Welwitschia mirabilis (tree tumbo)

Welwitschia mirabilis is the only member of the Welwitschiaceae family.

This succulent plant can live up to 1,500 years and is only found in a strip of land in the Namibia Desert comprising part of Namibia and Angola. It can survive on moisture from fog and dew.

It consists of 2 leaves that grow continuously, a stem base and roots. It is thought to be a relic from the Jurassic Period and it has changed very little since then.

Species detail

Taxonomy

Welwitschia mirabilis has only 2 leaves, but they are huge, growing up to 9m long. Find out more about the appearance of this unusual plant.
Distribution

Welwitschia mirabilis lives in arid conditions, and can withstand extreme temperature fluctuations. Discover more about this plant’s habitat, and how it relies on mist to survive.
Biology

This remarkable plant can live for up to 1,500 years. Discover how it reproduces.
The collector - Friedrich Martin Josef Welwitsch

This unique plant is fascinating in itself, but so is the reaction of the collector when he discovered it. Read on to find out more.
Conservation

Welwitschia mirabilis is endemic to Namibia and southern Angola and is well protected in its native range.
References

Get reference material for Welwitschia mirabilis.