Welwitschia

Question 1

who is this plant named after

Answer 1

Austrian botanist Dr. Friedrich Welwitsch,

Question 2

where does the Welwitschia grow

Answer 2

in isolated communities in the Namib Desert from central Namibia to southern Angola. The plants occur in a narrow fog belt 100 km to 150 km from the coast.

Question 3

is this plant endangered

Answer 3

Welwitschia’s are not endangered or rare but are protected by law because they are ancient and unique plants. They are ancient because mature plants can range between 500 to 600 years in age and it has been estimated that some larger individuals may be 2 000 years old.

Question 4

why is this plant unique?

Answer 4

Welwitschia is unique because they have two permanent leaves that grow continuously throughout the life of the plant. The leaves are leathery, broad and strap-shaped and they lie on the ground and become torn and tattered with age. The stem grows to about 500 mm (50cm) but can reach heights of more than 1 metre. The sexes are separate which means that plants have either male cones or female cones

Question 5

what pollinating agent do these plant use

Answer 5

Pollination is by insects.

Question 6

how does this plant receive water

Answer 6

Welwitschia is adapted to grow inaridconditions that haveregular fog. This fog forms at night when the cold air from the cold ocean meets the hot air from the desert. Welwitschia waters its roots with its broad, large leaves that droop downwards. Water condenses on the leaves and drips down into the soil. The plant also has a very longtaprootthat can reach underground water