Welwitschia mirabilis female Probergrothius sexpunctatis (red) P. angolensis (Distant, 1902) (yellow)
The voices of the past: a timeless anatomy
The Welwitschia mirabilis is not just a plant; it is an embodied geological chronicle. What makes it instantly recognizable and scientifically intriguing is its singular morphology. Throughout its entire existence, which can extend for over two millennia, it produces only two leaves. These thick, leathery leaves with an almost woody texture emerge from a stout, half-buried trunk that resembles a wooden disc. Unlike most plants, the Welwitschia's leaves grow continuously from their base without ever falling off. The incessant abrasion from the sand-laden wind and exposure to the sun shred and fragment them into numerous strips, creating the optical illusion of an intricate and untidy bush, but their two-leaf essence remains unchanged. This anatomical peculiarity makes it a unique entity in the plant kingdom and a precious relict of ancient evolutionary lineages.
detail fig. 2 Probergrothius sexpunctatis (Laporte, 1832).
The art of survival: the dance with the fog
The presence of the Welwitschia in one of the world's most arid deserts raises a fundamental question: how does it survive? The answer lies in a refined evolutionary strategy, a true dance with the climate. The Namib Desert, despite being almost completely without rain, is regularly enveloped in a dense coastal fog, generated by the meeting of humid air from the Atlantic Ocean and the cold Benguela Current. The Welwitschia has learned to exploit this vital resource. Its leaves are dotted with stomata (tiny openings) that open selectively during the night, when the air is cooler and saturated with moisture, to absorb condensed water from the fog. During the day, the stomata close tightly to minimize transpiration, conserving every precious drop. Complementing this strategy, an incredibly deep taproot, which can extend up to three meters, allows it to draw from subterranean water tables, ensuring a constant source of hydration. This ability to thrive where other life forms would perish makes the Welwitschia a model of ecological resilience.
Probergrothius sexpunctatis (Laporte, 1832).
A botanical enigma: from classification to reproduction
From a classification standpoint, the Welwitschia mirabilis is a true "outsider." While its unconventional appearance might suggest an affinity with succulents or monocots, it is a gymnosperm, related to pines, firs, and cycads. However, it is so unique that it is the only species in the genus Welwitschia and the family Welwitschiaceae. This phylogenetic isolation has fascinated and sometimes confused botanists for centuries, leading Charles Darwin to call it, with a mixture of wonder and admiration, the "platypus of the plant kingdom."
Its reproduction is also noteworthy. Contrary to the common belief that gymnosperms rely exclusively on wind for pollination, the Welwitschia has developed a more complex system. Wasps, Welwitschia bugs [Probergrothius sexpunctatis (Laporte, 1832)], and other insect species are attracted to the nectar produced by its cones, serving as vectors for the pollen. This interaction between plant and pollinator, rare for a gymnosperm, adds another layer of complexity to its life cycle and highlights its unique evolution.
detail fig. 2 Probergrothius angolensis (Distant, 1902).
Guardians of a heritage: the importance of conservation and respect
The Welwitschia mirabilis is not merely an object of scientific study; it is a powerful symbol of resilience and adaptation, deeply rooted in the culture of Namibia, where it is depicted on the national coat of arms. Local populations, such as the Herero people, called it onyanga (desert onion) and used the pith of the trunk as a food source during times of scarcity.
Given its longevity, extremely slow growth, and ecological specificity, the Welwitschia is particularly vulnerable. Climate change, by altering the delicate fog cycles, represents a significant threat to its future. Even tourism, if not managed with extreme caution and respect, can cause irreparable damage to the oldest and most fragile specimens. The Welwitschia mirabilis is a protected species in Namibia and Angola, but its preservation requires a global commitment.
Visiting the Namib Desert to admire the Welwitschia is not just a tourist excursion; it's an educational experience and an act of profound respect for nature. It requires awareness, following designated paths, and refraining from touching or damaging the plants. Each Welwitschia individual is a silent witness to millennia of our planet's history. Preserving them means safeguarding an irreplaceable part of Earth's biological and evolutionary heritage, an invitation to reflect on the tenacity of life and our responsibility to protect it.
P.J. Brokkies Breitenbach*, Guido Donati, Veronica Rocco
Bibliography
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Rocco V. Ago 2025 From a Poisonous Plant to a Potential Cancer Drug: The Toxin in the Damara Milk Bush Scienceonline
Rocco V. 08 Ago 2025 Euphorbia damarana: identificato l'euphol come principale responsabile della sua tossicità ma anche come potenziale agente antitumorale Scienzaonline
Von Willert, D. J., et al. (1985). "Water relations of Welwitschia mirabilis in the Namib Desert." Plant, Cell & Environment, 8(5), 349-354.
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** PJ Breitenbach +264818399685
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