Xerophyta elegans
Xerophyta elegans (Balf.) Baker
Xerophyta elegans is a member of the Velloziaceae family and is native to South Africa. It is found specifically in the Drakensberg Mountains of Mpumalanga province. The plant is evergreen and exhibits high tolerance to desiccation and extreme conditions, such as exposure to sulphuric acid. It can revive and resume photosynthesis when exposed to moisture. The species features long, leathery leaves and white, star-shaped flowers with yellow stamens. Its seeds are hooked, facilitating animal-assisted dispersal.
Description
Xerophyta elegans, formerly known as Talbotia elegans, is a plant species in the Velloziaceae family. It is endemic to South Africa and is restricted to the Drakensberg Mountains in Mpumalanga province. The plant shares characteristics with other members of its family, including a high resistance to drying out and the ability to recover and perform photosynthesis after rehydration. Its leaves are long and leathery, and it produces white, star-shaped flowers with yellow stamens. The seeds are uniquely hooked, which aids in their dispersal by animals. The species was first described in 1875 and is part of the Xerophyta genus.
Distribution
KwaZulu-Natal · Northern Provinces
Synonyms
Hypoxis barbacenioidesTalbotiopsis elegansTalbotia elegansVellozia talbotiiVellozia elegansXerophyta minutaBarbacenia elegansVellozia elegans var. minor