Rhigozum obovatum

Floral outbursts by Rhigozum obovatum during spring and after good rain light up the Little Karoo and other arid regions where this plant grows.

The shrub in picture stands sentinel, awkwardly perched against a rocky ridge among the hills. Such outcrops are typical settings for R. obovatum that is more shrub than small tree. Not overly leafy here, the flower display is still far above average for the normal vegetation of the neighbourhood.

There are seven species of Rhigozum in all, five of which grow in southern Africa (Coates Palgrave, 2002; www.plantzafrica.com).