Water-Efficient Plant Selection

Water-Efficient Plant Selection for Arid Namibia:

Choosing Drought-Tolerant and Native Species

NOTE: This article was written by AI and has not been manually verified yet …trying to compile the combined knowledge of the internet. Before making large investments though, we highly recommend you consult a permaculture expert via the Permaculture Club in Namibia.

In Namibia’s arid climate, water-efficient plants are essential for sustainable agriculture and landscaping. By choosing drought-tolerant or native species adapted to dryland conditions, farmers and gardeners can reduce water usage and create resilient, low-maintenance landscapes that support local biodiversity. Here are some plant options suitable for Namibia’s challenging conditions.

Trees

1. Camelthorn (Vachellia erioloba)

• Description: A hardy, slow-growing tree with a deep root system, providing shade and shelter for wildlife.

• Benefits: Drought-tolerant and nitrogen-fixing, improving soil fertility.

2. Ana Tree (Faidherbia albida)

• Description: A large, thorny tree with unique foliage that falls during the rainy season.

• Benefits: Supports soil fertility, provides shade, and reduces soil erosion.

3. Sausage Tree (Kigelia africana)

• Description: Known for its large, sausage-shaped fruit and attractive red flowers.

• Benefits: Low water requirements, provides shade, and attracts pollinators.

4. Marula Tree (Sclerocarya birrea)

• Description: A deciduous tree that produces edible fruit high in vitamin C.

• Benefits: Tolerant of dry conditions, provides food for humans and wildlife.

5. Leadwood (Combretum imberbe)

• Description: A slow-growing tree with dense, hardy wood and high resistance to drought.

• Benefits: Provides shade, shelter, and long-lasting wood for fuel or building.

Shrubs

1. Buffalo Thorn (Ziziphus mucronata)

• Description: A drought-tolerant shrub with small leaves and thorny branches.

• Benefits: Provides food and shelter for wildlife and is used for fencing.

2. Wild Pomegranate (Burchellia bubalina)

• Description: A hardy shrub with bright red-orange flowers.

• Benefits: Attracts birds and pollinators, very low water needs.

3. False Mopane (Guibourtia coleosperma)

• Description: A bushy shrub or small tree that thrives in sandy, dry areas.

• Benefits: Adds structure to the landscape and supports soil stability.

4. Num-num (Carissa macrocarpa)

• Description: A dense, thorny shrub with edible red fruits.

• Benefits: Drought-tolerant, makes an excellent natural barrier or hedge.

5. Blue Bush (Diospyros lycioides)

• Description: A drought-resistant shrub with small leaves and blue-grey berries.

• Benefits: Attracts birds and helps stabilize soil.

Grasses

1. Red Grass (Themeda triandra)

• Description: A native grass with deep roots and reddish foliage during dry seasons.

• Benefits: Very drought-tolerant, excellent for grazing and soil cover.

2. Bushman Grass (Stipagrostis uniplumis)

• Description: A resilient grass species that thrives in dry, sandy soils.

• Benefits: Provides forage for livestock and helps prevent soil erosion.

3. Klein Rooigras (Eragrostis lehmanniana)

• Description: A hardy grass with fine, light-green blades.

• Benefits: Drought-tolerant, provides good ground cover, and stabilizes soil.

4. Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana)

• Description: An adaptable grass with edible seeds, often grown for food.

• Benefits: Requires minimal water, can be used for both livestock feed and human consumption.

5. Veld Grass (Eragrostis curvula)

• Description: Commonly known as lovegrass, a tough and drought-resistant grass.

• Benefits: Excellent for soil conservation, erosion control, and grazing.

Ground Covers

1. Ice Plant (Delosperma spp.)

• Description: A low-growing succulent with vibrant, daisy-like flowers.

• Benefits: Very low water needs, provides ground cover, and reduces soil erosion.

2. Purslane (Portulaca oleracea)

• Description: A fast-spreading succulent with edible leaves high in omega-3s.

• Benefits: Drought-tolerant, provides ground cover, and can be used as a food source.

3. Gazania (Gazania rigens)

• Description: A hardy ground cover with bright, colourful flowers.

• Benefits: Low water requirements, ideal for dry landscaping, and attracts pollinators.

4. Trailing African Daisy (Osteospermum spp.)

• Description: Low-growing with vibrant, daisy-like flowers.

• Benefits: Drought-tolerant and provides colourful ground cover.

5. Prostrate Spekboom (Portulacaria afra)

• Description: A succulent with small, green leaves that form a mat on the ground.

• Benefits: Conserves water, provides ground cover, and helps reduce soil erosion.

Herbs and Vegetables

1. Spekboom (Portulacaria afra)

• Description: Also known as “elephant bush,” a succulent that stores water.

• Benefits: Excellent for dry conditions and can be used in salads.

2. Wild Garlic (Tulbaghia violacea)

• Description: A hardy herb with a strong garlic flavour, purple flowers.

• Benefits: Repels pests and is drought-tolerant.

3. Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)

• Description: A tough, fragrant herb with small purple flowers.

• Benefits: Extremely drought-tolerant and useful for culinary purposes.

4. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)

• Description: A succulent plant with thick, fleshy leaves.

• Benefits: Very low water requirements and has medicinal properties.

5. Wild Sage (Salvia africana-lutea)

• Description: A tough herb with small, fragrant leaves and pale flowers.

• Benefits: Very drought-tolerant and can be used for teas and medicinal purposes.

Considerations for Planting in Arid Areas

• Mulching: Applying a layer of organic mulch around plants helps retain soil moisture, reduce evaporation, and improve soil health over time.

• Windbreaks: Planting taller species or using shrubs as windbreaks can help protect smaller plants from the harsh sun and drying winds.

• Plant Spacing: Allow enough space between plants to avoid competition for water and nutrients, as well as to help capture more dew on leaves.

• Water Catchment Techniques: Use swales, small basins, or contour planting to capture and direct rainwater to plants effectively.

Selecting the right mix of these drought-tolerant plants can create a sustainable, water-efficient landscape suited to Namibia’s dry climate. These plants not only conserve water but also support local ecosystems, provide food and shelter for wildlife, and help prevent soil erosion.