Circle the plants native to Africa. African plants

Species pelargonium - enough large group plants (about 230), divided into sections, or divisions. On at the moment There are 15 such sections, and in each the plants are combined according to certain characteristics. If we compare representatives of different sections, we will find it difficult to believe that they belong to the same genus. Pelargonium species can be annual or perennial, herbaceous or woody shrubs, sometimes approaching trees in growth, evergreen or seasonally shedding their leaves. Some have tubers or are succulents, some are tree-like and some are creeping and creeping. The height of some reaches two meters, while others barely reach ten centimeters...

Not surprisingly, plant care is also different. And here knowledge about the belonging of pelargonium to a certain section will help.

Succulents of the section Otidia, which includes P. alternans, P. carnosum, P. ceratophyllum, P. laxum and others, have adapted to drought by storing nutrients and water in fleshy stems. Small, narrow, dissected leaves also help retain moisture by reducing evaporation. Natural environment they were not pampered, so even in artificial conditions they are content with poor, well-drained soils with a small addition of clay and rare, preferably wick, watering. They do not grow quickly, but readily if kept warm and given plenty of light.

A rosette of leaves emerges directly from the ground. These are slow-growing pelargoniums with a long dormant period and are difficult to propagate. At the same time, the plants are very decorative, and the flowering of many species justifies the long wait for this joyful event.

In their natural habitat they usually grow on sandy soils Therefore, a well-drained substrate is chosen for them, for example, peat and sand.

Plants from the Hoarea section are very susceptible to excess water, especially during the dormant period, which we have in the summer. Dry pelargonium tubers begin to be watered in September-October, very carefully, in order to bring the plants out of dormancy. As the leaves grow, watering is increased. As soon as the leaves turn brown and begin to die, flowers will appear directly from the top of the tuber. This is a signal to gradually reduce watering. During the short growing season, plants need bright light; liquid fertilizers can be used in small quantities.

They are propagated by seeds or by separating daughter nodules after flowering. They bloom in winter, but for this they need a temperature of +16-17 degrees.

One of the easiest pelargonium species to cultivate is P. citronellum. Its leaves have a bright, refreshing lemon aroma. It grows best in full sun in regular store-bought soil or a mixture of peat, turf, leaf soil and sand. Water moderately. In partial shade, the foliage becomes more decorative, but the flowering is less abundant. Needs shaping.

Another favorite of mine, P. odoratissimum, is also easy to keep. It smells strong, its aroma is dominated by apple and hints of spices, mint, lemon, and rose can be heard.

I grew my P. odoratissimum from seed. In the photo she is a little more than a year. During flowering, the bush seems untidy due to its long flowering tendrils. But in summer, this feature allows you to keep the plant in a hanging basket on fresh air. The plant is evergreen, perennial, does not require cool maintenance.

The leaves of the species P. grossularioides (section Peristera) have a subtle fruity odor with notes of coconut and peaches. In addition, this pelargonium has an ampel shape, which makes it popular in home collections.

Species pelargoniums are rarely bothered by pests and diseases. Blackleg remains almost the only disease that mainly affects rooting cuttings. It can be prevented by light soil (with a large proportion of vermiculite), low soil moisture, air temperature of about +20 degrees, and bright lighting.

All pelargonium species in the wild reproduce by seeds. But even in a small collection, it is difficult to protect plants from cross-pollination by insects and guarantee the purity of the species. Therefore, as a rule, either cuttings or underground nodules are taken from species pelargoniums. Cuttings are rooted in the same way as cuttings of pelargoniums of other groups. It is important that they are not lignified. The separated nodules are planted so that the place of their attachment to the mother roots is directed upward. They germinate for at least a month.

Savannas are areas in which herbaceous vegetation predominates. Most of the African savanna is located in Africa, between 15° N. w. and 30° S. w. Savannahs are located in countries such as: Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Democratic Republic Congo, Angola, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana and South Africa.

The African savanna has two seasons: dry (winter) and rainy (summer).

• Dry winter season longer, it lasts from October to March in Southern Hemisphere, and from April to September in Severny. There is only about 100mm of rainfall throughout the entire season.
• The rainy summer season (rainy season) is very different from the dry season and lasts a shorter amount of time. During the rainy season, the savanna receives between 380 and 635 mm of rain per month and the rain can last for hours without stopping.

Savanna is characterized by grasses and small or scattered trees that do not form a closed canopy (as in ), allowing sunlight to reach the ground. The African savanna contains a diverse community of organisms that interact to form a complex food web.

Healthy, balanced ecosystems are made up of many interacting systems called food webs. (lions, hyenas, leopards) feed on herbivores (impalas, warthogs, cattle), which consume producers (grasses, plant matter). Scavengers (hyenas, vultures) and decomposers (bacteria, fungi) destroy the remains of living organisms and make them available to producers. Humans are also part of the savanna biological community and often compete with other organisms for food.

Threats

This ecoregion has been significantly damaged by humans in many ways. For example, local residents use the land for grazing, as a result of which the grass dies and the savanna turns into a barren, deserted area. People use wood for cooking and create problems for environment. Some also engage in poaching (hunting animals illegally), which leads to the extinction of many species.

To restore the damage caused and preserve natural environment, some countries have created nature reserves. National Park Serengeti and nature reserve Ngorongoro is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The African savanna is one of the largest wild habitats in the world, covering almost half the continent's area, about 13 million km². If it were not for the efforts made by people to preserve the savanna, a large number of representatives of the flora and fauna of this corner of nature would have already become extinct.

Animals of the African savannah

Most savannah animals have long legs or wings that allow them to migrate long distances. Savannah is the perfect place for birds of prey such as hawks and buzzards. The wide open plain gives them a clear view of their prey, rising currents of hot air allow them to glide over the ground with ease, and sparse trees provide opportunities for resting or nesting.

The savanna has a wide variety of fauna: the African savanna is home to more than 40 various types herbivorous animals. Up to 16 different herbivorous species (those that eat tree leaves and grass) can coexist in one area. This is possible thanks to the own food preferences of each individual species: they can graze on different heights, V different times day or year, etc.

These various herbivores provide food for predators such as lions, jackals and hyenas. Each carnivorous species has its own preferences, allowing them to live in the same territory and not compete for food. All these animals depend on each other, occupy specific place in the food chain and provide balance in the environment. Savannah animals are in constant search of food and water. Some of them are listed below:

African savannah elephant

The largest land mammal in the world. These animals grow up to 3.96 m at the withers and can weigh up to 10 tons, but most often have a size at the withers of up to 3.2 m and a weight of up to 6 tons. They have a long and very flexible trunk that ends in nostrils. The trunk is used to capture food and water and transfer it to the mouth. On the sides of the mouth there are two long teeth called tusks. Elephants have thick, gray skin that protects them from fatal bites predators.

This species of elephant is common in African savannas and grasslands. Elephants are herbivores and eat grasses, fruits, tree leaves, bark, shrubs, etc.

These animals have important work in savannas. They eat bushes and trees, and thereby help the grass grow. This allows many herbivorous animals to survive. Today there are about 150,000 elephants in the world and they are endangered because poachers kill them for their ivory.

wild dog

The African wild dog lives in the grasslands, savannas and open forests of the eastern and South Africa. The fur of this animal is short and colored in red, brown, black, yellow and white colors. Each individual has a unique coloring. Their ears are very large and rounded. Dogs have a short muzzle and have powerful jaws.

This species is perfectly suited for chasing. Like greyhounds, they have a slender body and long legs. The bones of the lower front legs are fused together, which prevents them from twisting when running. In African wild dogs big ears, which help remove heat from the animal’s body. The short and wide muzzle has powerful muscles that allow it to grasp and hold prey. The multi-colored coat provides camouflage to the environment.

The African wild dog is a predator and feeds on medium-sized antelopes, gazelles, and other herbivores. They do not compete with hyenas and jackals for food, as they do not eat carrion. Humans are considered their only enemies.

Black mamba

The black mamba is a highly venomous snake found in the savannas, rocky and open woodlands of Africa. Snakes of this species grow about 4 m in length and can reach speeds of up to 20 km/h. The black mamba is not actually black, but rather brownish-gray, with a light belly and brownish scales on its back. It gets its name from the purple-black color of the inside of its mouth.

Black mambas feed on small mammals and birds such as voles, rats, squirrels, mice, etc. A snake can bite a large animal and release it. She will then chase her prey until she is paralyzed. The mamba bites smaller animals and holds them, waiting for the toxic venom to take effect.

Black mambas are very nervous when a person approaches them and try to avoid it in any way. If this is not possible, the snake shows aggression by raising the front part of its body and opening its mouth wide. They quickly attack and inject their prey with their poison, and then crawl away. Before antivenoms were developed, a mamba bite was 100% fatal. However, to prevent death, the medicine should be administered immediately. They don't have natural enemies, and the main threat comes from habitat destruction.

Caracal

- a species of mammals from, widely distributed in the savannas of Africa. The body type is similar to a regular cat, but the caracal is larger and has larger ears. Its coat is short and the color varies from brown to reddish-gray, sometimes even becoming dark. His head is shaped like an inverted triangle. The ears are black on the outside and light on the inside, with tufts of black hair at the tips.

They are active at night, mainly hunting small mammals, such as rabbits and porcupines, but sometimes their victims are large animals: sheep, young antelope or deer. They have special skills for catching birds. Strong legs allowing them to jump high enough to actually knock down flying birds with their large paws. The main threat to caracals is people.

bear baboon

Bear baboons live mainly in the African savanna and high mountain grasslands. They never stray far from trees or water sources. This species is the largest in the genus of baboons; males can weigh 30-40 kg. They are very hairy animals with olive-gray fur.

Bear baboons do not live in trees; they spend most of their time on the ground. They can climb trees when threatened, for food or to rest. These mainly eat fruit from trees, roots and bugs. Baboons unintentionally feed other animals by throwing or leaving food behind for others to pick up.

Egyptian mongoose

The Egyptian mongoose is the largest of all mongooses in Africa. The animals are common in bushland, rocky regions and small areas of savannah. Adults grow up to 60 cm in length (plus a 33-54 cm tail) and weigh 1.7-4 kg. Egyptian mongooses have long fur that is typically gray with brown dots.

They are primarily carnivores, but will also eat fruit if it is available in their habitat. Their typical diet consists of rodents, fish, birds, reptiles, insects and larvae. Egyptian mongooses also feed on the eggs of various animals. These fauna representatives can eat poisonous snakes. They hunt birds of prey and large carnivores of the savannah. Egyptian mongooses benefit the environment by killing animals (such as rats and snakes) that are considered pests to humans.

Grant's Zebra

Grant's zebra is a subspecies of Burchell's zebra and is widespread in the Serengeti Mara. Its height is about 140 cm and its weight is about 300 kg. This subspecies has rather short legs and a large head. Grant's zebra has black and white stripes all over its body, but its nose and hooves are completely black. Each individual has its own unique color.

The main predators of zebras are hyenas and lions. There are about 300,000 zebras left on the savannah and they are endangered.

Lion

They live in the African savannas south of the Sahara. They eat gazelles, buffalos, zebras and many other small and medium-sized mammals. Lions are the only cats that live in family packs called prides. Each pride includes from 4 to 40 individuals.

The coat color of these animals is ideal for camouflage with the environment. They have sharp, hooked claws that they can retract or extend at will. Leos have sharp teeth, which are ideal for biting and chewing meat.

They play an important role for the survival of other animals. When this predator kills its prey and eats it, parts or pieces of the carcass are usually left behind for vultures and hyenas to consume.

Lions are quite interesting and graceful creatures that are interesting to watch, however they are endangered due to overhunting and habitat loss.

Nile crocodile

The Nile crocodile can grow up to five meters in length and is common in freshwater swamps, rivers, lakes and other watery places. These animals have long snouts that can capture fish and turtles. Body color is dark olive. They are considered the most intelligent reptiles on earth.

Crocodiles eat almost anything in the water, including fish, turtles or birds. They even eat buffalo, antelope, big cats, and sometimes people when such a chance arises.

Nile crocodiles skillfully camouflage themselves, leaving only their eyes and nostrils above the water. They also blend well with the color of the water, so for many animals that come to a body of water to quench their thirst, these reptiles represent mortal danger. This species is not endangered. They are not threatened by other animals except humans.

African savannah plants

This habitat is home to a huge variety of wild plants. Many representatives of the flora have adapted to grow during long periods of drought. Such plants have long roots that are able to reach water deep underground; thick bark that can withstand constant fires; trunks that accumulate moisture for use in winter.

Grasses have adaptations that prevent certain animals from eating them; some are too pungent or bitter for certain species, although more than acceptable for others. The advantage of this adaptation is that each animal species has something to eat. Different species may also consume specific plant parts.

There are many different plant species in the African savanna and below is a list of some of them:

Acacia Senegalese

Senegalese acacia - small thorny tree from the legume family. It grows up to 6 m in height and has a trunk diameter of about 30 cm. The dried sap of this tree is gum arabic - a hard transparent resin. This resin is widely used in industry, cooking, watercolor painting, cosmetology, medicine, etc.

Many wild animals feed on the leaves and pods of the Senegalese acacia tree. Like other legumes, these trees store nitrogen and then add it to poor soils.

Baobab

Baobab is found in the savannas of Africa and India, mainly near the equator. It can grow up to 25 meters in height and live for several thousand years. During the rainy months, water is stored in the thick trunk, using roots up to 10 m long, and then used by the plant during the dry winter season.

Almost all parts of the tree are widely used by local residents. The baobab bark is used to make cloth and rope, the leaves are used as seasonings and medicines, and the fruit, called "monkey bread", is eaten in pure form. Sometimes people live in the huge trunks of these trees, and representatives of the galagidae family (nocturnal primates) live in the crowns of the baobab tree.

Bermuda grass

This plant is also called pigweed palmate. Bermuda grass is widespread in warm climates from 45° N latitude. up to 45° S It gets its name from its introduction from Bermuda. Grass grows in open areas (pastures, open forests and gardens) where frequent disturbances to the ecosystem such as animal grazing, floods and fires occur.

Bermuda grass is a creeping plant that forms a dense mat when it touches the soil. It has a deep root system, and in drought conditions the roots can be located underground at a depth of 120-150 cm. The main part of the root is located at a depth of 60 cm.

Fingerweed is considered a highly invasive and competitive weed. Few herbicides are effective against it. Before the advent of mechanized farming, Bermuda grass was the worst weed for farmers. However, it saved a huge amount of agricultural land from erosion. This plant is very nutritious for cattle and sheep.

elephant grass

Elephant grass grows in the African savanna and reaches a height of 3 m. It is found along lakes and rivers where the soil is rich. Local farmers feed this grass to their animals.

The plant is highly invasive and clogs natural water flows, which must be cleared periodically. Elephant grass grows well in tropical climates and can be killed by a slight frost. The underground parts will remain alive unless the soil freezes.

This herb is used by local residents in cooking, agriculture, construction and as an ornamental plant.

Persimmon medlar

Loquat persimmon is widely distributed throughout the African savannah. It prefers wooded areas where there are termite mounds nearby, and is also found along river beds and marshy areas. In heavy soils, termite mounds provide the tree with aerated and moist soil. Termites do not eat living trees of this species.

This plant can reach 24 m in height, however most trees do not grow that tall, reaching a height of 4 to 6 m. The fruits of the tree are popular among many animals and local residents. They can be eaten fresh or canned. The fruits are also dried and ground into flour, and beer is also brewed from them. The leaves, bark and roots of the tree are widely used in traditional medicine.

Mongongo

The mongongo tree prefers hot and dry climates with a small amount precipitation and is common in wooded hills and sand dunes. This plant reaches a length of 15-20 meters. It has many adaptations that allow it to live in arid environments, including a moisture-storing trunk, long roots, and thick bark.

This species is widespread throughout southern savannah. The nuts of this tree are part of the daily diet of many Africans and are even used to obtain oil.

Combretum red-leaved

Combretum red-leaved prefers warm and dry climates and grows near rivers. The tree grows from 7 to 12 m in height and has a dense, expanding crown. The fruit is poisonous and causes severe bouts of hiccups. The tree has straight, long roots because it requires a lot of water to grow.

They feed on its leaves in the spring. Parts of this tree are used in medicine and the wood processing industry. Good adaptability rapid growth, dense spreading crown, interesting fruit and attractive leaves make it a popular ornamental tree.

Acacia twisted

Acacia is a tree from the legume family. Its homeland is the African savanna Sahel, but the plant can also be found in the Middle East. It is known that the plant can grow in highly alkaline soil, and can withstand dry and hot environmental conditions. In addition, trees that reach two years of age have little frost resistance.

The wood of these trees is used in construction and furniture is made from it. Many wild animals feed on acacia leaves and pods. Parts of the tree are used by local people to make jewelry, weapons and tools, as well as in traditional medicine.

Acacia is important in restoring degraded drylands because the tree's roots fix nitrogen (an essential plant nutrient) in the soil through interaction with symbiotic nodule bacteria.

Acacia sickle-lobed

Acacia sickle-lobed is usually found in equatorial savannas East Africa, in particular on the Serengeti plain.

This acacia can grow about 5 m in height and has sharp thorns up to 8 cm long. The hollow thorns can be home to 4 species of ants, and they often make tiny holes in them. When the wind blows, the thorns thrown by the ants make a whistling sound.

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Plants in southern Africa are the most widely studied. The flora of the central and northern parts of the continent is less known.

The desert biome is the driest of Africa's biomes and is considered one of the driest places on Earth. The largest desert region is the Sahara, in northern Africa. It is located from the west coast of Africa to Arabian Peninsula and is part of the world's largest desert system, which extends into southern Central Asia.

The smaller desert region of southern Africa includes the Namib Desert, located along the western half of southern Africa, especially near the coast, and the Kalahari Desert, which lies mostly inland and east of the Namib Desert.

Where there is more moisture, pastures predominate, and with increasing rainfall, the meadows gradually turn into tropical savannas. The difference between grassland and savanna is subjective, but is determined in part by tree growth, with more trees characterizing a savanna. Grassland Biome / tropical savannah forms a wide stripe on larger territory central Africa and dominates the eastern and southern parts mainland.

Rainforests occupy a much smaller portion of Africa than the other two biomes. They are most common in parts of central Africa where there is no dominant grassland/tropical savanna biome, and are found close to the coast of central West Africa. Scattered areas tropical forests also found along the main river systems West Africa, from the equator almost to the southern part of the continent.

Tropical deserts of Africa

The Sahara and Namib deserts are dominated by sand dunes or rock formations, but most deserts have a noticeable amount of plant cover.

The Sahara is characterized by widespread plant species that occur in similar habitats. The deserts of southern Africa have more distinctive flora, and many species are endemic to specific local areas.

Mesembryanthemum

To survive in harsh desert climate plants use several adaptations. Mesembryanthemum is a genus of flowering plants, widespread in all African deserts. These plants usually have thick, succulent leaves.

These succulents store water in their leaves or stems. Most plants open their stomata (small holes in the leaves) during the day to receive carbon dioxide from the surrounding air.

This will lead to large losses of water in desert environment, which is why succulents open their stomata at night. Through a biochemical process, they store carbon dioxide until the next day, when it is released inside the plant, so can occur without opening the stomata.

Barnyard grass

To prevent water loss, many succulents have no leaves at all. Barnyard grass ( Anabasis articulata), found in the Sahara Desert, is a naked succulent with articulated stems.

spurge spurge

Euphorbia-thorn ( Euphorbia echinus) another Saharan plant, has succulent, comb-like stems with thorns. This evergreen shrub reaches 1 m in height. Its stems are branched and covered with short white spines.

Water dependent desert plants

Water-dependent plants are limited to areas near a permanent water source such as a river, lake, or stream.

Date palm

Date palm trees usually reach a height of 21-23 meters. The leaves are 4-6 meters long, with spines on the petiole. The fruit of this tree is the date.

Tamarinds and acacia trees are common where water is available. A variety of different sedges and rushes are found wherever there are abundant constants, the best known of which is the reed.

Desert Ephemera

Annual plants whose seeds germinate when moisture becomes available and quickly mature, leave their seeds and die are called ephemeral. These plants make up a significant part of the African desert flora.

Most ephemeral plants are herbs. Ephemera are entirely dependent on seasonal or sporadic rainfall. After a few days of significant rainfall, the desert turns bright green, and after a few more days flowers appear, often in abundance.

cushion plant

Some ephemerals germinate with astonishing speed, such as cushion plants, which germinate and produce actively photosynthetic seed leaves within 10 hours of being wetted.

Savannah

Located in . They are covered with herbaceous vegetation, but trees and shrubs grow chaotically. The most common type of savanna in Africa is savanna-woodland, consisting of tall, moisture-loving grasses and tall, deciduous or semi-deciduous trees that are unevenly distributed.

Savannah grasses

Grasses make up most of the plant cover under and between trees. In some types of savanna, grass can be taller than 1.8 m. Despite much debate, two factors seem to perpetuate the dominance of grasses: seasonal wetness with long intervening dry periods and periodic fires.

Given the excess moisture and lack of fire, savannas seem inevitably to become forests. Human activities, such as grazing or cutting down trees, contribute to the dominance of grasses.

Various varieties of grasses exist in the savanna, but it is difficult to distinguish them except during flowering periods. Many grow best immediately after a fire, when exposed to sun and potential pollinators.

Savannah trees and shrubs

African savanna trees often have relatively wide branches that end at approximately the same height, giving the trees peculiar appearance. Many of them belong to the legume family, namely Brachystegia, Julbernardia and Isoberlinia.

There are a particularly large number of acacia species, ranging from shrubs to trees, many of which have thorns. Some also have a symbiotic relationship with ants, which protects them from herbivores.

Baobab

Baobab is famous for its large sizes, unusual appearance and is found in many regions of the savannah. The tree has an extremely thick trunk with smooth, gray bark. The baobab tree can live for two thousand years.

Tropical evergreen rainforests

The main characteristics of African tropical rainforests are their extremely lush growth, high species diversity and complex structure. The diversity is often so great that one tree species cannot be identified as dominant within an area.

Relatively large trees such as ironwood, iroko and sapele predominate. Forest trees grow so close that their crowns overlap each other, forming a canopy that limits the amount of light falling underneath them. Several large trees, called emergent trees, emerge above the thick canopy.

A layer of smaller trees grows beneath the main canopy. A few small shrubs and grasses grow near ground level, but most herbaceous plants and other perennials are epiphytes, growing on other plants.

Almost every accessible place, trunks and branches of trees have epiphytes that create a unique. All this dense plant growth is maintained monsoon climate, in which more than 1500 mm of precipitation falls annually, most of it occurs in the summer.

Lianas

Vines are large, woody vines that cling to trees, and many of them hang to the ground. They were made famous in the Tarzan films. The fruits are eaten by birds or monkeys and the seeds are deposited in their feces on branches high in the canopy. The seeds germinate and the stem heads down towards the ground. Once the stem reaches the ground, it forms a root system; additional stems then develop and grow upward along the tree trunk.

Strangler ficus

After many years, the strangler ficus can become so thoroughly entwined in a tree that it does not allow water and nutrients to reach its “victim.” Eventually, the host tree dies and rots, leaving a hollow trunk.

Epiphytes

Epiphytes are plants that grow or are permanently attached to other plants - phorophytes.

Mosses or Bryophytes

The most common epiphytes are bryophytes - lower plants associated with mosses and lichens, a symbiotic combination of algae (or cyanobacteria) and fungus.

Ferns

The most numerous higher plants are ferns and orchids. As these plants colonize tree branches, they gradually trap dust and decaying materials, eventually creating a thin layer of soil that other plants can use.

Grasses are almost completely absent from the African forest floor. tropical forest; those that grow there have much wider leaves than usual. Some forest floor grasses are capable of growing in deep shade under canopy, sometimes so adapted to low light that they can be damaged when exposed to direct sunlight.

Some of the popular indoor plants descended from them, so they don't need intense sunlight to survive. Nevertheless greatest number plants grow under breaks in the canopy, where more light penetrates.

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Africa is one of the largest continents on the planet, second in size only to Eurasia. It is equally divided by the equator, stretching from the tropics in the north to the tropics in the south. Only on the outskirts of the mainland are the subtropics slightly “clung”.

Africa is probably the last continent on the planet where there is still an untouched wildlife. There are harsh, harsh survival conditions here, strong, dangerous animals live here. There are a large number of unusual plants that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Today we will talk to you about plants growing in Africa interesting plants African and unusual. We will learn about plants that benefit humans, as well as those that are no less dangerous than predatory animals:

Plants with unusual properties

Bottle tree:

The name of this tree speaks for itself. It very much resembles a pot-bellied bottle. A large volume of rainwater accumulates between the bark and wood of the lower part of the trunk. Middle part plays the role of a reservoir containing healthy, nutritious sweetish juice. It is thick and very jelly-like.

Water bottle tree They are actively used by local residents, and the sweetish juice is one of their favorite delicacies. Well, the leaves of this tree themselves are excellent food for livestock. Residents make fibers from the bark and weave fabrics.

Sinsepalum:

This plant is native to West Africa. Synsepalum berries have an amazing property. Eating them before meals adds flavor sweet food bitter, and makes bitter or sour food sweet. Therefore, before drinking palm wine, which has a sour taste, the natives eat several sinsepalum berries to improve the taste.

Carnivorous plants

Nepenthes:

This unusual liana grows in Madagascar. Its long flexible branches reach a length of 10-15 meters and are covered with leaves. Appearance These leaves resemble pitchers that serve as live traps for small animals. Inside the jugs, a sticky liquid is produced that traps a mouse, lizard or frog that gets inside.

Genlisey:

This is a low, modest-looking grass on which large, unusual shape, yellow flowers. This spectacle is overshadowed only by the fact that long flowers are nothing more than a trap for insects. In addition, Genlisea has underground leaves, with the help of which the carnivorous plant lures and then digests insects and small animals living in the soil.

Pemphigus:

This plant loves water very much. Therefore it grows on wet soils or directly to fresh water. This predatory plant is interesting because it has a bubble trap. In most species of this plant, the traps are very small and only catch small, protozoa. However, some species have traps of larger diameter (0.2 to 1.2 cm). They can already catch even water fleas and tadpoles that get there along with the water.

“Peaceful” plants that are useful to people

Dish pumpkin:

When talking about interesting and unusual plants growing in Africa, one cannot fail to mention the gourd or gourd. When it ripens, the flesh of the vegetable dries out greatly, and the dense peel becomes hard as a stone. Local residents use these ripened pumpkins as hollow vessels for water or bulk products. At the same time, people have learned to change their shape using special clamps where the developing ovary is placed.

As a result, you can get deep dishes, jugs, as well as flat plates and trays. Spoons, toys, smoking pipes, snuff boxes and various souvenirs are carved from the hard shell of the dish gourd.

Pumpkin - luffa:

Wonderful washcloths are made from the fruits of another type of pumpkin - luffa. Fiber is woven from fruit fibers, and then hats, swimming shoes, and other products needed by people are made.

Madagascar liana:

The vines of this plant play a large role in the economy of some tribes that use them in their farming. The branches of the plant are very flexible, elastic and durable. Therefore, they are used as ropes, weaving baskets and mats.

The Madagascar vine secretes a substance that repels ants and insects, which damage everything made of wood. Therefore, the branches of this plant are used in the construction of houses. Well, and the large vine pods, if their halves are opened, better than any tiles will protect the building from rain.

Africa is an amazing continent where you can find many interesting and unusual plants. All of them, useful and not so useful, play an important role in the lives of people and nature. It is impossible to talk about everyone at once, and we will definitely return to our conversation next time.

The article contains information about plants characteristic of this territory. Gives examples of endangered species of plants and animals. Indicates the areas of application of the gifts of nature.

Plants of Africa

The African continent ranks second in the world in terms of area and population. Thanks to the variable climate, a variety of plant species grow here.

The vegetation of Africa is quite diverse. This is influenced by the presence of different climatic zones within the continent. In the zone subequatorial belt The presence of many exotic plant species is noted. In the savanna area, the advantage is given to such thorny bushes as:

• terminalia;
• acacia;
• varieties of low growing trees.

Features of the continent's flora

The flora of the deserts of Africa is sparse. It consists of grasses and dotted areas covered with shrubs and trees in oases.

On the territory of rare oases of the Sahara, the unique Erg Chebbi date palm grows.

In the depressions you can find halophytic plants that are resistant to salt.

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Rice. 1. Halophytic plants.

Over time, the vegetation of desert areas has adapted to irregular rainfall and frequent droughts. This is indicated by diversity physiological characteristics, which can be boasted by plants that live only on these land areas.

In the mountainous regions of the desert you can find many endemic species. The Sahara Mountains are home to acacias, tamarisks, wormwood, ephedra, doum palm, oleander, thyme and palmate dates. People living in the oases have adapted to successfully grow figs, olives, many types of fruit and citrus trees, as well as a variety of vegetable crops.

Rice. 2. Oleander.

A unique desert plant, Velvichia, whose growth period exceeds more than a thousand years, grows two huge leaves. Their length is over 3 m. They grow thanks to dew and fog, since these are the only sources of life-giving moisture among the desert expanses.

IN equatorial belt continent has preserved the most significant forest areas in the world tropical zones, which may soon disappear forever.

Rice. 3. Velvichia and acacia.

Some representatives of the flora are in danger of disappearing completely. An example is the baobab tree. These trees are the most ancient representatives flora continent. Some trees are over three thousand years old. Baobab tree trunks are used as natural water storage containers. The ebony tree is also in danger of becoming extinct. Its wood is quite heavy. It is highly valued among the indigenous inhabitants.

The flora of Africa has its own symbol - acacia.

The trees are adapted to hot and dry climates. They grow throughout most of the black continent. Often, acacia leaves are the only greenery that animals can eat. Many animals of the African savannah are among the species living in the Red Book. Endangered species include cheetahs and African lions. Due to climate change, individuals of this biological species threatened by habitat loss.

Africa is home to many varieties of aloe species. These plants are quite juicy with sweet nectar. Nectar serves as bait for large quantity birds. Aloe juice is used in medicinal production and cosmetology.