Publication: Aloe 22 (3) 59-60, 198
Description
Lithops hallii var. ochracea is one of the most variable white flowering species with broadly kidney shaped leaves pairs. This species shows shades of reddish-brown with regular fine to broad interlacing network of channels. The cv” Green Soapstone’ is a beautiful slow growing small plant with a very striking green colour. This cultivar is a freak derived and selected among the typical chartreuse pigmented plant of the original species. Flowers are white.
Flowers: The blooms are white 20-45 mm in diameter.
Fruits: 6-loculed capsules.
Seeds: light yellow-brown to yellow-brown, smooth to rugose.
Origin and Habitat
South africa, Cape Province. TL: 30 miles South of Prieska.
Habitat: Grows mainly on flat limestone terrains, with calcrete stones and fine-grained dark sandstone. Colours of the backgrounds yellow-brown, grey-brown, grey-white, grey, brown, with some red, black; yellow or grey-brown.
Cultivation and Propagation
They need an open mineral, fast draining mix and the maximum amount of light you are able to give them.
The basic cultivation routine is: Stop watering after flowering. Start watering after the old leaves completely dry. (Usually late March or Early April) Water freely during the growing season, soak the compost fully but allow it to dry out between waterings, no water when cold. Some growers fertilize frequently, some hardly ever. Keep them dry during the winter. Nearly all problems occur as a result of overwatering and poor ventilation especially when weather conditions are dull and cool or very humid. This plant is best for a well lit area (Bright shade to full sun). But don’t be afraid even the best growers have plants that mysteriously dry up, or leave during the night
Notes
Lithops are partly subterranean, with only the clear ‘window’ in each leaf tip exposed above soil. A type of optical system exists whereby a layer of apical tissue rich in calcium oxalate crystals acts as a filter to intense sunlight before it reaches the thin chlorophyllous layer below. They are also called mimicry plants as they show a striking similarity to their background rocks and are difficult to detect when not in flower. These are the commonly known as pebble plants or living stones; each species is associated with one particular type of rock formation and occurs nowhere else. Its soil-embedded, subterranean growth form also reduces the need for chemical defences against herbivores.
Bibliography
Major refences and further lectures
-
Heidrun E. K. Hartmann (2002) “Aizoaceae F – Z” Springer
-
Achim Hecktheuer (2008) “Mesembs, mehr als nur Lithops” Books on Demand GmbH Norderstedt. ISBN-13 978-3-8370-1724-3
-
Desmond T. Cole & Naureen A. Cole, Uwe Beyer, Yves Delange (2008) “Les Lithops” SUCCULENTES Spécial 2008 AIAPS (now Terra seca). ISSN 0258-5359
-
Desmond T. Cole & Naureen A. Cole (2005) “LITHOPS Flowering Stones” Cactus & Co. Libri. ISBN 88-900511-7-5 ISBN-13 978-88-900511-7-3
-
Yasuhiko Shimada (2001) “The Genus Lithops” Dobun Shoin. ISBN 4-8103-4066-X
-
Rudolf Heine (1986) “Lithops - Lebende Steine” Neumann Verlag. ISBN 3-7402-0000-6; ISBN-13 978-3-7402-0000-8
-
Bernd Schlösser (2000) “Lithops – Lebende Steine” Praktische Anleitung für die Zimmerkultur. BussinessPoint MEDIA. ISBN 3-934945-01-5; ISBN-13 978-3-934945-01-2
-
Steven A. Hammer (1999) “Lithops – Treasures of the veld” British Cactus and Succulent Society. ISBN 0-902-099-64-7; ISBN-13 978-0-902099-64-7
-
Desmond T. Cole (1988) “Lithops – Flowering Stones” Acorn Books CC. ISBN 0-620-09678-0; ISBN-13 978-0-620-09678-2
-
Rudolf Heine (1986) “Lithops – lebende Steine” Neumann Verlag. ISBN 3-7402-0000-6; ISBN-13 978-3-7402-0000-8
-
David L. Sprechman (1970) “Lithops” Associated University Presses, Inc. SBN 8386-6902-6
-
Gert Cornelius Nel (1946) “Lithops” Hortors Limited, South Africa
Gallery
