---
title: "Welwitschia: making leaves last"
url: https://plants.lasse.co.uk/fact-archive/welwitschia-making-leaves-last/
---

# Welwitschia: making leaves last
Date: 2026-07-08

*Welwitschia mirabilis* is a unique desert plant that produces only 2 leaves in its entire life (although they split into segments over time, making it appear like the plant has more leaves), each lasting for up to 2000 years. Plants can survive for 100s of years in the desert by absorbing water from sea fog and deep ground water.



## References:

1. [Kew: Welwitschia mirabilis](https://www.kew.org/plants/welwitschia-mirabilis)




## Related Pages

- [No rain, no problem: Phreatophytes](https://plants.lasse.co.uk/fact-archive/no-rain-no-problem-phreatophytes.md)



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