THE launch of the book 'Welwitschia's World' by Namibian ecologist Joh Henschel took place at Swakopmund recently.

Henschel has a passion for the Namib.

His experience with the Namib started in 1977 when he followed spotted hyaenas in the Kuiseb Canyon and later conducted research on spiders, insects, climate, the Welwitschia mirabilis plant and a host of other subjects published in 120 scientific articles and many more popular writings.

He grew up in Kwazulu-Natal in South Africa, and attended the Hermannsburg School; graduated from the University of Cape Town with a master's degree in marine biology and completed his doctorate at the University of Pretoria on the socio-ecology of spotted hyaenas in the Kruger National Park.

Currently Henschel lives in Walvis Bay where he conducts ecological research and works as environmental practitioner through EnviroMEND, as well as sharing his fascination for nature through photography and writing.

In his book, 'Welwitschia's World', Henschel presents one of the strangest plants on earth - an enigma of the desert; icon of Namibia and Angola - and renowned worldwide. The book takes the reader through various facets of this plant's history, its life cycle, environment, its companions, and reflects the awe people have for it.

'Welwitschia's World' is available at book shops countrywide.