How might morning fog help Welwitschia mirabilis survive in the Namib Desert?

It is hypothesized that morning fog plays a critical role in the survival of Welwitschia mirabilis within the arid Namib Desert, where annual rainfall is often extremely low.12

While the exact mechanism remains unproven, researchers believe that moisture from the desert's frequent morning fog may accumulate on the plant's large, straplike leaves and subsequently enter them. This potential water uptake would be vital for the plant, as it faces significant water loss through transpiration when its stomata remain open for photosynthesis during the day.1

The Namib is recognized as a fog desert, and fog serves as a primary moisture source for many endemic species in the region. In addition to this potential foliar absorption, Welwitschia possesses a deep taproot that likely accesses water sources unavailable to other desert vegetation.312