Lithops localis (N.E.Br.) Schwantes

Publication: Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. 43: 230. 1938

Description

Lithops localis (L. terricolor) belongs to the group of the yellow- blooming living stones and is distinguished especially by the pellucid dots regularly scattered over the top surface of the leaves and with a small window. The patterns of colour and dots on the face is more or less regular within certain ranges of similarity. For this species, the numerous dots (small windows) are very specific ranging in colour from dark grey through browns to purple. It is generally smaller than most Lithops and conforms to the typical Lithops morphology: two thick, fleshy windowed leaves separated by a crack from which a yellow flower appears. The windowed part allows light into the inner portion of the leaf where the process of photosynthesis is carried out.

Habit: It is an acaulescent perennial, geophytic, succulent, very seldom solitary, usually found in clumps of 6-10 plants up to 3, 5 cm high, but also forming cushions with 20 or more heads.

Root: Quite shallow, with a slightly thickened axis and thin, lateral, fibrous roots.

Bodies (Paired leaves): Small to medium, compact, obconic, truncate, 15-30 mm long, 12-24 mm broad, fissure fairly deep and widely gaping. Tops of leaves, mostly elliptic, slightly to strongly convex, smooth, opaque dark or pale green or variously coloured comprising pale pinkish, yellowish, greenish or bluish grey, or pinkish, yellowish or reddish brown, or greyish blue, green or lilac. Windows sometimes completely open or partly occluded, but usually absent with numerous

dark-green dots in it, or window forming smaller areas with dark-green dots or covered only with numerous dark-green separate or confluent dots; separate dots on the margin and sides; sometimes numerous about 20 black dots distributed more or less evenly over both lobes, or a few only on one lobe or absent altogether. Islands usually small, few to many, very irregular. Channels usually not distinguishable. Rubrication absent, dusky dots usually very numerous, superficial and clearly visible. Margins normally not distinguishable, sometimes fairly well-defined.

Flowers : Daisy-like, diurnal, small about (12-)20-30(-35) mm in diameter, yellow, sometimes with white centre,

Blooming season: Autumn (in habitat blooms in April)

Fruits: Fruits mostly 5 chambered profile boat-shaped, top flat to slightly convex or peaked, faces broadly elliptic to almost round.

Origin and Habitat

Lithops localis (= L. terricolor) is the the most widely distributed species in the southern part of the lower Great Karoo, from Laingsburg, Northern Cape province, to Steytlerville, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.

Habitat: It is found under small shrubs ans stones on gravelly plains and flats. Substrata mainly composed by shale, weathered fine-grained feldspathic sandstone, quartzite, quartz-ite with fine-grained sandstone, siltstone, banded cherts and jasper. Colur of the background dark grey, grey-brown, grey-white, yellow-brown, brown, red, pink, white and black. They closely resemble the surrounding pebbles of their natural habitat, either in coloration and shape, this camouflage allows them to escape detection and is a very effective strategy for escaping predation. They are pollinated by bees, flies, wasps, gnats, bugs and other insects that are common in the area.

Cultivation and Propagation

The Lithops (a.k.a. Living Stones) are some of the world’s most fascinating plants and are sought by the collector of succulent plants. Paying attention to the particular growing requirement of Lithops is especially important. If you provide the Lithops with the right conditions, they will reward you with their unique shape, size, colour and a proliferation of blooms in autumn. However, Lithops are tricky plants that are very particular about their growing conditions and require the right maintenance in order to keep happy. But don’t be afraid even the best growers have plants that mysteriously dry up, or leave during the night. While Lithops are picky about their care, if you are patient and remember the basics, your efforts will be rewarded. Being small plants, a representative collection can be grown on a patio table, a sunny windowsill or a shelf in the greenhouse.

Growing rate: Slow growing for a mesemb.

Soil: They grow best in an open mineral, sandy-gritty soil and requires good drainage as they are prone to root rot. They can grow outdoor in sunny, dry, rock crevices (protection against winter wet is required) They can also be cultivated in alpine house, in poor, drained soil.

Repotting: They may stay in the same pot for many years. Plants grown in larger containers have frequently relatively poor flowers. Flowers might improve when the plants are given their own, small individual pots.

Watering They Require little water otherwise the epidermis breaks (resulting in unsightly scars). The basic cultivation routine is: Stop watering after flowering. Start watering after the old leaves are 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. In the winter season the plant doesn’t need watering, the plant in this time extracts water from the outer succulent leaves, allowing them to shrivel away, relocating water to the rest of the plant and to the new leaves that form during this period. If grown in a container, bottom watering by immersing the container is recommended. Water sparingly only when warm, no water when cold. Nearly all problems occur as a result of overwatering and poor ventilation, especially when weather conditions are dull and cool or very humid. They must have very dry atmosphere.

Fertilization: Feed them once during the growing season with a fertilizer specifically formulated for cactus and succulents (high potash fertilizer with a dilute low nitrogen), including all micro nutrients and trace elements diluted to ½ the strength recommended on the label. They thrive in poor soils and need a limited supplies of fertilizer to avoid the plants developing excess vegetation, which is easily attacked by fungal diseases. Some growers fertilize frequently, some hardly ever. However, for the highly succulent mesembs, (Lithops, Conophytums, etc.) fertilization is not really necessary.

Light: They prefer a very bright situation and in winter they need the maximum amount of light you are able to give them, but keep more cool and partially shaded in summer. The only exception to this is seedlings in their first year that enjoy a shades place. Such tiny plants can easily get scorched or broiled and their appearance spoiled (this may not matter in the wild, where the Lithops have probably shrunk into the ground and becomes covered with sands). Outdoor (Lithops prefer full sun, with some shade in the hottest summer months. High levels of light are needed in autumn to flower and for good plant development. The low intensity of sun light during the growing season of this species generally prevents the white flower flowers from opening.

Special Advice: Lithops are best planted in a sunny and airy part of the greenhouse, and not too close to the glass roof or sides of the house as the plants can overheat during hot spells.

Hardiness: They require a minimum temperature 5°C (But will take a light frost and are hardy down to -7° C for short periods if they are in dry soil). USDA zones 9A – 11.

Uses: Container, rock garden.

Pests & diseases: Lithops may be attractive to a variety of insects, but plants in good condition should be nearly pest-free, particularly if they are grown in a mineral potting-mix, with good exposure and ventilation. Nonetheless, there are several pests to watch for:

- Red spiders: they may be effectively rubbed up by misting the vulnerable plants every day.

- Mealy bugs: occasianlly they develop aerial into the new leaves and flowers with disfiguring results, but the worst types develop underground on the roots and are invisible except by their effects.

- Sciara Flies: they are one of the major problems for seedlings. It is a good practice to mulch your seedlings with a layer of grit, which will strongly discourage the flies.

- Scales, thrips and aphids: (they are rarely a problem.)

It is wise to treat your whole collection with a systemic insecticide twice a year in spring and autumn.

- Rot: it is only a minor problem with mesembs if the plants are watered and “aired” correctly. If they are not, fungicides won’t help all that much.

Remarks: After flowering in the autumn and extending through winter season the plant doesn’t need watering, but they will still be growing, the new bodies will be increasing in size extracting water from the outer succulent leaves, allowing them to shrivel away. In fact the plant in this time extracts water and nutrient stored in the outer succulent leaves, allowing them to dehydrate relocating the water to the rest of the plant and to the new leaves that form during this period until the old leaves are reduced to nothing more than “thin papery shells”.

Propagation: Seed or (or rarely) cuttings. The small seeds can be sown in pots of fine, well-drained sand, any time during the spring and summer months when temperatures are warm. Cover the seeds with a very fine layer of grit and water from below with a fungicide to prevent damping off. For the first 3-4 days cover the pots with a sheet of glass/clear perspex to keep the humidity levels high. Remove the glass and replace it with light shadecloth and mist once or twice a day for the next two weeks after which most seeds should have germinated. From then on mistings can be reduced to every second and then every third day as the little plants grow. Take the cuttings from a grown-up mother plant. Each cutting must contain one or more heads along with a fraction of root and permit them to dry out a couple of days, lay the cuttings on the soil and insert the stem end partially into the soil. Try to keep the cutting somewhat upright so that the roots are able to grow downward. It is relatively difficult to root Lithops from cuttings and generally pointless as well, so quick are they from seed.

Comment: Improvement of Lithops characteristics: Some growers (but not all!!) think it is very intriguing to reinforce any characteristic of cultivated Lithops of by crossing two similar selected plants and then back-crossing with the mother plant. This way we can eventually get some interesting results. Of course, many of the nicest Lithops we grow in cultivation have already been selected over time. However many Lithops are already nice plants which can’t really be improved, on the other hand one could try to improve the colour or the markings etc. Now if we have two particular plants we may attempt to breed between them and can maybe get a whole improved population and then select some better offspring to continue the selection.

Seed production: Plants can be hand pollinated, using a small paint brush. Remember always to cross different clones as the plants are self-sterile. The seed will remain viable for many years provided it is stored in a cool dry place.

Bibliography

Major refences and further lectures

1. Heidrun E. K. Hartmann “Aizoaceae F – Z” Springer 2002

2. Achim Hecktheuer “Mesembs, mehr als nur Lithops” Books on Demand GmbH Norderstedt. 2008

3. Desmond T. Cole & Naureen A. Cole, Uwe Beyer, Yves Delange “Les Lithops” SUCCULENTES Spécial 2008 AIAPS (now Terra seca). 2008

4. Desmond T. Cole & Naureen A. Cole “LITHOPS Flowering Stones” Cactus & Co. Libri. 2005

5. Yasuhiko Shimada “The Genus Lithops” Dobun Shoin. 2001

6. Rudolf Heine “Lithops - Lebende Steine” Neumann Verlag. 1986

7. Bernd Schlösser “Lithops – Lebende Steine” Praktische Anleitung für die Zimmerkultur. BussinessPoint MEDIA. 2000

8. Steven A. Hammer “Lithops – Treasures of the veld” British Cactus and Succulent Society. 1999

9. Desmond T. Cole “Lithops – Flowering Stones” Acorn Books 1988

10. Rudolf Heine “Lithops – lebende Steine” Neumann Verlag. 1986

11. David L. Sprechman “Lithops” Associated University Presses, Inc. 1970

12. Gert Cornelius Nel “Lithops” Hortors Limited, South Africa 1946

13. Edgar Lamb “The illustrated reference on cacti and other succulents” Blandford Press. 1978

14. Christopher Brickell, Royal Horticultural Society “RHS A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants: K-Z., Volume 2” Kindersley, 2008

15. G. C . Nel “Lithops: Plantae succulantae, rarissimae, in terra obscuratae, e famailia Aizoaceae, ex Africa australi” Hortors Limited, Cape Town, South Africa 1946

16. Heidrun E. K. Hartmann “Illustrated Handbook of Succulent Plants: Aizoaceae F-Z” Springer, 2002

17. Steven A. Hammer “Lithops: Joyaux du veld” Editions Quae, 25/nov/2010

18. Doreen Court “Succulent Flora of Southern Africa” Struik Nature, 2010

19. Peter Goldblatt “Cape Plants: A Conspectus of the Cape Flora of South Africa” National Botanical Institute of South Africa, 2000

From llifle page Lithops peersii

Bibliography

Major refences and further lectures

1. Heidrun E. K. Hartmann (2002) “Aizoaceae F – Z” Springer

2. Achim Hecktheuer (2008) “Mesembs, mehr als nur Lithops” Books on Demand GmbH Norderstedt. ISBN-13 978-3-8370-1724-3

3. Desmond T. Cole & Naureen A. Cole, Uwe Beyer, Yves Delange (2008) “Les Lithops” SUCCULENTES Spécial 2008 AIAPS (now Terra seca). ISSN 0258-5359

4. 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

5. Yasuhiko Shimada (2001) “The Genus Lithops” Dobun Shoin. ISBN 4-8103-4066-X

6. Rudolf Heine (1986) “Lithops - Lebende Steine” Neumann Verlag. ISBN 3-7402-0000-6; ISBN-13 978-3-7402-0000-8

7. 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

8. 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

9. Desmond T. Cole (1988) “Lithops – Flowering Stones” Acorn Books CC. ISBN 0-620-09678-0; ISBN-13 978-0-620-09678-2

10. Rudolf Heine (1986) “Lithops – lebende Steine” Neumann Verlag. ISBN 3-7402-0000-6; ISBN-13 978-3-7402-0000-8

11. David L. Sprechman (1970) “Lithops” Associated University Presses, Inc. SBN 8386-6902-6

12. Gert Cornelius Nel (1946) “Lithops” Hortors Limited, South Africa

Source: Lithops peersii, LLIFLE - Encyclopedia of living forms, CC-BY-SA, retrieved 2026-10-26.

From llifle page Lithops terricolor C132A TL. 40 km E of Laingsburg, South Africa cv. Silver Spur

Description

Lithops localis (syn: Lithops terricolor) is generally smaller than most Lithops but its shape follows the same pattern of a cordate (heart-shaped), bifurcate body of two leaves, cleft nearly to the base and showing a pattern of channels, islands and windows on the top face. The patterns of colour and dots on the face is more or less regular within certain ranges of similarity.

Distinguishing characteristic: This cultivar has uncommon pure white bloom instead of yellow.

Origin and Habitat

40 km East of Laingsburg, South Africa (Type Locality of L. terricolor N.E.Brown)

Habitat: It is found under small shrubs ans stones on gravelly plains and flats.

This species is very difficult to find in the field, especially when slightly covered with fine somewhat reddish sand or dirt. The colour of the dirt approximates that of the upper surface of the lobes, and these are practically level with the soil. This way Lithops localis resist attacks from herbivorous predators, and is almost impossible to distinguish from their surroundings until they erupt into vivid daisy-like yellow flowers. They are pollinated by bees, flies, wasps, gnats, bugs and other insects that are common in the area.

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).

Notes: After flowering in the autumn and extending through winter season the plant doesn’t need watering, but they will still be growing, the new bodies will be increasing in size extracting water from the outer succulent leaves, allowing them to shrivel away. In fact the plant in this time extracts water and nutrient stored in the outer succulent leaves, allowing them to dehydrate relocating the water to the rest of the plant and to the new leaves that form during this period until the old leaves are reduced to nothing more than “thin papery shells”.

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.

Source: Lithops terricolor C132A TL. 40 km E of Laingsburg, South Africa cv. Silver Spur, LLIFLE - Encyclopedia of living forms, CC-BY-SA, retrieved 2026-10-26.

From llifle page Lithops terricolor C131 (syn. peersii) TL: Near Miller Station, South Africa

Description

Lithops localis (syn: Lithops peersii) belongs to the group of the yellow- blooming living stones and is distinguished especially by the pellucid dots regularly scattered over the top surface of the leaves and with a small window. The patterns of colour and dots on the face is more or less regular within certain ranges of similarity. For this species, the numerous dots (small windows) are very specific ranging in colour from dark grey through browns to purple. It is generally smaller than most Lithops and conforms to the typical Lithops morphology: two thick, fleshy windowed leaves separated by a crack from which a yellow flower appears. The windowed part allows light into the inner portion of the leaf where the process of photosynthesis is carried out.

Habit: It is an acaulescent perennial, geophytic, succulent, very seldom solitary, usually found in clumps of 6-10 plants up to 3, 5 cm high, but also forming cushions with 20 or more heads.

Root: Quite shallow, with a slightly thickened axis and thin, lateral, fibrous roots.

Bodies (Paired leaves): Small to medium, compact, obconic, truncate, 15-30 mm long, 12-24 mm broad, fissure fairly deep and widely gaping. Tops of leaves, mostly elliptic, slightly to strongly convex, smooth, opaque dark or pale green or variously coloured comprising pale pinkish, yellowish, greenish or bluish grey, or pinkish, yellowish or reddish brown, or greyish blue, green or lilac. Windows sometimes completely open or partly occluded, but usually absent with numerous

dark-green dots in it, or window forming smaller areas with dark-green dots or covered only with numerous dark-green separate or confluent dots; separate dots on the margin and sides; sometimes numerous about 20 black dots distributed more or less evenly over both lobes, or a few only on one lobe or absent altogether. Islands usually small, few to many, very irregular. Channels usually not distinguishable. Rubrication absent, dusky dots usually very numerous, superficial and clearly visible. Margins normally not distinguishable, sometimes fairly well-defined.

Flowers: Daisy-like, diurnal, small about (12-)20-30(-35) mm in diameter, yellow, sometimes with white centre.

Blooming season: Autumn (in habitat blooms in April)

Fruits: Fruits mostly 5 chambered profile boat-shaped, top flat to slightly convex or peaked, faces broadly elliptic to almost round.

Origin and Habitat

Type Locality Near Miller Station, South Africa.

Habit: It is found under small shrubs ans stones on gravelly plains and flats.

This species is very difficult to find in the field, especially when slightly covered with fine somewhat reddish sand or dirt. The colour of the dirt approximates that of the upper surface of the lobes, and these are practically level with the soil. This way Lithops localis resist attacks from herbivorous predators, and is almost impossible to distinguish from their surroundings until they erupt into vivid daisy-like yellow flowers. They are pollinated by bees, flies, wasps, gnats, bugs and other insects that are common in the area.

Source: Lithops terricolor C131 (syn. peersii) TL: Near Miller Station, South Africa, LLIFLE - Encyclopedia of living forms, CC-BY-SA, retrieved 2026-10-26.

From llifle page Lithops terricolor C132 40 km E of Laingsburg, South Africa (TL. of L.Terricolor N.E.Brown)

Description

Lithops localis (L. terricolor) belongs to the group of the yellow- blooming living stones and is distinguished especially by the pellucid dots regularly scattered over the top surface of the leaves and with a small window. The patterns of colour and dots on the face is more or less regular within certain ranges of similarity. For this species, the numerous dots (small windows) are very specific ranging in colour from dark grey through browns to purple. It is generally smaller than most Lithops and conforms to the typical Lithops morphology: two thick, fleshy windowed leaves separated by a crack from which a yellow flower appears. The windowed part allows light into the inner portion of the leaf where the process of photosynthesis is carried out.

Habit: It is an acaulescent perennial, geophytic, succulent, very seldom solitary, usually found in clumps of 6-10 plants up to 3, 5 cm high, but also forming cushions with 20 or more heads.

Root: Quite shallow, with a slightly thickened axis and thin, lateral, fibrous roots.

Bodies (Paired leaves): Small to medium, compact, obconic, truncate, 15-30 mm long, 12-24 mm broad, fissure fairly deep and widely gaping. Tops of leaves, mostly elliptic, slightly to strongly convex, smooth, opaque dark or pale green or variously coloured comprising pale pinkish, yellowish, greenish or bluish grey, or pinkish, yellowish or reddish brown, or greyish blue, green or lilac. Windows sometimes completely open or partly occluded, but usually absent with numerous

dark-green dots in it, or window forming smaller areas with dark-green dots or covered only with numerous dark-green separate or confluent dots; separate dots on the margin and sides; sometimes numerous about 20 black dots distributed more or less evenly over both lobes, or a few only on one lobe or absent altogether. Islands usually small, few to many, very irregular. Channels usually not distinguishable. Rubrication absent, dusky dots usually very numerous, superficial and clearly visible. Margins normally not distinguishable, sometimes fairly well-defined.

Flowers: Daisy-like, diurnal, small about (12-)20-30(-35) mm in diameter, yellow, sometimes with white centre.

Blooming season: Autumn (in habitat blooms in April)

Fruits: Fruits mostly 5 chambered profile boat-shaped, top flat to slightly convex or peaked, faces broadly elliptic to almost round.

Origin and Habitat

40 km East of Laingsburg, South Africa (Type Locality of Lithops terricolor N.E.Brown)

Habit: It is found under small shrubs ans stones on gravelly plains and flats.

This species is very difficult to find in the field, especially when slightly covered with fine somewhat reddish sand or dirt. The colour of the dirt approximates that of the upper surface of the lobes, and these are practically level with the soil. This way Lithops localis resist attacks from herbivorous predators, and is almost impossible to distinguish from their surroundings until they erupt into vivid daisy-like yellow flowers. They are pollinated by bees, flies, wasps, gnats, bugs and other insects that are common in the area.

Source: Lithops terricolor C132 40 km E of Laingsburg, South Africa (TL. of L.Terricolor N.E.Brown), LLIFLE - Encyclopedia of living forms, CC-BY-SA, retrieved 2026-10-26.

From llifle page Lithops terricolor C133 TL (of L. localis): 25 km S of Beaufort West, South Africa

Origin and Habitat

Type Locality (of L. localis): 25 km South of Beaufort West, South Africa.

Habitat: It is found under small shrubs ans stones on gravelly plains and flats.

This species is very difficult to find in the field, especially when slightly covered with fine somewhat reddish sand or dirt. The colour of the dirt approximates that of the upper surface of the lobes, and these are practically level with the soil. This way Lithops localis resist attacks from herbivorous predators, and is almost impossible to distinguish from their surroundings until they erupt into vivid daisy-like yellow flowers. They are pollinated by bees, flies, wasps, gnats, bugs and other insects that are common in the area.

Source: Lithops terricolor C133 TL (of L. localis): 25 km S of Beaufort West, South Africa, LLIFLE - Encyclopedia of living forms, CC-BY-SA, retrieved 2026-10-26.

From llifle page Lithops terricolor C134 (Prince Albert Form) 5 km N of Prince Albert, South Africa

Origin and Habitat

5 km North of Prince Albert, South Africa.

Habitat: It is found under small shrubs ans stones on gravelly plains and flats.

This species is very difficult to find in the field, especially when slightly covered with fine somewhat reddish sand or dirt. The colour of the dirt approximates that of the upper surface of the lobes, and these are practically level with the soil. This way Lithops localis resist attacks from herbivorous predators, and is almost impossible to distinguish from their surroundings until they erupt into vivid daisy-like yellow flowers. They are pollinated by bees, flies, wasps, gnats, bugs and other insects that are common in the area.

Source: Lithops terricolor C134 (Prince Albert Form) 5 km N of Prince Albert, South Africa, LLIFLE - Encyclopedia of living forms, CC-BY-SA, retrieved 2026-10-26.

From llifle page Lithops terricolor C253 (syn. peersii) 95 km NW of Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Description

Lithops localis (syn: Lithops peersii) belongs to the group of the yellow- blooming living stones and is distinguished especially by the pellucid dots regularly scattered over the top surface of the leaves and with a small window. The patterns of colour and dots on the face is more or less regular within certain ranges of similarity. For this species, the numerous dots (small windows) are very specific ranging in colour from dark grey through browns to purple. It is generally smaller than most Lithops and conforms to the typical Lithops morphology: two thick, fleshy windowed leaves separated by a crack from which a yellow flower appears. The windowed part allows light into the inner

Desmond Cole field number C253: This population distinguishes for having many transparent dots.

Origin and Habitat

95 km North-West of Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

Habitat: It is found under small shrubs ans stones on gravelly plains and flats.

This species is very difficult to find in the field, especially when slightly covered with fine somewhat reddish sand or dirt. The colour of the dirt approximates that of the upper surface of the lobes, and these are practically level with the soil. This way Lithops localis resist attacks from herbivorous predators, and is almost impossible to distinguish from their surroundings until they erupt into vivid daisy-like yellow flowers. They are pollinated by bees, flies, wasps, gnats, bugs and other insects that are common in the area.

Bibliography

Major refences and further lectures

1. Heidrun E. K. Hartmann “Aizoaceae F – Z” Springer 2002

2. Achim Hecktheuer “Mesembs, mehr als nur Lithops” Books on Demand GmbH Norderstedt. 2008

3. Desmond T. Cole & Naureen A. Cole, Uwe Beyer, Yves Delange “Les Lithops” SUCCULENTES Spécial 2008 AIAPS (now Terra seca). 2008

4. Desmond T. Cole & Naureen A. Cole “LITHOPS Flowering Stones” Cactus & Co. Libri. 2005

5. Yasuhiko Shimada “The Genus Lithops” Dobun Shoin. 2001

6. Rudolf Heine “Lithops - Lebende Steine” Neumann Verlag. 1986

7. Bernd Schlösser “Lithops – Lebende Steine” Praktische Anleitung für die Zimmerkultur. BussinessPoint MEDIA. 2000

8. Steven A. Hammer “Lithops – Treasures of the veld” British Cactus and Succulent Society. 1999

9. Christopher Brickell, Royal Horticultural Society “RHS A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants: K-Z., Volume 2” Kindersley, 2008

10. G. C . Nel “Lithops: Plantae succulantae, rarissimae, in terra obscuratae, e famailia Aizoaceae, ex Africa australi” Hortors Limited, Cape Town, South Africa 1946

11. David L. Sprechman “Lithops” Associated University Presses, Inc. 1970

12. Gert Cornelius Nel “Lithops” Hortors Limited, South Africa 1946

13. Edgar Lamb “The illustrated reference on cacti and other succulents” Blandford Press. 1978

14. Doreen Court “Succulent Flora of Southern Africa” Struik Nature, 2010

15. Peter Goldblatt “Cape Plants: A Conspectus of the Cape Flora of South Africa” National Botanical Institute of South Africa, 2000

16. Heidrun E. K. Hartmann “Illustrated Handbook of Succulent Plants: Aizoaceae F-Z” Springer, 2002

Source: Lithops terricolor C253 (syn. peersii) 95 km NW of Port Elizabeth, South Africa, LLIFLE - Encyclopedia of living forms, CC-BY-SA, retrieved 2026-10-26.

From llifle page Lithops terricolor C254 (syn. peersii) 30 km ENE of Willowmore, South Africa

Origin and Habitat

30 km East-North-East of Willowmore, South Africa.

Habitat: They grow, always almost completely buried, with only the windowed faces showing at the soil surface, preferably among pebbles of fine-grained sandstone, and siltstone.

Bibliography

Major refences and further lectures

1. Heidrun E. K. Hartmann “Aizoaceae F – Z” Springer 2002

2. Achim Hecktheuer “Mesembs, mehr als nur Lithops” Books on Demand GmbH Norderstedt. 2008

3. Desmond T. Cole & Naureen A. Cole, Uwe Beyer, Yves Delange “Les Lithops” SUCCULENTES Spécial 2008 AIAPS (now Terra seca). 2008

4. Desmond T. Cole & Naureen A. Cole “LITHOPS Flowering Stones” Cactus & Co. Libri. 2005

5. Yasuhiko Shimada “The Genus Lithops” Dobun Shoin. 2001

6. Rudolf Heine “Lithops - Lebende Steine” Neumann Verlag. 1986

7. Bernd Schlösser “Lithops – Lebende Steine” Praktische Anleitung für die Zimmerkultur. BussinessPoint MEDIA. 2000

8. Steven A. Hammer “Lithops – Treasures of the veld” British Cactus and Succulent Society. 1999

9. David L. Sprechman “Lithops” Associated University Presses, Inc. 1970

10)Gert Cornelius Nel “Lithops” Hortors Limited, South Africa 1946

11. Edgar Lamb “The illustrated reference on cacti and other succulents” Blandford Press. 1978

12. Christopher Brickell, Royal Horticultural Society “RHS A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants: K-Z., Volume 2” Kindersley, 2008

13. G. C . Nel “Lithops: Plantae succulantae, rarissimae, in terra obscuratae, e famailia Aizoaceae, ex Africa australi” Hortors Limited, Cape Town, South Africa 1946

14. Doreen Court “Succulent Flora of Southern Africa” Struik Nature, 2010

15. Peter Goldblatt “Cape Plants: A Conspectus of the Cape Flora of South Africa” National Botanical Institute of South Africa, 2000

Source: Lithops terricolor C254 (syn. peersii) 30 km ENE of Willowmore, South Africa, LLIFLE - Encyclopedia of living forms, CC-BY-SA, retrieved 2026-10-26.

From llifle page Lithops terricolor C339 (syn. peersii) Near Steytlerville, South Africa

Description

Lithops localis (syn: Lithops peersii) belongs to the group of the yellow- blooming living stones and is distinguished especially by the pellucid dots regularly scattered over the top surface of the leaves and with a small window. The patterns of colour and dots on the face is more or less regular within certain ranges of similarity. For this species, the numerous dots (small windows) are very specific ranging in colour from dark grey through browns to purple. It is generally smaller than most Lithops and conforms to the typical Lithops morphology: two thick, fleshy windowed leaves separated by a crack from which a yellow flower appears. The windowed part allows light into the inner

Desmond Cole field number C339: This population distinguishes for having pinkish-grey tops with many transparent dots.

Origin and Habitat

Near Steytlerville, South Africa.

Source: Lithops terricolor C339 (syn. peersii) Near Steytlerville, South Africa, LLIFLE - Encyclopedia of living forms, CC-BY-SA, retrieved 2026-10-26.

From llifle page Lithops terricolor C345 30 km WNW of Prince Albert Road, South Africa

Description

Lithops localis (syn: Lithops terricolor) belongs to the group of the yellow- blooming living stones and is distinguished especially by the pellucid dots regularly scattered over the top surface of the leaves and with a small window. The patterns of colour and dots on the face is more or less regular within certain ranges of similarity. For this species, the numerous dots (small windows) are very specific ranging in colour from dark grey through browns to purple. It is generally smaller than most Lithops and conforms to the typical Lithops morphology: two thick, fleshy windowed leaves separated by a crack from which a yellow flower appears. The windowed part allows light into the inner

Desmond Cole field number C345: This population distinguishes for having many fine rusty speckles.

Origin and Habitat

30 km West-North-West of Prince Albert Road, South Africa.

Source: Lithops terricolor C345 30 km WNW of Prince Albert Road, South Africa, LLIFLE - Encyclopedia of living forms, CC-BY-SA, retrieved 2026-10-26.

From llifle page Lithops terricolor C346 30 km WNW of Prince Albert Road, South Africa

Origin and Habitat

30 km West-North-West of Prince Albert Road, South Africa.

Habitat: It is found under small shrubs ans stones on gravelly plains and flats.

This species is very difficult to find in the field, especially when slightly covered with fine somewhat reddish sand or dirt. The colour of the dirt approximates that of the upper surface of the lobes, and these are practically level with the soil. This way Lithops localis resist attacks from herbivorous predators, and is almost impossible to distinguish from their surroundings until they erupt into vivid daisy-like yellow flowers. They are pollinated by bees, flies, wasps, gnats, bugs and other insects that are common in the area.

Source: Lithops terricolor C346 30 km WNW of Prince Albert Road, South Africa, LLIFLE - Encyclopedia of living forms, CC-BY-SA, retrieved 2026-10-26.

From llifle page Lithops terricolor C376 30 km WNW of Prince Albert Road, South Africa

Description

Lithops localis (syn: Lithops peersii) belongs to the group of the yellow- blooming living stones and is distinguished especially by the pellucid dots regularly scattered over the top surface of the leaves and with a small window. The patterns of colour and dots on the face is more or less regular within certain ranges of similarity. For this species, the numerous dots (small windows) are very specific ranging in colour from dark grey through browns to purple. It is generally smaller than most Lithops and conforms to the typical Lithops morphology: two thick, fleshy windowed leaves separated by a crack from which a yellow flower appears. The windowed part allows light into the inner

Desmond Cole field number C376: This population distinguishes for having grey-blue top.

Cultivation and Propagation

The Lithops (a.k.a. Living Stones) are some of the world’s most fascinating plants and are sought by the collector of succulent plants. Paying attention to the particular growing requirement of Lithops is especially important. If you provide the Lithops with the right conditions, they will reward you with their unique shape, size, colour and a proliferation of blooms in autumn. However, Lithops are tricky plants that are very particular about their growing conditions and require the right maintenance in order to keep happy. But don’t be afraid even the best growers have plants that mysteriously dry up, or leave during the night. While Lithops are picky about their care, if you are patient and remember the basics, your efforts will be rewarded. Being small plants, a representative collection can be grown on a patio table, a sunny windowsill or a shelf in the greenhouse.

Soil: They grow best in an open mineral, sandy-gritty soil and requires good drainage as they are prone to root rot. They can grow outdoor in sunny, dry, rock crevices (protection against winter wet is required) They can also be cultivated in alpine house, in poor, drained soil.

Repotting: They may stay in the same pot for many years. Plants grown in larger containers have frequently relatively poor flowers. Flowers might improve when the plants are given their own, small individual pots.

Watering They Require little water otherwise the epidermis breaks (resulting in unsightly scars). The basic cultivation routine is: Stop watering after flowering. Start watering after the old leaves are 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. In the winter season the plant doesn’t need watering, the plant in this time extracts water from the outer succulent leaves, allowing them to shrivel away, relocating water to the rest of the plant and to the new leaves that form during this period. If grown in a container, bottom watering by immersing the container is recommended. Water sparingly only when warm, no water when cold. Nearly all problems occur as a result of overwatering and poor ventilation, especially when weather conditions are dull and cool or very humid. They must have very dry atmosphere.

Fertilization: Feed them once during the growing season with a fertilizer specifically formulated for cactus and succulents (high potash fertilizer with a dilute low nitrogen), including all micro nutrients and trace elements diluted to ½ the strength recommended on the label. They thrive in poor soils and need a limited supplies of fertilizer to avoid the plants developing excess vegetation, which is easily attacked by fungal diseases. Some growers fertilize frequently, some hardly ever. However, for the highly succulent mesembs, (Lithops, Conophytums, etc.) fertilization is not really necessary.

Light: They prefer a very bright situation and in winter they need the maximum amount of light you are able to give them, but keep more cool and partially shaded in summer. Outdoor (Lithops prefer full sun, with some shade in the hottest summer months.

Hardiness: They require a minimum temperature 5°C (But will take a light frost and are hardy down to -7° C for short periods if they are in dry soil). USDA zones 9A – 11.

Uses: Container, rock garden.

Pests and diseases: They are vulnerable to mealybugs and rarely scale.

Remarks: After flowering in the autumn and extending through winter season the plant doesn’t need watering, but they will still be growing, the new bodies will be increasing in size extracting water from the outer succulent leaves, allowing them to shrivel away. In fact the plant in this time extracts water and nutrient stored in the outer succulent leaves, allowing them to dehydrate relocating the water to the rest of the plant and to the new leaves that form during this period until the old leaves are reduced to nothing more than “thin papery shells”.

Propagation: Seed or (or rarely) cuttings. The small seeds can be sown in pots of fine, well-drained sand, any time during the spring and summer months when temperatures are warm. Cover the seeds with a very fine layer of grit and water from below with a fungicide to prevent damping off. For the first 3-4 days cover the pots with a sheet of glass/clear perspex to keep the humidity levels high. Remove the glass and replace it with light shadecloth and mist once or twice a day for the next two weeks after which most seeds should have germinated. From then on mistings can be reduced to every second and then every third day as the little plants grow. Take the cuttings from a grown-up mother plant. Each cutting must contain one or more heads along with a fraction of root and permit them to dry out a couple of days, lay the cuttings on the soil and insert the stem end partially into the soil. Try to keep the cutting somewhat upright so that the roots are able to grow downward. It is relatively difficult to root lithops from cuttings and generally pointless as well, so quick are they from seed.

Comment: Improvement of lithops characteristics: Some growers (but not all!!) think it is very intriguing to reinforce any characteristic of cultivated Lithops of by crossing two similar selected plants and then back-crossing with the mother plant. This way we can eventually get some interesting results. Of course, many of the nicest Lithops we grow in cultivation have already been selected over time. However many Lithops are already nice plants which can’t really be improved, on the other hand one could try to improve the colour or the markings etc. Now if we have two particular plants we may attempt to breed between them and can maybe get a whole improved population and then select some better offspring to continue the selection.

Source: Lithops terricolor C376 30 km WNW of Prince Albert Road, South Africa, LLIFLE - Encyclopedia of living forms, CC-BY-SA, retrieved 2026-10-26.

Cultivars and forms (14)

Varieties (2)

• Lithops localis var. peersii
• Lithops localis var. terricolor

Cultivars (2)

• Lithops localis C132A 40 km E of Laingsburg, South Africa (TL. of L.Terricolor N.E.Brown) cv. Silver Spur
• Lithops localis C345A TL: 30 km WNW of Prince Albert Road, South Africa cv. Speckled Gold

Other names (10)

• Lithops localis C131 (syn. peersii) TL: Near Miller Station, South Africa
• Lithops localis C132 40 km E of Laingsburg, South Africa (TL. of L.Terricolor N.E.Brown)
• Lithops localis C133 TL 25 km S of Beaufort West, South Africa
• Lithops localis C134 (Prince Albert Form) 5 km N of Prince Albert, South Africa
• Lithops localis C253 (syn. peersii) 95 km NW of Port Elizabeth, South Africa
• Lithops localis C254 (syn. peersii) 30 km ENE of Willowmore, South Africa
• Lithops localis C339 (syn. peersii) Near Steytlerville, South Africa
• Lithops localis C345 30 km WNW of Prince Albert Road, South Africa
• Lithops localis C346 30 km WNW of Prince Albert Road, South Africa
• Lithops localis C376 (syn. peersii) 35 km ESE of Willowmore, South Africa

Gallery