Being fined NT$2.3 million for digging up "succulents", just take a look at this kingdom of succulents!!!

When we mention the desert, the first thing that comes to mind is the desolate scene of "the desert is filled with smoke and few people". Generally speaking, in desert areas with very little precipitation, the harsh environment makes it difficult for ordinary animals and plants to survive. However, in the northwest corner of South Africa, there is such a magical land - Namaqualand, which is the only biodiverse arid area on the earth. At certain times, it will become a secret garden with "flowers blooming and dazzling".

1. This is a sea of ​​desert flowers

In March and April, when the desert is still silent, after a heavy rain, Brunsvigia Bosmaniae blooms first. It can be found in the vast plains, on the gentle slopes with exposed rocks, and in the sandy land along the coast. Brunsvigia Bosmaniae is a member of the Amaryllidaceae family and a bulbous flower. It is named because its flowers are round like lampstands. Brunsvigia Bosmaniae flowers first and leaves later. Its inflorescence type is umbel, which consists of 20 to 40 flowers. It is very dense, and the red flowers make up the earth with a gorgeous makeup.

Source: Baidu Encyclopedia

The flowering period of the lily of the valley is very short. After the flowers wither, they begin to produce seeds. The seeds are wrapped in the inflorescence. When the seeds mature, the flower heads also become dry. When strong winds blow, the flower stems are broken, and the flower heads roll on the ground with the wind. The seeds fall out of the inflorescence. When the climate is suitable, the seeds will germinate quickly, and a new life journey begins.

Source: naturepl.com

From August to September, Namaqualand is a land of flowers in full bloom. The dry, cold land is covered with bright orange, yellow and pure white wildflowers. During this period of vigorous reproduction, many bees, butterflies and beetles serve as pollinators for the plants. A variety of daisies, violets, geraniums, daylilies and gladiolus bloom here, and Namaqualand has become a world-famous flower-viewing destination during this period. Unfortunately, the beauty only lasts for two months or even less. When the dry season comes, the heat and drought will return the place to silence.

Source: pixabay

2. This is also a paradise for succulents

The average annual rainfall in the Namaqualand region is only about 150 mm, and in some areas the average annual rainfall is even less than 50 mm. However, surprisingly, this arid land feeds many animals and plants. Therefore, it is also an important part of the Succulent Karoo, one of the 35 biodiversity hotspots in the world. In recent years, succulents have become a favorite of gardening enthusiasts, and the Namaqualand region is the most important distribution area for succulents, with more than 1,000 wild succulents of various shapes living here.

Namaqualand has the largest number of Aizoaceae succulents in the world. Their leaves are fleshy to varying degrees, and most of them are thick. This is to use the nutritional organs to store a large amount of water in the rainy season to meet the growth needs in the dry season. Dactylopsis digitata of the genus Dactylopsis is a typical representative. Its leaves are like thick fingers and are emerald green, so it is also called finger jade. The flowers of Dactylopsis digitata are white and the petals are slender. In the dry summer, Dactylopsis digitata enters a deep dormant state. In order to reduce energy loss, the fleshy leaves will dry up and its size will shrink to the size of a lump.

Source: Sohu

Anacampseros quinaria is a perennial rhizome succulent plant with irregular rhizomes that are half buried in the ground and topped with clusters of tiny branches 1 to 3 cm high. The flowers of Anacampseros quinaria are shaped like plum blossoms and are about 2 cm in diameter. They can be divided into two subspecies based on flower color. The white flower Anacampseros quinaria ssp. alstonii has white or pink flowers, while the red flower Anacampseros quinaria ssp. quinaria has purple-red flowers.

Source: Baidu Encyclopedia

Source: A shopping website

There are many species of succulents in the genus Crassula L. of the Crassulaceae family, and the most densely distributed in the Namaqualand region. The various varieties have various shapes and many have bright flowers. The leaves of Crassula namaquensis ssp. comptonii are very small, about 4 to 15 mm long, covered with small white thorns; its pedicels are about 15 to 50 mm long, and the flowers are mostly yellow. The leaves of Crassula mesembrianthemopsis are very thick, gray-green, and are closely arranged in a rosette shape so that the plant diameter does not exceed 6 cm; the flowers are milky white, usually a dozen or so are gathered in a cluster.

Kang Rabbit

Source: Baidu Encyclopedia

Source of Duxing｜Baidu Encyclopedia

If you have the opportunity to go to Namaqualand National Park, please suppress your excitement and just enjoy it quietly. Do not steal succulents, as this will not only lead to legal sanctions, but will also affect local plant diversity. According to media reports, in 2020, two foreign citizens were fined 5 million rand (about 2.3 million yuan) by the South African police for illegally possessing 60,000 succulent cones.

3. Why are the plants here so rich and unique?

Since its emergence into human consciousness, Namaqualand has been one of the most special places in the world and one of the most unusual deserts on Earth. Many people consider the rich plant life and "limited gardens" here to be a natural wonder of the world. So, what gives this desolate, arid desert area its magical power?

This is related to the geographical location of Namaqualand. The area borders the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and there is a cold current passing along the coast, which causes a significant drop in temperature. Therefore, water vapor from the ocean easily condenses into fog, and there are more than 100 foggy days a year. In addition, the area has mostly sunny weather, with rapid temperature rises during the day and rapid temperature drops at night, so there is a large temperature difference between day and night, and more dew in the morning. The moisture carried by these fogs and dew has become the "nectar" for the growth of plants in arid areas.

Namaqualand's location

At the same time, Namaqualand has three major buffs. First of all, Namaqualand has distinct dry and wet seasons, and the time for plant growth and reproduction is very short. Under such strict time constraints, plants can only continue to reproduce here by constantly evolving and mutating. Secondly, the Namaqualand Desert was formed early, and the plants here have evolved for a long time, so the species are rich. Finally, Namaqualand has rich topography, including plains, hills, slopes, and deserts. There are both gravel areas rich in iron and manganese, and sandy loam areas dominated by sand, providing plants with a variety of choices. Therefore, this place has become a magical place that countless people dream of, and it is the miracle garden that everyone pursues.

The plants here have been thriving for many years before humans set foot on this land. They grow tenaciously in the harsh natural environment, and this tenacity adds to their beauty.