Cephalophyllum tetrastichum

Described in 1989, this is still a species that is little known about.
It is only found in sand between rocks in the salt spray zone  of South Africa’s northwest coast (near Port Nolloth).
The leaves are trigonous*, placed in four rows (=tetrastichum) and often with a black cover, probably caused by a fungus.
As the flowering time is not mentioned in the literature, it may be of interest to know that the photos below were made in late August and early September.

trigonous = three-angled in cross-section

cephtetr-8sept2010-059

cephtetr-5sept2010-275

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2 thoughts on “Cephalophyllum tetrastichum”

  1. This is interesting. I have seen something very similar in the Karoo National Botanic Garden in Worcester, and in Logan’s Garden in Matjiesfontein in the past three weeks. I have posted on the blogsites and may pick up on this species in particular. I look forward to hearing from you.

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