Anacampseros papyracea subsp. namaensis

Anacampseros papyracea subsp. namaensis is a dwarf succulent with cylindrical whitish branches. A colloquial Afrikaans name of gansmis (goose droppings) plays on the resemblance with the branches lying on open ground. The central stem of A. papyracea subsp. namaensis is short, the erect or creeping branches becoming only 6 cm long and 1 cm in diameter.

The very noticeable leaf covering stipules have rounded tips and are tightly pressed against the pale yellow green stems. The protective cover provided by these stipules shield the stems and leaves against heat and dehydration, but also against winter cold.

The flowers grow at or near the stem tips. The five rounded, pale yellow petals open widely, but last for less than one hour. A ring of erect stamens topped with yellow anthers surrounds the (shorter) style with its white and fleshy, three-branched stigma. Flowers are so small and inconspicuous that they may go unnoticed. This is not a problem for the plant as it self-pollinates (Williamson, 2010; www.cactus-art.biz).