Conophytum truncatum subsp. truncatum young and old juxtaposed

These Conophytum truncatum subsp. truncatum flowers are closed during daytime. They open mainly at night, exuding a faint scent that attracts certain moth species, their nocturnal pollinators.

The mound of leaves formed by the plant often hugs rock or lives in a crevice, facing away from north. This allows the plant to avoid at least some of the harsh direct sunlight. An opportunistic advantage such as being born near a shady shrub does much to alleviate summer conditions, optimising growth.

The position of a plant is never a chosen benefit, compared to an animal that may move into shade when it is hot. It copes with the luck of the draw for life or dies; the fate or fortune given when the seed germinates. The fortunate live well, the less so struggle to seed at least once before succumbing (Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2010; iSpot; www.plantzafrica.com).