Nara Melon Plants Information About Growing Nara Melons

Nara melon plants (Acanthosicyos horridus) are not classified as desert plants despite their growing location. Naras rely on underground water, and as such, bear deep water seeking roots. A member of the cucumber family, nara melons are an ancient species with fossil evidence dating back 40 million years.

1. What is a Nara plant?
2. How old is the Nara plant?
3. What plants are in the Namib Desert?

What is a Nara plant?

! Nara is a leafless, thorny, melon-bearing bush that is endemic to the Namib Desert.

How old is the Nara plant?

The Nara bush is endemic to coastal Namib, grows only within reach of subterranean water, forms high dunes by trapping sand. The plant is believed to be in existence for more than 1000 years.

What plants are in the Namib Desert?

Discover more plants in Namibia

• Wild melons. The Tsamma melon is an undomesticated form of the cultivated citron, or bitter melon. Wild melons.
• The antiparasite tree. A useful tree for animals. The antiparasite tree.
• Kew in Namibia. Discover Namibia's fascinating flora. Kew in Namibia.