THE SPHAEROID INSTITUTE, A PIECE OF NAMAQUALAND IN CALIFORNIA

摘要

In 2008 when 1 came back from my first trip to South Africa, I wrote to Steven Hammer, who I knew mdirectly, having read his wonderful books. I was sure he would identify some of the bizarre mesembs I had encountered in this succulent paradise. We soon came to know each other and I suggested that we should meet one day...So, I arrived in the little town of Vista at 1.00 pm on the 26"' of July 2010 and was welcomed by Steven with a quiche in his chamiing hippie house. Then came the "Let's get the torches and visit the greenhouses by night!" I was really amazed by this nocturnal visit that gave us a first glance at this wonderful collection. Steve's place lies not far from a valley where all kinds of creatures (Raccoons eating Steve's fishes!) are hunting. They can be heard when sleeping on Steve's hammock during the hotCalifomian nights...