Prepodesma orpenii

This pretty but uncommon vygie of the Kuruman area in the Northern Cape knows all about desert life. Extreme temperatures, low rainfall and sparse vegetation among rocks and sand characterise its habitat. Prepodesma orpenii tends to form a small mat from a short, hidden stem. The rootstock, though inconspicuous, reaches deeply underground for what little moisture may be accessed.

Cowling and Pierce (1999, p.146) write the following about their treasured spot on the Namaqualand coast:

“‘Our’ Vygie Point is part of the proposed coastal park, and in the not-too-distant future we will have to book, pay and stay in demarcated zones.”

Can something be done about keeping the beauty in the remaining remote desert spots of southern Africa? Only if we learn much more respect for nature than humanity has now. Enough respect to limit our inexorable expansion of facilities for supporting human needs, by curtailing our population growth. Otherwise every generation will make small, well-considered concessions in prevailing circumstances to the inevitable until nature is history (Smith, et al, 1998; iSpot; www.llifle.com).

(Also see the entries on this species in the Mesemb Album under Types.)