Othonna perfoliata tuber

The tuberous rootstock of Othonna perfoliata in picture is about globose. Its woody covering is thin and patchy. A wire-like stem grows from a smaller, lateral body, maybe protruding, maybe separate from the main body.

Whether this rootstock was exposed by water washing the covering soil away or from the digging of some animal is unknown. The photo was taken on the Minwater farm near Oudtshoorn.

Most of the tuberous Othonna species occur in the winter rainfall region. Othonna tubers are normally positioned about 1 cm below ground (Manning, 2007; Leistner, (Ed.), 2000; https://www.pacificbulbsociety.org).