Welwitschia

desert plants · Africa · unusual plants · survival

Grows in the Namib Desert. Welwitschia lives in one of the hottest, driest deserts on Earth in Angola and Namibia. It has adapted to survive with very little water and extreme heat where almost nothing else can grow.

Looks like an octopus. The plant has just two giant leaves that spiral outward from the ground like tentacles, making it one of the weirdest-looking plants on the planet. Those two leaves keep growing their entire life.

Lives for centuries. Welwitschia can survive for over 1,000 years, making it one of the longest-living plants in the world. This incredible lifespan helps it endure the harsh desert environment.

Super rare plant type. Welwitschia is the only living plant in its entire family and order, which makes it a truly unique survivor from ancient times. Scientists study it because it is so different from other plants.