Fenestraria rhopalophylla subspecies aurantiaca

Family: Aizoaceae
Distribution: Coastal Namib Desert, North- western Richtersveld
Images: Desert Plants

Previously known as Fenestraria aurantiaca, this is a real desert plant found in the coastal sand from Luderitz Bay to just south of the Orange River. It is an unusual species and well adapted to the harsh conditions of its environment.

Fenestraria rhopalophylla subspecies aurantiaca almost invisible under the sand with only the leaf tips exposed.

The leaves have transparant tips allowing sunlight to enter the plant. The elongated plant bodies are half - to completeley buried in the sand for maximum protection from the sun. Only the leaf tips are exposed to the sunlight.

Fenestraria rhopalophylla subspecies aurantiaca in flower.

The area receives regular morning mist which is the main contributor to the survival of the plants. The flowers are yellow.