Africa is home to a diverse array of rare and exotic plants, many of which are unique to the continent’s varied climates, from the tropical rainforests of Central Africa to the deserts of Namibia. Below are some fascinating and stunning examples of rare and exotic plants found in Africa, often featured in photographs showcasing their unusual beauty and uniqueness.
1. Baobab Tree (Adansonia)
Location: Various parts of Africa, especially in Madagascar, southern Africa, and the African Sahel.
Why it’s Amazing: Known as the “Tree of Life,” the Baobab is instantly recognizable with its massive, swollen trunk and bauble-like shape. Some Baobabs can live for over 1,000 years and store large amounts of water in their trunks. Their unique silhouette, often seen in African savannas against a setting sun, makes them a photographer’s dream.
Photographic Appeal: Baobabs are visually striking, especially when silhouetted at sunset or framed by the stunning African landscape.
2. Welwitschia (Welwitschia mirabilis)
Location: Namib Desert, Namibia, and Angola.
Why it’s Amazing: The Welwitschia is often called a “living fossil” because it has been around for over 100 million years, surviving the harsh desert environment with only two long, leathery leaves that grow continuously throughout the plant’s life.
Photographic Appeal: The Welwitschia has an otherworldly appearance, with its large, twisting leaves and deep green color standing out against the desert’s arid backdrop.
3. Protea
Location: South Africa (Cape Floral Kingdom).
Why it’s Amazing: Proteas are known for their large, striking flowers that come in a variety of colors, from pinks and reds to white and purple. The King Protea is the largest flower in the genus, with its spiky petals and bold center.
Photographic Appeal: Proteas are often photographed in close-up for their intricate patterns and vibrant colors, making them an excellent subject for macro photography in the wild.
4. Rothmannia (Rothmannia globosa)
Location: Tanzania and Kenya.
Why it’s Amazing: This plant is part of the coffee family and is known for its rare and beautiful globular flowers that are bright yellow or orange with a pleasant fragrance. It grows in tropical forests and is often difficult to spot due to its rarity.
Photographic Appeal: The flowers’ vibrant yellow-orange hues make for stunning images, especially when captured against lush green rainforest backgrounds.
5. Succulent Euphorbia (Euphorbia ingens)
Location: Eastern and Southern Africa, particularly in Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa.
Why it’s Amazing: Often referred to as the “Candelabra Tree,” this unusual succulent grows in tree-like formations, with spiny, columnar stems that resemble candles. The plant can reach up to 30 feet tall, and its geometric symmetry creates a striking image against the African landscape.
Photographic Appeal: The plant’s unusual structure and vivid green color make it a standout feature in photographs, especially against the blue African sky or desert landscapes.
6. Cycads
Location: Sub-Saharan Africa, including South Africa and Madagascar.
Why it’s Amazing: Cycads are ancient plants that predate dinosaurs and have a distinct, palm-like appearance. They are often found in arid, rocky environments, growing slowly and sometimes living for centuries.
Photographic Appeal: The rugged, prehistoric look of cycads, combined with their location in arid and dramatic landscapes, makes them an eye-catching subject for nature photography.
7. The African Violet (Saintpaulia)
Location: East Africa, particularly in Tanzania and Kenya.
Why it’s Amazing: African violets are known for their vibrant purple, blue, or white flowers and their delicate, soft leaves. These small plants have become popular worldwide as houseplants, but their natural habitat in East Africa remains a fascinating sight.
Photographic Appeal: Their small, delicate flowers and lush, velvety green leaves make them a perfect subject for close-up, macro photography.
8. Giant Lobelia (Lobelia telekii)
Location: Mount Kenya and Mount Kilimanjaro.
Why it’s Amazing: This towering plant is found in high-altitude regions and can grow to over 12 feet tall. With its giant, spiky, tubular flowers that bloom in white or purple hues, it stands as a testament to nature’s ability to adapt to extreme environments.
Photographic Appeal: The contrast between the plant’s grandeur and the majestic mountains behind it makes for an epic landscape shot.
9. Giant Senecio (Senecio keniodendron)
Location: Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, and the highlands of East Africa.
Why it’s Amazing: The Giant Senecio is a massive, tree-like plant that can grow up to 10 meters in height. It has a fascinating, otherworldly look with thick, shaggy stems and rosettes of leaves. It thrives in the alpine zone of mountains, making it a rare sight for most travelers.
Photographic Appeal: The plant’s unique, alien-like appearance, set against the misty highland landscapes, creates dramatic and mystical images.
10. African Marula Tree (Sclerocarya birrea)
Location: Sub-Saharan Africa, including Southern Africa, and parts of Central Africa.
Why it’s Amazing: The Marula tree is known for its fruit, which is the base ingredient for the popular Amarula liqueur. Its broad, dense canopy provides shade in the African savanna, and it is often associated with wildlife.
Photographic Appeal: The tree’s elegant shape and distinctive bark make it an excellent subject for photography, especially when captured with wildlife or in dramatic lighting.
11. Desert Rose (Adenium obesum)
Location: Sahel region of Africa, particularly in Mali, Sudan, and parts of East Africa.
Why it’s Amazing: The Desert Rose is a hardy succulent with thick, twisted trunks and large, bright flowers in shades of pink, white, and red. It’s well adapted to harsh desert climates, making it a striking contrast in the arid landscapes.
Photographic Appeal: The sculptural shape of its trunks and the vibrant, dramatic flowers make it a perfect subject for desert landscape photography.
12. African Orchid (Disa uniflora)
Location: South Africa, particularly in the Western Cape.
Why it’s Amazing: The Disa uniflora, also known as the “Pride of Table Mountain,” is a rare orchid with bright red, pink, and purple flowers. It thrives in the cool, misty conditions of mountain fynbos and is known for its stunning beauty and rarity.
Photographic Appeal: The orchid’s vibrant and delicate flowers are perfect for macro photography, especially in the lush fynbos environment.
13. Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe thyrsiflora)
Location: Madagascar and other parts of southern Africa.
Why it’s Amazing: Kalanchoe, or the “Chandelier Plant,” is a striking succulent known for its round, fleshy leaves and colorful, bell-shaped flowers. It thrives in dry, rocky environments and has a unique aesthetic that makes it stand out in the African landscape.
Photographic Appeal: The plant’s bold, fleshy leaves combined with the soft, intricate flowers make it a fascinating subject for close-up photography.
14. Titanopsis (Titanopsis calcarea)
Location: Southern Africa, particularly Namibia and South Africa.
Why it’s Amazing: Known for its succulent, fleshy leaves covered in star-shaped, white, spiny hairs, the Titanopsis plant can survive in extremely dry, rocky environments. It often goes unnoticed in its natural habitat due to its subtle beauty.
Photographic Appeal: Its detailed texture and geometric leaf patterns make it a beautiful subject for macro or close-up photography.
15. African Marula Tree (Sclerocarya birrea)
Location: Sub-Saharan Africa, including Southern Africa, and parts of Central Africa.
Why it’s Amazing: The Marula tree is famous for its sweet fruit, which is used to create the popular Amarula liqueur. It has a wide, dense canopy, and its bark is often covered in rough textures.
Photographic Appeal: Its size and grandeur create stunning visuals, especially when contrasted with the African savanna or when wildlife is nearby.
