Dracophilus dealbatus

Dracophilus dealbatus is a branched but compact dwarf succulent shrublet. The thickly succulent leaves grow erect in similar three-angled pairs, sometimes tending towards cylindrical shape. Leaf colouring on the finely textured, waxy surfaces is pale grey-green, sometimes pink at the leaf apex where a tiny protruding spiny tip may be just visible.

The woody, dry seed capsules seen here from last season’s flowers have twelve or thirteen locules. They are said to disintegrate soon once the seeds have been released.

The plants grow along the coast north and south of the Gariep River mouth. The habitat is sandy flats or stony ground, often in rocky crevices. In spite of its small geographical distribution the species is not considered to be threatened in its habitat early in the twenty first century (Smith, et al, 1998; http://redlist.sanbi.org).