Talbotia elegans

Talbotia elegans is the sole species in the monotypic genus of monocotyledonous flowering plants, Talbotia. The plant is a member of Velloziaceae family and it is closely related to another African genus which is Xerophyta. That's why depending on the classification system these two genera are sometimes united together in Xerophyta.

Talbotia elegans is endemic to South Africa and its natural distribution and habitat is restricted to Drakensberg Mountains in Mpumalanga province. The plant is evergreen and similar to other members of its family it is able to express high level or tolerance against desiccation and even long treatment with sulphuric acid under dry conditions leaves it able to revive and restart its photosynthetic abilities. Talbotia produces narrow but long, leathery leaves and white star-shaped flowers with yellow stamens. The seeds are hooked thus enhancing dispersal by animals.