The time of the Impala Lily

This is a very special time in the lowveld, because it is now that the beautiful Impala Lily flowers.

For most of the year these plants are devoid of both leaves and flowers. This assists in reducing water loss in the harsh arid environment in which these plants survive.

As an added adaptation to survive the harsh dessicating environment these plants store water in their stems and have a cylindrical shape – which minimises surface area (over which the plant loses water) relative to its volume.