Massonia bifolia

A room with a view always has its appeal, although temperature control may be lacking. This Massonia bifolia plant is spending life out of harm’s way up a lonely cliff in the Gifberg. Mostly in shade, it has no plant neighbours, only multicoloured rock where patches of lichen keep it company.

Success came from a tiny, early root discovering a crack, followed by patient use of mainly winter moisture, rock minerals and the minuscule quantities of dust and detritus becoming available up there, courtesy of the wind.

The result? Two substantial annual leaves and a glorious inflorescence to put envy into any Joneses that may be living on the flat ground below. Plant world does not stoop to petty reactions of that nature, but resilience does reap reward (Le Roux, et al, 2005; Bond and Goldblatt, 1984; iNaturalist).