Publication: Succulenta (Netherlands) (5)52 (May 1961)
Description
Lithops karasmontana var. opalina is one of the innumerable local form of the very variable Lithops karasmontana distingushed for the oval bodies with fissure extending right across, pale bluish-white, top surface quite homogeneous with pinkish tint. Flowers white.
Habit: Bodies solitary or in groups of 2 or more, to 3 cm high.
Bodies (paired leaves): More or less subequal, each 2,5-3 cm; top of lobe flat or subconvex; sides and top tinted a pinkish grey; window semi-opaque, surface slightly uneven, the depressions coloured lighter than the ridges, which are coloured a deeper grey.
Flowers: Big up to 4,5 cm in diameter (mostly 25-35 mm) satiny white, narrow-rayed.
Blooming season: Late summer or early autumn.
Fruit: Seed capsules mostly 5-chambered. Profile boat-shaped.
Seeds: Minuscule, yellow-brown; smooth to rugose.
Origin and Habitat
Namibia
Habitat: It is found growing among quartzite stones.
Cultivation and Propagation
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).
Bibliography
Major refences and further lectures
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Heidrun E. K. Hartmann (2002) “Aizoaceae F – Z” Springer
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Achim Hecktheuer (2008) “Mesembs, mehr als nur Lithops” Books on Demand GmbH Norderstedt.
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Desmond T. Cole & Naureen A. Cole, Uwe Beyer, Yves Delange (2008) “Les Lithops” SUCCULENTES Spécial 2008 AIAPS (now Terra seca).
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Desmond T. Cole & Naureen A. Cole (2005) “LITHOPS Flowering Stones” Cactus & Co. Libri.
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Yasuhiko Shimada (2001) “The Genus Lithops” Dobun Shoin. ISBN 4-8103-4066-X
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Rudolf Heine (1986) “Lithops - Lebende Steine” Neumann Verlag.
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Bernd Schlösser (2000) “Lithops – Lebende Steine” Praktische Anleitung für die Zimmerkultur. BussinessPoint MEDIA.
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Steven A. Hammer (1999) “Lithops – Treasures of the veld” British Cactus and Succulent Society.
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Desmond T. Cole (1988) “Lithops – Flowering Stones” Acorn Books CC.
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Rudolf Heine (1986) “Lithops – lebende Steine” Neumann Verlag.
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David L. Sprechman (1970) “Lithops” Associated University Presses, Inc.
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Gert Cornelius Nel (1946) “Lithops” Hortors Limited, South Africa
