A slection of photos of succulents of the Knersvlakte in Namakwaland South Africa

1. Succulentsof theKnersvlakte(Part 1) By Wia Kotzé

2. This show is mostly for your enjoyment and to introduce you to the won-derfulsucculents of the Knersvlakte and Namak-waland. It is not an attemtp to provide botan-icalinformation. Where possible I will give the common names of the plants. The little plant seen on the left is called a “Crochet Flower”

3. Bababoudjies (Babies’ Bums)

5. The seed pods starting to close up and the plant dries out to protect the seeds during the hot summer months

6. Krapogies (Crab’s Eyes) Oophytumnanum

9. Seed pods – they close up when conditions become unfavourable for germination

10. A selection of succulents with seed pods in various stages

12. Soutslaai - Mesembryanthemum guerichianum

14. Vinger en duimpie – “Finger and thumb”These plants utilise every tiny drop of dew

16. Conophytum calculus - Albastertjies / dobbelsteentjies (marbles / dice). They shrivel up to cover and protect the seeds in dry conditions wrapping them in a papery shroud. The seed pods only open when it is wet and the tiny yellow aromatic flowers only open at night. They bloom between March – May - not in spring. The plants are only 2-3 cm tall and can from clusters of up to 40 or more little plants.

17. The End (of Succulents Part 1) Copyright Wia Kotze 2009

18. My Namakwaland shows My Namawaland series include: 1. The Knersvlakte 2.Succulents of Namakwaland Part 1 3. Succulents of Namakwaland Part 2 4. Spring in Namakwaland 5. The Quiver Tree Nursery and Vanrhynsdorp For more information contact me at: viawia01@gmail.com