Page 14 - nov

indigenous

The Weird & the Wonderful
Plant collectors love the weird and bizarre,
and many species that grow naturally in
Botswana are highly sought after for their odd
shapes and growing habits. Dioscorea species,
Drimia intricata, Fockea multiflora, Piaranthus
sanguineana, and Ceropegia lugardiae, are just
some of the wonderfully bizarre indigenous
plants we have here in Botswana.
Many Dioscorea species (bottom left) are
critically endangered, prized for their medicinal
value, and by collectors for the odd looking
tubers. Fockea multiflora, or python vine (2nd
right) is commonly found twining around
trees, and is another ornamental succulent.
Drimia intricata (top right) is a fascinating plant
resembling packed onions with intricately
branched wiry stems, often found in dry rocky
areas. Piaranthus sanguineana, (bottom right) can
survive months without water and the succulents
shrivel up until the rains arrive, commonly
found around the base of Acacia trees. While
Ceropegia lugardiae (opposite page) is a vine with
an unusual tubular flower, and temporarily traps
insects for pollination. Text & Photos: by S C

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