As you sweat your way across the Richtersveld, one of the unmistakable icons that’s sure to leave a lasting impression is the peculiar ‘Halfmens’ tree. Scientifically known as the Pachypodium namaquanum, this strange succulent plant can be spotted occasionally on the Richtersveld’s barren slopes. Its quirky, prehistoric profile is most often characterised by a single, skittle-like stem, and a ‘top-mop’ of leaves that stands out against the desert’s clear blue skies.