Leafless wormbush

Leafless wormbush (Cadaba aphylla): This rather messy, spiky shrub normally grows up to 2m but at times reaches around 4.5m. More common in the south of the country, it also grows in scattered numbers along dry watercourses and washes in Damaraland and Kaokoland. Hairless branches are pale to dark green to purplish in colour and despite its common name sports blue-green to green leaves. Deep red flowers (which lack petals) with yellow to red sepals can be observed from September to December.

The fruit is elongated and cylinderical in shape and grows on rigid and woody branches. Game and livestock browse this plant which also used medicinally. The Small Orange Tip and Smoky Orange Tip butterflies flutter around the leafless wormbush.