Update: I've been so distracted, I forgot to credit Jackie Chambers for both the photographs and write-up. Thank you, Jackie!

Ceraria namaquensis, or Namaqua porkbush, is native to South Africa and Namibia. This particular specimen was found in Augrabies Falls National Park. Due to its geographic location, with the Kalahari Desert to the north and Namaqualand to the south, the vegetation in the park is a fascinating combination of desert plants, fynbos, subtropical plants, and even some tropical plant species. All of these inhabit different niches within the landscape. The Augrabies Falls National Park website contains more information on the park's vegetation.

Ceraria namaquensis tends to be grow as solitary individuals in sandy hollows or rocky crevices. This ensures they catch water run-off in a habitat where there is competition for the small amount of water available. Other adaptations to the hot, dry conditions are the swollen stems and succulent leaves. The short and almost cylindrical-shaped unusual leaves are found in clusters along the stem. While the plant can be evergreen, it is drought-deciduous, which means it may drop leaves in extreme drought conditions.

A rather large succulent shrub, or small tree, Ceraria namaquensis can reach 3m in height, and has small pink flowers produced in the early summer (October to November in the southern hemisphere). A small botanical diagram of flowers is available from Aluka: Ceraria namaquensis.

Ceraria namaquensis is collected by succulent enthusiasts and can be trained as bonsai.