi-desert regions. There will be a greater emphasis on succulent plants, but others will also be included. This blog deals with desert plants of the Americas, Africa, Arabia and others. We are situated in South Africa and South African plants are likely to feature more dominantly. The pictures taken are from our private botanical desert garden at Leopoort near Oudtshoorn, from plants in nature, as well as other collections.

Eriospermum paradoxum is a member of an odd and unique genus that is mainly distributed in the desert and semi-desert areas of Sub-Saharan Africa.

Eriospermum paradoxum occurs in arid areas of South Africa.

The plants are winter growing with a freely rooting potato-like tuber. The enations (bifurcating protrusions) of the single leaf demonstrate the diversity in the genus and gives the appearance of a small Christmas tree.

In spring the leaf dies off, leaving the tuber to rest underground for the next season.

During autumn a raceme of white fragrant flowers is produced.

Cultivation of the plants is relatively easy. The tuber should be planted about a cm or 2 below the surface of a well drained soil. Water only very occasionally during the summer months and in winter only when the soil is dry. Propagation is by seed or by dividing the tuber.

Eriospermum paradoxum in habitat in the Little Karoo.

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Eriospermum paradoxum

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