Schlechteranthus albiflorus

Schlechteranthus albiflorus, previously scientifically Polymita albiflora, is a robust, hairless shrub that branches much, reaching 40 cm in height. The plant bears white flowers with long, thin petals. the previous generic name, Polymita is derived from the Greek words poly meaning many and mita meaning small petals.

The flowers, 2 cm in diameter, occur solitary or in clusters. Five fleshy sepals enclose the flower base. The stamens in the flower centre curve in, surrounded and concealed by four whorls of numerous white, filamentous staminodes, i.e. infertile stamens lacking anthers. The scented flowers open in daylight and close at night. Flowering happens in late spring.

The species is endemic to the Northern Cape where the plants are found widespread in Namaqualand from the Kamiesberg to Steinkopf. The photo was taken at Goegap.

The plants grow in Nama and succulent Karoo habitat as well as in fynbos in crevices on quartzite slopes and shallow pockets of granitic soil. The species is not considered to be threatened in its habitat early in the twenty first century (Smith, et al, 1998; Herre, 1971; iNaturalist; http://redlist.sanbi.org).