Campylostachys cernua

Campylostachys cernua is an erect shrublet that may grow to 80 cm in height in favourable conditions. The one in picture was found growing in a tiny hollow on a rock in the Fernkloof Reserve, more than a metre above the ground level. It is surrounded by attractive lichen that also live on its rock. It clearly finds some good nutrients in these Spartan living conditions, judging from its healthy appearance. Some seeds that fall on the rock therefore also can persevere against heavy odds, or so it seems!

There are five sepals, but only four petals on these flowers. The stamens protrude conspicuously above the corolla to display light brown anthers. The leaves are narrow and erica-like, arranged in whorls. One source referred to another name for the plant, viz. Stilbe cernua (Per Kornhall in uu.diva-portal.org).

Both Bond and Goldblatt (1984) and Bean and Johns (2005) indicate the flowering season to be from November to March. This picture was, however, taken early in September, 2010. Plants and climate will do dances out of the ordinary.