Zygophyllum microcarpum

Zygophyllum microcarpum, previously known as Tetraena microcarpa and in Afrikaans commonly as ou-ooibos (old ewe bush), armoedsbossie (little poverty bush) or sandharpuis (sand resin), is a much-branched shrub that may exceed 1 m in height and also sprawls.

The species distribution is widespread, ranging from Namibia southwards to the Northern Cape and western Free State through the Karoo to the Little Karoo and into the Eastern Cape Karoo. The photo was taken north of the Swartberge at Bosch Luys Kloof.

The plant habitat is variable, semi-arid scrubveld, often along seasonal streamcourses and floodplains. The species is not considered to be threatened in its habitat early in the twenty first century (Shearing and Van Heerden, 2008; iSpot; www.redlist.sanbi.org).