ExplorePlant

Lithops

Lithops, also known as Living Stones, look just like little rocks! They are fascinating plants that blend in with their surroundings.

Habitat: Deserts

Appearance

The Lithops has a unique appearance, closely resembling small, colourful pebbles or stones. It typically consists of two thick, fused leaves with a flat or slightly rounded top surface, often marked with intricate patterns, spots, or translucent 'windows' in shades of grey, brown, green, or reddish hues.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCaryophyllalesFamilyAizoaceaeGenusLithops

Lithops

Interesting facts

Each year, a new pair of leaves grows right inside the old leaves!

Lithops means 'stone face' because they look exactly like colourful pebbles!

Many Lithops flowers open in the afternoon and close at sunset!

They can live for more than 50 years in their super dry desert homes!

Special abilities

Lithops can perfectly mimic surrounding rocks and pebbles, helping them survive by hiding from hungry animals.

Lithops has thick, fleshy leaves that store water, helping it survive long periods of drought in dry deserts.

Lithops has special translucent 'windows' on its top surface that let sunlight reach deeper into the plant for photosynthesis.

Measurements & details

Height: 1-5 cm
Spread: 1-5 cm
Flower Size: 1.5-3 cm
Bloom Season: Late summer to autumn
Is Edible: No
Toxicity: None
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honeybee

Apis mellifera

Carries pollen between Lithops flowers.

symbiotic with

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus

Rhizophagus irregularis

Helps Lithops roots absorb water and nutrients.

eats

Namaqua rock mouse

Aethomys namaquensis

May nibble on soft plant tissues or seeds.

Traits

Shade Tolerant

Discover plants that love to live in the shadows, growing beautifully and happily even in spots where the sun doesn't shine all day long.

Evergreen

These wonderful plants keep their leaves or needles all year round, providing beautiful green scenery even in the chilliest months. They stay green forever!

Drought Tolerant

These clever plants are superstars at saving water, thriving even when it's dry and sunny with very little rain. They're nature's resourceful friends!