Approximately 4 849 plant species, 40 percent of which are endemic, have been documented in the Richtersveld and comprise mainly succulent and aloe species.


The area is home to a number of rather unusual plants, many of which are found nowhere else on earth.
Chief among these is the "Halfmensboom"(Pachypodium namaquanum Welw.)
meaning "half-person tree" , the name comes from the plant's resemblance to the human form.
These trees are revered by the indigenous Nama people as the embodiment of their ancestors, half human, half plant, mourning for their ancient Namibian home.
Also found here are three endemic species of the tree aloe Aloidendron: A. dichotomum, A. pillansii and A. ramosissimum, often referred to as "kokerbooms" or "quiver trees".
Approximately 4 849 plant species, 40 percent of which are endemic, have been documented in the Richtersveld and comprise mainly succulent and aloe species.

The area is home to a number of rather unusual plants, many of which are found nowhere else on earth. Chief among these is the "Halfmensboom"(Pachypodium namaquanum Welw.) meaning "half-person tree" , the name comes from the plant's resemblance to the human form. These trees are revered by the indigenous Nama people as the embodiment of their ancestors, half human, half plant, mourning for their ancient Namibian home. Also found here are three endemic species of the tree aloe Aloidendron: A. dichotomum, A. pillansii and A. ramosissimum, often referred to as "kokerbooms" or "quiver trees".
Richtersveld