Welwitschia mirabilis plant SECTION

The Welwitschia mirabilis has ADAPTED to the DESERT climate by developing a rare structure consisting of a short, thick trunk from which two long ribbon-shapped leaves are born, continually growing towards the ground.

Throughout their life, each of these plants only develops two protuberances, but they are divided into segments when they are hitten by the strong winds of the region.

To protect itself from the sun without dying in the attempt, the welwitschia mirabilis uses its long leaves, in fact, the longest in the plant kingdom. The surface of these structures covers the plant allowing it to live at temperatures at 65° C. It also keeps the soil where it grows cold and wet.