Bushman's candle

Common in most of the western parts of the southern Namib is the bushman's candle (Sarcocaulon patersonii). It can be found around the coastal town of Luderitz area down to the Northern Cape. It is a spiny shrub with thick stems and a 'waxy bark'. The large flowers bloom in a variety of colours that can transform the landscape beautifully into a magnificent desert flower show. Colours range from dark pink to almost white.

Bushman's Candle is often associated with plain habitats and also occurs on the (lower) slopes of inselbergs. This particular species is also confused with some of the other 9 species of Sarcocaulon found in Namibia. Identification is easier once both flowers and leaves are evident.