Trianthema hereroensis

Trianthema hereroensis is an important player in the plant life in the dunes of the Namib Desert, as it provides shelter and nutrition for a large variety of desert animals. It flowers and produces seed throughout the year. Research and experiments have been used to measure the absorption of water on the leaves. It is widely believed that the plant relies solely on fog for its moisture, but excavations of the plants at the same time showed that the roots are in direct contact with damp sand, the roots tapping into moisture deep down.

This makes a significant difference to the well-being of the the Trianthema, as animals make use of it in the dunes, including gerbils, sparrowlarks, scale insects and ants, springbok and ostrich. Interestingly enough, gemsbok graze on the shoots, thereby stimulating vigorous re-growth of fresh, larger and brighter leaves. This attracts the gemsbok back time and time again.

The Trianthema hereroensis and the Stipagrostis sabulicola are two of the few plants that can survive on the dunes during prolonged dry periods, the main difference (apart from appearance) is that the former absorbs water (fog) through its leaves and the latter through its roots.