Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, South Africa

Common name: boesmandoring, boesmankers, boesmanskers, groot kersbos, noerap, bushman candle, candlebush

Family: Geraniaceae (Geranium)

Synonym: Sarcocaulon crassicaule

Distribution: Namibia, South Africa

IUCN Red list: Not evaluated

National red list: Least Concern

Comments: They are commonly called bushmans candles due to the translucent flammable wax coating that covers the stems of these plants. They will burn even when stems are not dry. The thick waxy layer protects it from moisture loss as well as damage from wind-blown sand, allowing the plants to withstand the harsh climate extremes found in the western parts of South Africa and Namibia. With time, the stems develop a polished golden-brown colour. Sarcocaulon alludes to the Greek words for fleshy, ‘sarkos’, and stems, ‘caulon’.