Amphibolia rupis-arcuatae

Amphibolia rupis-arcuatae is a Lampranthus-like shrubby mesemb, one of six Amphibolia species. The sprawling shrub branches profusely, the leafy stems rigid.

Amphibolia capsules have valve wings resembling Lampranthus species and closing bodies like those of Ruschia plants. The generic name, Amphibolia is a Greek word meaning uncertainty or doubt.

The leaves may dry out early, being near the newest growth at the stem tip, remaining marcescent on the whitish stems.

The plants are found in the west of Northern Cape in Namaqualand and southern Namibia.

They grow in sandy soil in arid winter rain terrain. The species is not considered threatened in habitat early in the twenty first century (Smith, et al, 1998; Herre, 1971; iNaturalist; iSpot; http://redlist.sanbi.org).