Like its better known sibling D. elephantipes, this species is often difficult to find in the wild. This is not because the plants are small, but because they are usually hidden in rather dense vegetation. In the case of D. hemicrypta it is usually the bluish-green colour of the leaves that gives the plant away.
Hemicrypta refers to the half-underground caudex, which is taller than wide. The plants are found on dry stony slopes from the Richtersveld to the Little Karoo.
Pictures taken along the road from Calitzdorp to Matjiesvlei.
Nrs 3 and 4 show the same plant, growing on the roadside and therefore easily visible.
They sure look like an old, massive plants. Would be interesting to know the dimensions of the pictured plants.
Ag nee Frans die goed is volop. Het gister weer ‘n klomp gesien in Hekkieskloof!