Eberlanzia schneideriana

Eberlanzia schneideriana is a spreading, leaf-succulent shrublet, occurring in the far north of the Richtersveld and the south of Namibia in a restricted distribution. In spite of the small setting within which the plant grows in nature, this remote area is still a safe home. The plant is not considered to be under threat in its habitat early in the twenty first century. 

Rock crevices in exposed terrain under relentless sun as seen here is the typical habitat. The photo conveys something of the desert ambience of the Richtersveld. 

This world is fortunately far enough and tough enough to be free from excessive droves of tourists. The types of people that do visit there come in two categories: Those that love nature in this, or all its forms, wanting to see the plants, animals and panoramas of a beautiful, lonely land; and those that love their SUV or four-track vehicles, wanting to test them in remote places and earn T-shirts. 

The smart ones from both categories go to the Richtersveld in early spring or late autumn to avoid the worst temperature extremes occurring there. Sometimes they succeed.

E. schneideriana branches much, some branches trailing, others are erect. The branches are pale and thin, becoming woody with age (Smith, et al, 1998; www.redlist.sanbi.org).

(There are more photos of and information about E. schneideriana in the Mesemb Album under Genera.)