Plants that shrink, hide and swell…
Plants in the Richtersveld have developed the most extraordinary adaptation strategies to the harsh climate. Some store water in large ‘bladder’ cells on the surface of their leaves or swell quickly when there is moisture, others stay underground in the form of bulbs, and others develop white scales to reflect the sun rays or grow tiny sticky hair to trap sand grains as a protection against the wind’
The unique ‘halfmens’ (Pachypodium namaquanum) and the endangered Baster Quiver Tree (Aloe pillansii) are conspicuous in the area, but one has to stop and look closely at the ground to see the myriad miniature succulents with the most surprising shapes and colours’ and even smartly camouflaged among the white quartzite pebble outcrops.
But what are succulents? The name comes from the Latin ‘succos’ meaning juice and denotes a group of plants that have evolved various ways to survive its hostile environment. They are able to store moisture in succulent tissue that occurs either in their leaves, stems or rootstock, and are well adapted to temperature extremes.
It is in the Richtersveld that the richest diversity of succulent flora in the world is found. Here, an exceptionally high diversity of succulents has evolved to fit the different micro-climates in inselbergs, sandy plains, quartz fields, shallow depressions, rock crevices, high mountain peaks, and steep gorges that compose the landscape.
Useful contacts
- Richtersveld National Park - Information Office
Contact this office to arrange activities in the National Park, including hiking, 4x4 and water sports.
- Community Conservancy administrative office
The administrative office for the Richtersveld Community Conservancy can arrange hiking, 4x4 driving, cycling and accommodation, as well as advise on the best route to take depending on your specific interests.
- Eksteenfontein Information Centre
The information centre takes bookings for Rooiberg, Kom Rus 'n Bietjie and the Community Conservancy. Can arrange a range of activities from hiking to cultural tours.
- Kuboes Cultural Groups
Johanna can arrange a variety of cultural events in the heartland of Nama culture
- Jakob Diergaardt
Local tour guide
- See the Nama Stap
Lena can arrange for visitors to see and parttake in a traditional Nama stap dance
- Horse riding or donkey cart trips
- Lekkersing Stone Mine
Visit a very unusual sandstone quarry.
- Lekkersing Municipal Office
A good first contact for the Lekkersing area, incl stone mine, the Nama stap, horse riding and camping.
- Sanddrift Information
Story telling, see the Nama stap or listen to the Basotho Stars sing. Guides to see the Petroglyphs.