Lithops
ExplorePlants
Lithops
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
Category
PlantsRarity
Rare
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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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
Ability
Master of Disguise
Lithops can perfectly mimic surrounding rocks and pebbles, helping them survive by hiding from hungry animals.
Ability
Desert Drinker
Lithops has thick, fleshy leaves that store water, helping it survive long periods of drought in dry deserts.
Ability
Light Trap
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
- 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
Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.
Evergreen
Evergreen plants retain their foliage throughout the year, never shedding all their leaves at once.
Drought Tolerant
Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability.
Succulent
Succulent plants have thickened, fleshy parts, usually leaves or stems, adapted to store water in arid climates.
Desert
Desert habitats are arid regions characterized by extremely low precipitation and often extreme temperatures, supporting specialized flora and fauna.
Also known as
Living StonesStone Plants
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Explore with care and ask an adult if you’re unsure what to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Lithops?
1-5 cm
How wide does Lithops spread?
1-5 cm
How big are the flowers on Lithops?
1.5-3 cm
When does Lithops bloom?
Late summer to autumn
Is Lithops edible?
No
Is Lithops toxic?
None
What is Lithops's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Lithops pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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