South west edelweiss

The south-west edelweiss (Helichrysum roseo-niveum) is a typical Namib Desert plant, occurring from Angola in the north to the central Namib. It is a member of the Helichrysum species, with delicate, papery yellow flowers with red markings, enveloped in hairy, silver leaves. It grows very compactly, close to the ground, a feature that distinguishes it from other similar-looking species.

Helichrysum roseo-niveum is a delightful little herb, that grows mainly on plains, in dry riverbeds and along roadsides. There are some 26 species of this genus in Namibia.