Namaqualand is an arid area in northwest South Africa. Although it is a winter rainfall area, rainfall is sparse and the plants found in this area are not included in some of the books illustrating South African bulbs since it is not considered to be part of the Cape Floral province. For most of the year the land appears to be a desert and because it has an average annual rainfall of 50-400 mm it could be classified as such. But in a year with adequate rainfall it becomes alive with an amazing floral display of annuals, bulbs, dwarf shrubs, and succulents. Flowering usually occurs in August and September, but dry winds which halt the display can end it sooner. In a year with little rainfall there are few flowers. Summers are hot and dry but there is occasional fog since the ocean is not that far away. Photos on this page taken in Namaqualand. More information about the plants seen on this page can by found on the wiki genus pages. Links are included to make it easier to go directly to these pages.
Albuca canadensis, syn. Albuca maxima is found on rocky slopes. Photos taken September 2006 by Bob Rutemoeller.
Babiana framesii is found on rock outcrops. This one photographed in August 2001 by Mary Sue Ittner was growing in sand not too far from the road.
Bulbinella latifolia ssp. latifolia This picture was taken by Mary Sue Ittner on a rainy day in a wet year (August 2001) in Namaqua National Park where it was growing in a very wet place. Other flowers were closed because of the weather, so it really stood out.
Eucomis regia photographed September 2006 by Bob Rutemoeller.
Gladiolus arcuatus photographed September 2006 by Mary Sue Ittner
Gladiolus equitans was photographed in Namaqua National Park in August 2001 just after a rain by Mary Sue Ittner and in September 2006 by Bob Rutemoeller in seed.
Gladiolus orchidiflorus was photographed by Mary Sue Ittner and Bob Rutemoeller September 2006.
Gladiolus saccatus Growing alongside the road and photographed August 2001 by Mary Sue Ittner
Gladiolus scullyi Photos taken September 2006 in Namaqualand by Bob Rutemoeller and Mary Sue Ittner
Lachenalia carnosa Pictures below from Bob Rutemoeller and Mary Sue Ittner show this species growing in the rocks in Namaqualand September 2006.
Lachenalia hirta Photos taken September 2006 by Mary Sue Ittner
Lapeirouisia arenicola is found in deep red sand. Photos taken September 2006 by Mary Sue Ittner.
Lapeirousia fabricii is found on stony sandstone and granitic slopes. Photos taken September 2006 by Mary Sue Ittner.
Lapeirousia silenoides The first picture was taken in August 2001 by Mary Sue Ittner. The others were taken by Mary Sue Ittner and Bob Rutemoeller in 2006 where there were patches of bright pink from this plant and also Pelargonium incrassatum which is the very same color.
Moraea fugax ssp. filicaulis Photographed September 2006 by Bob Rutemoeller and Mary Sue Ittner.
Moraea fugax ssp. fugax Photographed September 2006 by Bob Rutemoeller and Mary Sue Ittner.
Moraea miniata information found on the wiki Homeria page. Photos from Bob Rutemoeller and Mary Sue Ittner of plants with white flowers blooming September 2006.
Moraea nana information found on the wiki Hexaglottis page. Photos by Bob Rutemoeller and Mary Sue Ittner of some particularly attractive specimens seen September 2006.
Moraea schlechteri information found on the wiki Homeria page. Photos taken September 2007 by Mary Sue Ittner.
Ornithogalum maculatum These first photos were taken September 2006 in Namaqua National Park by Bob Rutemoeller and Mary Sue Ittner. Flowers seen in the morning mist were not yet open, but later in the day they were.
Ornithogalum multifolium These pictures were taken by Bob Rutemoeller and Mary Sue Ittner of a group seen in the middle of the day and illustrate the habitat as well as the flowers.
Ornithogalum pruinosum These photos by Bob Rutemoeller were taken in such a spot near Kamieskroon September 2006.
Ornithogalum xanthochlorum Photographs taken alongside the main road September 2006 by Bob Rutemoeller and Mary Sue Ittner.
Pelargonium incrassatum This is a picture taken August 2001 by Mary Sue Ittner.
Pelargonium triste These pictures taken by Mary Sue Ittner are of plants seen August 2001.
Whiteheadia bifolia Photographed by Diane Whitehead, Mary Sue Ittner and Bob Rutemoeller in early September 2006.
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