Trachyandra divaricata styled by the wind

A short stay on the beach with umbrella, sunglasses and sunblock can be a lovely experience enjoyed by many people. Being stuck on an exposed beach for life is a different story, but not for a beach plant!

The almost singular direction in which these panicles of ripening fruit are pointing in January, tells a story about persistence of the summers south-easter wind on this Cape Agulhas beach. The stalks not pushed in the general direction (appearing older), may have grown sturdy during a less windy period; flowering lasts for several months from midwinter into spring.

Pelted by blown grains of sand continually for days (and nights) on end means the skins on the leaves, stems and fruits have to be resilient. The healthy appearance of the shiny green leaves, let alone the number of fruits produced, is an indication of a well adjusted plant. There are ample resources stored in its fleshy, swollen roots for flourishing by the sea.