Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, South Africa

Common name: Sifkop

Family: Crassulaceae (Sedum)

Distribution: Namibia, South Africa (EC, NC, WC)

Habitat: Southern Cape region, Namaqualand, Little Karoo

IUCN Red list: Not evaluated

National red list: Least Concern

Life form: Succulent plant

Comments: A sturdy succulent species with brown stems, dense gnarled branches, and possess a characteristic crisscross framework of 'spines' derived from the old heads and stalks of the flower that grow annually from branch tips. These persistent old flower stalks harden after the flowers have fallen, and form a dense, thorny, reticulated protective layer.