Khadia acutipetala

Khadia acutipetala or khadi root is a dwarf succulent with trailing branches arising from a thickened rootstock. The root has been used in local beer brewing by indigenous South African people in the land north of the Vaal River, the plants distribution area. The generic name originates from this practice. The signs of acute petals are not overly convincing. They appear oblong with mild attenuation. The genus is said to be in need of reworking.

Khadi root leaves are pale green to grey green with a mottled, rough looking surface. The plant forms a small mat of many narrow triangular leaves with sharp tips. The flowers are pinkish purple, fluffy looking with cream coloured centres. The initially neat staminode cone in the flower centre relaxes to an unkempt hairy appearance in older flowers.

Summer is flowering time. This flowering specimen was photographed in November, so flowers may be expected a little earlier as well. 

The plant grows in grassland at altitudes above 1400 m (Smith, et al, 1998).