Welwitschia is a genus of plants with a very unusual appearance. In this photograph, long, wide leaves spread across the sandy ground from one central point. They look a little like green ribbons. Some leaves are green and smooth, while others have dry brown edges. The middle of the plant is rough and dark. Around it, many small reddish, cone-like shapes rise on short stems. The sandy ground also has stones and pieces of wood, so the plant’s colors stand out clearly. Look closely at the leaves. Do they grow upward, or do they lie across the ground? Can you see where they all begin? The plant has a strong, almost sculptural shape. It does not look like a tall tree or a soft garden flower. Instead, it stays close to the ground and spreads outward. Welwitschia is a simple name for a plant that makes a surprising picture: one center, many long leaves, and bright reddish shapes.
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