Welwitschia is a monotypic gymnosperm genus, comprising solely the very distinct Welwitschia mirabilis. The plant is commonly known simply as Welwitschia, and has various common names in local languages, for example kharos or khurub in Nama. It is the only genus of the family Welwitschiaceaeand . Welwitschia mirabilis is endemic to the Namib desert within Namibiaand Angola. After germination, the cotyledons grow to 25-35 mm in length, and are followed shortly afterward by the appearance of two permanent leaves. The growth of the true leaves outstrips that of the cotyledons after about four months, after which the growing tips of the two cotyledons die. The true leaves are produced at right angles to the cotyledons, and continue to grow in length throughout the entire life of the plant; The age of individual plants is difficult to assess, but they are very long-lived, living 1000 years or more. Some individuals may be more than 2000 years old. The seeds may be stored for long periods at suitably low humidity and temperature. Welwitschia mirabilis grows readily from seed