Monsonia flavescens

Monsonia flavescens is a short-stemmed, winter-growing shrublet branching from near the base. The plant reaches 40 cm in height, its roots not thickened. The brittle stems are semi-erect, rigid and fleshy. They are covered in thick, somewhat translucent, waxy, yellow-grey bark. The flammable bark can even be used to start a fire when it is wet.

There is a long-stalked, erect flower in the photo, consisting only of a yellow, five-pointed stigma and five sepals, its petals already departed. Some droopy buds with pointed tips protrude from among the foliage.

The species distribution is restricted to a part of the Richtersveld close to the Gariep River from Witputs in Namibia to Kubus in the Northern Cape.

The plant grows on lower rocky slopes and outcrops in arid conditions. The species is considered to be vulnerable in its habitat early in the twenty first century, due to habitat degradation. The degradation of the veld is primarily caused by trampling from free-ranging livestock, particularly goats that are excessive in number in the region. Off-road driving contributes to the degradation (Williamson, 2010; iNaturalist; www.llifle.com; http://redlist.sanbi.org).