9 Bewildering African Plants

We sincerely hope that you enjoy this article regarding 9 Bewildering African Plants. Each has an amazing story behind it, and earns its spot on this list. However, and quite naturally, the qualities that qualify them vary, in some cases significantly. But this is how it should be, to give you a brief glimpse, however small, of how remarkable Nature in this part of the world truly is.

Bee Orchid

Bee Orchid Facts

• Leading off this list of 9 Bewildering African Plants is the remarkably evolved, yet appropriately-named, Bee Orchid.
• Firstly, the term represents the common name for this mesmerizing species. The surprising shaped small perennial also forms a herbaceous plant in the family Orchidaceae. 
• Rather unsurprisingly, the plant draws its common name from its distinctive appearance. That occurs because of, to many, the resemblance of the blooms to a comically smiling large bee.
• Further, it remains unique to its particular genus in that it is almost entirely self-pollinating.
• Finally, the IUCN does not yet have a listing for this species on its Red List of Threatened Species.

Bee Orchid Physical Description

Most notably, the best-known feature of the amazing Bee Orchid remains its unique appearance. That, obviously, is its extremely close resemblance to a bee, albeit a quite large one.

Further, the sincerely fabulous plant often grows as tall as 20 in (50 cm). In addition, it typically blooms from mid-April until July. It also produces a wide range of a number of blooms.

Also, this number usually ranges from a total of 1-12 flowers. Finally, the blooms also range in color from white to pink.

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Phylum: Angiosperms
• Class: Monocots
• Order: Asparagales
• Family: Orchidaceae
• Genus: Ophrys
• Species: O. apifera

Bee Orchid Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The fascinatingly evolved Bee Orchid also prefers a rather temperate climate. Additionally, the stunning species evolved as endemic to a wide range, extending through much of Europe.

Furthermore, the remarkable plant most commonly grows on semi-dry turf. That most often includes grasslands, on limestone, open areas of woodlands, or calcareous soils, in either dim or bright light.

This plant species appears to be quite widespread across central and southern Europe. Yet, it appears as well in both northern Africa and the Middle East.

Unlike most flowers, this flower actually grows throughout the winter. The orchid varieties found in the most northern distribution have adapted, however. These produce a scent that mimics the scent of female bees. This draws male bees in and provides pollination.

Hydnora africana

Hydnora africana Facts

• Our second choice among these 9 Bewildering African Plants is the seemingly otherworldy Hydnora africana.
• Firstly, this amazing product of evolution represents an achlorophyllous plant endemic to a rather restricted habitat range. This marvel of Nature also remains a quite highly specialized parasitic species.
• It attaches itself exclusively to the Euphorbia plant. Yet the parasitic plant itself grows underground. Only the flower of the plant emerges from beneath the soil.
• The flower also emits a rather strong odor reminiscent of dung. This attracts the natural pollinators of the Hydnora africana. 
• Further, these pollinators primarily consist of carrion beetles and dung beetles. Because of its unique shape, they become temporarily trapped within it, allowing pollen to be deposited.

Hydnora africana Physical Description

Most notably, the flower of the Hydnora africana is tubular, with three sides. These start out connected at their tips. Their inner flesh is also a deep orange in color. The outside of the flower ranges from light to dark brown in color.

The texture is a rather strange, thick, scaly one. The three sides also remain connected by thin, white, thread-like structures. The inner layers of the Hydnora africana flower also develop lined with many fine hairs. These also keep the beetles attracted to the flower from escaping too quickly.

Therefore, the  longer they remain, the more pollen that attaches to their bodies. This quite naturally increases the chances of pollination when the insects visit other plants, as a result.

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Phylum: Angiosperms
• Class: Magnoliids
• Order: Piperales
• Family: Aristolochiaceae
• Genus: Hydnora
• Species: H. africana

Hydnora africana Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

First of all, the name of the truly astonishing Hydnora africana implies much. As this insinuates, it only inhabits rather specific and sparsely populated regions of southern Africa. 

Given its parasitic nature, the plant also only inhabits regions where Euphorbia can be found. This therefore includes dry and semi-dry areas and also certain coastal thickets.

Further, this most commonly includes Little Karoo, Succulent Karoo, Eastern Cape Karoo. However, it also includes the dry coastal thickets between KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.

Harlequin Flower

Harlequin Flower Facts

• The third of our selections of 9 Bewildering African Plants is the remarkable on named the Harlequin Flower.
• Most notably, this stunning species possesses a most unusual pattern of colors. Consequently, this makes it readily distinguishable from other plants within its endemic range.
• While that endemic range remains quite restricted, its distinctiveness  led to its being a popular import. Therefore, it has become established in small locations outside of its native region.
• Further, it became common to portions of the United States. As a result, it now grows wild in certain portions of California.
• In addition, the Red List of South African Plants lists this gorgeous species as Vulnerable. This occurs because of its native range, restricted, to begin with, now faces the threat of habitat destruction.

Harlequin Flower Physical Description

It’s worth noting that the gorgeous Harlequin Flower ranks as a small flower species. This happens because the long, thin stems of the flower average 12-14 in (30.5-35.5 cm) in height.

Further, its leaves typically display a pale green color and a highly tapered shape, as well. In addition, the marvelous blooms themselves usually average 3.25 in (8 cm) in diameter.

Yet its color patterns present the greatest surprise. That’s because the outer edges of each petal display a bright orange or red. Meanwhile, the inner portion presents a bright yellow. A thin black border also separates the two sections of the petals.

Finally, a short funnel-shaped tube also sits at the center of each delicate bloom.

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Phylum: Tracheophyta
• Class: Magnoliopsida
• Order: Liliales
• Family: Iridaceae
• Genus: Sparaxis
• Species: Sparaxis tricolor

Harlequin Flower Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Firstly, the rather remarkable, as well as beautiful, Harlequin Flower has a limited natural range. It only appears naturally in portions of southern Africa, and even there it remains quite scarce.

Secondly, the marvelous plant also evolved to a very specific type of habitat. Therefore, the species requires rather warm conditions, as well as very well-drained soil placed in sunny areas.

Further, in portions of the state of California, it escaped cultivation, after being imported as a garden plant. Due to this, scattered populations of the plant now exist in various portions of the region.\

Elephant Foot Yam

Elephant Foot Yam Facts

• The next item on our list of 9 Bewildering African Plants is the physically impressive Elephant Foot Yam.
• Above all, the surprising plant ranks as perhaps the most foul-smelling of all known food crops. Yet despite its powerful aroma, considered putrid by most, it is a popular food crop in some regions of the world. However, its area of distribution remains limited and continues to shrink for various reasons including habitat loss and climate change.
• In addition to its edibility, if one can get past the aroma, parts of the plant possess numerous medicinal applications. In India, it still remains popular in all three of the major medical systems: Siddha, Ayurveda, and Unani. Unlike most plants useful in both cuisine and medicine, the same part, in this case, the corm, serves both functions.
• The exact origin of the common name is a mystery, yet many people believe it derives from its sheer size. The corm forms the edible portion of the plant and may weigh as much as 55 lb (25 kg). The corm itself grows underground, leaving only the leaves, berries, and the unpleasant smelling inflorescence above the ground.

Elephant Foot Yam Physical Description

While opinions vary, the edible portion of the Elephant Foot Yam may be the largest and heaviest of any plant on earth. The subterranean growing corm averages 19.8 lb (9 kg), yet may weigh nearly 3 times as much.

The species also rank as unusual for yet another reason. That’s because the species, which holds the classification as an herb, may grow as either an annual, a biennial, or a perennial.

The leaves grow to a length of only 20 in (50 cm) and have an ovoid shape. While the leaves grow short, the inflorescence averages a height of more than 6 ft (2 m). When ripe, the berries display a bright red color and have an ovoid shape similar to the leaves.

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Phylum: Angiosperms
• Class: Monocots
• Order: Alismatales
• Family: Araceae
• Genus: Amorphophallus
• Species: A. paeoniifolius

Elephant Foot Yam Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The unusual Elephant Foot Yam grows natively in a hot and highly specific range. That range includes India, Asia, Africa, and certain tropical Pacific islands. Given its range, the species evolved to inhabit a hot and wet climate.

The tropical species reproduces via the same tuber that man uses for food and medicine. However, the plant requires between 3 and 4 years before the corm develops enough to be either consumed or used for medicine.

Its use as a food crop varies by region, yet the most common methods include boiling and frying. Its medicinal uses also vary by region but include treatments for various forms of respiratory distress.

Various chemical compounds in the plant also show promise for treating a wide range of other ailments. These include dysentery, joint inflammation, and abdominal pain. Research also continues into other possible uses.

Lantana

Lantana Facts

• The fifth of our 9 Bewildering African Plants is the highly varied, but always gorgeous and colorful, Lantana.
• Firstly, Lantana serves as the collective name of a large family of stunning flowering plants. Furthermore, the family contains roughly 150 species, all of which classify as perennials.
• Most notably, the members of the large group all evolved in a certain portion of the world. Human actions have, however, introduced many of the plants to other regions of the world.
• Yet, certain types of this plant are quite invasive since most varieties spread rapidly. Furthermore, many experts rate their natural growth rate as absolutely remarkable.
• Finally, the leaves remain toxic to most animals, But, one of the few mammals capable of feeding upon them is the Swamp Wallaby. Animal foraging, therefore, does not slow the spreading of the seeds.

Lantana Physical Description

Most notably, and quite distinctively, the various forms of Lantana include both shrubs and trees. So naturally, physical appearances and descriptions vary among species, sometimes significantly.

But, certain factors remain constant. Firstly, these herbaceous plants range in height from 1.6-6.6 ft (0.5-2 m). They also grow in a variety of colors which include bright orange, red, yellow, white, and blue.

Further, and interestingly, the blooms themselves generally change color as they mature. As a result, the inflorescences often display two or sometimes even three different colors simultaneously.

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Phylum: Angiosperms
• Class: Eudicots
• Order: Lamiales
• Family: Verbenaceae
• Genus: Lantana

Lantana Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Many of the different forms of the marvelous Lantana evolved as endemic to Africa. However, the rest of them developed naturally in the more tropical regions of North and South America.

Given its quite wide distribution, it therefore thrives in a variety of habitat types. But, most of these include temperate forests, coastal regions, tropical forests, and also mountainous regions.

Also,some birds prefer to use the flower in decorating their nests. In these species, the male who provides the most colorful nest is the one most suitable for mating. Therefore, the dazzlingly colorful Lantana is a plant valuable to the preservation of several bird species.

Finally, many types of birds consider the fruits to be a delicacy. So, naturally, they feed on the fruit and spread the seeds.

Waterwheel Plant

Waterhweel Plant Facts

• Coming next in this compendium of 9 Bewildering African Plants is the incredible species known as the Waterwheel Plant.
• The term serves as the common name for the rather remarkable Aldrovanda Vesiculosa. The species also remains a truly extraordinary carnivorous plant.
• Genetically, this rather surprising species actually holds appears to be related to the Venus Flytrap. This fascinating plant species, however, is fully aquatic and entirely free-floating.
• The name derives from the fact that the whorls are around a central, free-floating stem. Despite its aquatic nature, it represents one of the few carnivorous plants capable of rapid movement.

Waterwheel Plant Physical Description

The rather fascinating Waterwheel Plant has a physical appearance distinct from other carnivorous plants. Given its aquatic nature, this does not surprise scientists. However, some things about the species do.

This greenish, rootless aquatic plant actually consists of free-floating stems. These sometimes attain a length of as much as 16 in (40 cm). However, most remain much smaller.

The trap itself also develops quite small. It averages a width of only 0.12 in (3 mm). These grow in whorls numbering between 5 – 9 in a close grouping along the stem.

The underwater traps actually consist of two separate lobes, lined with fine hairs. These trigger the trapping reflex upon touch. The plant feeds on small aquatic invertebrates. When activated, the traps close within 10-20 milliseconds.

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Phylum: Angiosperms
• Class: Eudicots
• Order: Caryophyllales
• Family: Droceraceae
• Genus: Aldrovanda
• Species: A. vesiculosa

Waterwheel Plant Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The remarkable Waterwheel Plant actually forms the most widely distributed of all known carnivorous plants.

However, its population has also declined rather severely over the last century to only 50 confirmed existent populations worldwide.

It also evolved as endemic to Asia, Africa, Australia, and Europe. The plant typically prefers clean, shallow, warm standing water with bright light and rather low nutrient levels.

It also spreads mainly through the movement of waterfowl. Plants sticking to the feet of a bird make it to the next aquatic destination on the bird’s route.

As a result, most Waterwheel Plantpopulations live along bird migratory routes. 

Throughout the last century, the species has also become increasingly rare, listed unfortunately as extinct in an increasingly large number of countries.

Quiver Tree

Quiver Tree Facts

• Our next entry in this article concerning 9 Bewildering African Plants, distinguishes itself as the only tree on the list, the remarkable Quiver Tree.
• The distinctive and attention-grabbing term of Quiver Tree serves as the common name for a highly unusual variety of plant. In addition, within certain portions of its habitat range, some people also know the amazing plant as the kokerboom. Furthermore, the remarkable flora also bears the less pronounceable scientific name of the Aloidendron dichotomum.
• But, the most often used common name is somewhat confusing. This holds true because, despite that name, it isn’t actually a tree at all. In point of fact, this fabulous plant actually classifies as an incredible variety of succulent. Further, its common name derives from the language of the local Indigenous Peoples. They traditionally use its branches to make quivers for their arrows.
• For the moment, the IUCN does not list the awesome Quiver Tree on its Red List. Nevertheless, this could potentially change in the near future. That’s because its numbers also appear to be diminishing throughout its range. Loss of its native habitat serves as one of the dangers it faces. But undoubtedly, its greatest threat comes in the form of ongoing climate change.

Quiver Tree Physical Description

This misunderstanding of the nature of the Quiver Tree comes as no great surprise, for one very good reason. That’s the fact of its sheer physical size. Individual specimens of this magnificent type of flora can sometimes attain heights of as much as 30 ft (9.14 m). However, the great majority of specimens remain much smaller than that. Yet, its height alone isn’t what makes it stand out from other succulents.

Firstly, the remarkable Quiver Tree develops a long, slender trunk, much like a tree. Secondly, from this springs numerous long branches. Each of these has a very smooth outer covering, along with a thin layer of off-white powder. The bark has a light brownish color. But, this also has a scaled pattern, along with razor-sharp edges. Its leavers present as bluish green, and its flowers display a brilliant yellow.

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Phylum: Tracheophytes
• Class: Angiosperms
• Order: Asparagales
• Family: Asphodelaceae
• Genus: Aloidendron
• Species: A. dichotomum

Quiver Tree Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The truly astonishing succulent commonly known as the Quiver Tree inhabits a moderately large portion of the world. That’s because the plant evolved as native to the area that now forms the countries of South Africa and Namibia, in Africa. However, within the confines of South Africa, this incredible form of succulent primarily occurs in the Norther Cape region of the country.

Given the region of the globe in which it evolved the preferred habitat of this species comes as no great surprise. Due to its evolution, it only appears in extremely hot, arid regions. Furthermore, and also somewhat surprisingly, even within this area, it has highly specific requirements. That’s because, not only must the region be hot and arid, it must also be quite rocky in nature.

Uniquely, the vast majority of specimens of the Quiver Tree live in large groupings. These large groupings actually bear the name of Quiver Tree Forests. These also play vital roles in their local ecosystems. That’s due to the fact that many serve as home to nest of birds known as weavers. These avians construct enormous communal nests within the dense branches, which serves as a deterrent to predators.

Bleeding Heart Vine

Bleeding Heart Vine

• Keeping to the topic of 9 Bewildering African Plants is the remarkably beautiful evergreen known as the Bleeding Heart Vine.
• Most notably, the Bleeding Heart Vine is a highly unique plant. So, it even gained the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society. The species also remains quite popular as an ornamental plant.
• But, the vine requires a specific combination of complex environmental factors to survive. For example, the root system must be partially submerged in water the majority of the time. The plant also requires very direct light.
• Further, the magnificent vine evolved as extremely hardy despite the seeming frailty of the flowers. This surprising species also even managed to escape cultivation in some areas and therefore become naturalized.

Bleeding Heart Vine Physical Description

Firstly, don’t let this fascinating specimen beguile you with its simple-seeming appearance. That’s because the beautiful Bleeding Heart Vine constitutes an unusual species of evergreen vine.

Yet it is important that it not be confused with the plant known as the Bleeding Heart. The other forms an entirely different species. Further, it is a climbing plant which can reach heights of as much as 13 ft (4 m).

Also, the leaves appear dark green and oval, averaging 7 in (17 cm) in length. However, its most noteworthy feature remains the distinctive flowers. These occur in bunches of 8-20 and appear on long, thin stalks.

Yet another quite distinctive feature is the color pattern. The outer portion ranges in color from stark white to a less common pale purple. However, the inner portion is a brilliant red color which creates a breathtaking contrast.

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Phylum: Angiosperms
• Class: Eudicots
• Order: Lamiales
• Family: Verbenaceae
• Genus: Clerodendum
• Species: C. thomsoniae

Bleeding Heart Vine Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

First of all, the gorgeous Bleeding Heart Vine developed as endemic to a tropical climate. However, the truly breathtaking vine also adapts well to temperate climates when necessary.

Furthermore, the species originates from Western Africa, where it grows abundantly. It also grows naturally in a range that includes Cameroon and Senegal. In addition, the plant typically occurs naturally in regions of the very dense forest. 

It also grows rapidly under ideal conditions. Consequently, in the tropical heat it produces copious, though small, fruit. Both the fruit and their seeds are dark black in color.

Finally, this beautiful vine was named by the nephew of the renowned botanist, George Thomson.

Lotus Corniculatus

Lotus Corniculatus Facts

• The final entry on our list of 9 Bewildering African Plants is the absolutely mesmerizing little beauty known as the Lotus Corniculatus.
• Firstly, the delicate yet beautiful Lotus Corniculatus represents an extremely unusual small flowering plant. Believe it or not, the stunning species actually constitutes a member of the pea family.
• However, you do not want to eat it, regardless of its remarkable visual appeal. That’s due to the fact that this little beauty actually contains  naturally occurring trace amounts of the deadly chemical cyanide.
• In extremely small amounts, however, this beautiful and remarkable species does have some medicinal uses.
• Rather surprisingly, the gorgeous Lotus Corniculatus also actually gets widely used as a source of forage for livestock.
• The majority of livestock, fortunately for them, can eat it safely. The animals have a much greater natural tolerance for small concentrations of cyanide than homo sapiens.

Lotus Corniculatus Physical Description

Most notably, though seemingly rather delicate, the Lotus Corniculatus surprises most people. That occurs due to the fact that it actually remains a surprisingly hardy perennial species.

This herbaceous plant also only achieves a maximum known height of about 8 in (20 cm) unless supported by other plants. It grows in a sprawling manner along the ground.

In addition, its small flowers display combinations of orange and yellow color. The seeds (not surprisingly since it is part of the pea family) develop in small, elongated pods.

Furthermore, the leaves of the plant grow in groups of five. Typically, three of these form a trefoil pattern over the other two.

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Phylum: Angiosperms
• Class: Eudicots
• Order: Fabales
• Family: Fabaceae
• Genus: Lotus
• Species: L. corniculatus

Lotus Corniculatus Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

First of all, the Lotus Corniculatus remains endemic to a wide swathe of Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa. Within that range, the plant also predominantly appears in regions of grasslands.

It also has extreme durability, even to the point of surviving being trampled by livestock. In addition, this species grows equally well in both nutrient-rich soils and nutrient-poor soils.

Further, it most commonly grows in areas of grassland with a high percentage of sand. Farmers often use it in cultivation, especially in Europe.

Finally, as a result of this practice, it has become considered an invasive species in some portions of Australia and North America.

We hope that you have enjoyed this article about 9 Bewildering African Plants. The flora in this section of the world often gets overshadowed by the equally amazing wildlife. However, we feel that both deserve equal recognition. Certainly, both present themselves in an astonishing array of forms and variety. But, as holds true in most parts of the world, the plant species here need our protection. Sadly, many of them face the very real threat of extinction. Let us do all that we can to prevent that.

Check out our other articles on 5 Practically Perfect Penguins, North American Gulches and Canyons, Earth’s Many Stunning Waterfalls, 7 Unbelievable Amphibians