Angola: Northern Namibe – Cyphostemma Uter

And last but definitely not least – here is another super bizarre plant – Cyphostemma Uter. Unlike Welwitchia, this desert tree is very little known and is endemic to only a small area in southwestern Angola. It’s a tree only reaching about 1-1.5 (5ft) tall, but its bottle-like trunk can be 2 ft (65cm) wide. They look otherworldly, gnarly, and strange! The fat trunk is called caudex and it can store water during the dry season. Additionally, the tree can shed leaves to further conserve water during the high heat season. It grows on stony, rocky soils and slopes that always face full sunlight. It is very slow growing. Locals call it “mutineers”. Interestingly, it is a relative of grapes, as red berries do look somewhat similar. Apparently it is highly prized by succulent collected and bonsai enthusiasts and is extremely difficult to cultivate. But here in Angola it thrives! Oh, and we also saw a poisonous snake!!