Hereroa glenensis consorting with grass

Grass can become a welcome companion when rock appears to be everywhere. Hereroa glenensis is proving its ability here to produce many flowers in season under seemingly dire conditions.

An observer might base a conclusion of meagre resources on very different specific needs than the plant’s requirements. Changing tack, when realising the plant’s resilience, the pendulum can swing to a conviction that this plant lives on nothing. Also wrong!

Try transplanting a strong grower like this in alien climate and unsuitable soil, and nothing works. The rarer the species, the costlier the experimentation by amateurs who should let nature be, as long as they lack the necessary skills.