Euphorbia gariepina subsp. gariepina

The habitat of Euphoria gariepina subsp. gariepina is arid land close to the Gariep River in the Richtersveld and Bushmanland to the east of it. The many branched stems hold resources for the long uncomfortable waiting seasons when rest and preparation are the only options. When respite with its signal for action comes in the form of rain and more forgiving temperatures, a vigorous response follows from each plant that lived through the hardship intact: Strong growth, flowering, seeding and dispersal of each seed into its own randomly determined percentage game of survival, is acted out annually in the timeless drama of life.

But harsh land is also daunting to the opposition, be they plants, animals or humans! Many other plants that ostensibly live an easier life in comfortable surroundings are more threatened, due to the pervasive presence of competitors, vying for the space and resources. This Euphorbia species is not thought to be threatened early in the 21st century, as its population is currently stable.