No. 21 - Aptosimum spinescens - Postcard Set of 10

Aptosimum spinescens, sometimes known as Doringviooltjie or spiny Aptosimum, is a small woody undershrub in the Scrophulariaceae family. This species can be found growing in open planes in sandy or gravelly soils throughout Karoo and southwestern Kalahari.

Leaves of this species are long and slender and form tufts along the plant, hiding spines that help protect the plant from herbivory. At midday, leaves fold in half lengthwise to reduce water loss.

The family Scrophulariaceae has had some significant changes in recent years as many genera have been taken out and moved to their own independent families. These changes are characteristic of recent molecular evidence that suggest greater differences between plants within the family than historically thought. Despite this, the genus Aptosimum remains a member of the figwort family.