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.

Hessea stellaris occurs in arid landscape from about Loeriesfontein in the Northern Cape Province to Oudtshoorn in the Little Karoo.

These small bulbs are dormant during the summer months and start to produce their two thin dark green leaves in autumn. The bulbs flower during the middle of autumn in different shades of pink and the fleshy round seeds mature rapidly after flowering.

Propagation is from seed which germinates well, but growth is very slow.