Arctotis fastuosa

The Namaqualand spring flower spectacle is a festival participated in amply by Arctotis fastuosa. The great variety of species gives participation access to novice viewers for recognising and naming common plants via the broad swathes of these flowers covering the land in mono-colour splendour.

A. fastuosa is a case in point, a good species for beginners. It may flower across Namaqualand and the Richtersveld from midwinter to early spring on sandy and gravelly flats, opportunistically responding to rain. Visit for longer periods, return every year and the list of plant identities mastered will grow for those that persevere (www.plantzafrica.com).