Welwitschia: Paradox Of A Parched Paradise – Chris H. Bornman

Description

Welwitschia: Paradox of a Parched Paradise by Chris H. Bornman is a fascinating natural history title dedicated to one of the plant world’s most extraordinary species. Endemic to the Namib Desert, Welwitschia mirabilis has baffled and amazed botanists for over a century, earning descriptions ranging from ‘grotesque’ to ‘the most wonderful discovery’ from early explorers. Charles Darwin himself famously dubbed it ‘the platypus of the Plant Kingdom’ for its peculiar, ancient, and singular form.

In this authoritative and richly detailed book, Bornman — the world’s foremost expert on Welwitschia — examines the plant’s extraordinary adaptations to one of Earth’s harshest climates, its evolutionary significance, and the mystery of its survival against the odds. Both a scientific study and a tribute to natural wonder, this work celebrates the paradox of a plant that flourishes where life seems almost impossible.

Perfect for nature lovers, conservationists, and those intrigued by the marvels of our planet’s deserts, Welwitschia: Paradox of a Parched Paradise offers an absorbing insight into Africa’s most astonishing botanical treasure.