FEATURE PLANT
FLOWERING STONES
The fact that many people who have only a scant knowledge of succulent plants have heard of LITHOPS is a measure of the impact this miniature plant has made on the world. These plants so closely mimic and resemble stones that they especially fascinate children. In their habitat in the semi deserts of South Africa they blend with the round quartzite and sandstone pebbles and mimic them so closely in shape and colour, that they are almost impossible to see.
The plant is reduced to only two fat fleshy leaves, which are fused together separated by a shallow fissure. So the names 'Flowering Stones', 'Living Stones', 'Pebble Plants' and 'Stone faces' are very apt. At a recent display we had a youngster turn to his mother and exclaim, " They look like bare bottoms!" This was very discerning, as another common name for Lithops is 'Hottentots' Backsides’.
The flowers appear in the fissure or cleft between the leaves and are white or yellow, and they have a superficial resemblance to daisies. They flower here in Ballarat in March and April.
The miracle of the seed capsules (below) is a phenomenon we enjoy sharing with children. When a fully mature and dry Lithops seed capsule is adequately wetted the five or six segments gradually peel back to expose the seed whilst you watch. In their habitat the plant can sit for months until rain comes and washes the seed onto moist ground giving it a chance to germinate. The capsule closes when dry, and the process is repeated. So nature ensures successive rains will ensure more crops of seedlings.
The name LITHOPS is from the Greek LITHO meaning stone- and OPS meaning face. They grow in semi desert areas with only their tops exposed. They endure a fierce sun and temperatures ranging in some areas of over 50oC then dropping to below freezing, sand blasting winds and long periods without rain. They eke out an existence where few other plants could grow. They are hounded not only by the elements, but also by foraging animals such as goats, baboons and deer.
There are about 145 varieties and forms, representing 35 species with tremendous variety in colour range and markings- in brown, purple-brown, grey, white, red, orange, and green. The plant right Lithops olivacea has 13 heads. But Desmond Cole in his book ‘Lithops- Flowering Stones’ records a Lithops salicola with more than 350 heads.
LITHOPS are not hard to grow - most being "killed with kindness" (TOO MUCH WATER). If this happens the leaves become plump, and literally burst causing the plant to quickly rot. But with care they can be grown to multi-headed plants and live and thrive for twenty or more years.
They require a sunny position in a glasshouse or windowsill out of the rain; a soil with very coarse granite sand for rapid drainage, no fertilizer is required. Avoid any potting mixes using pine bark. Always water carefully
look at your plant carefully and water when dry. Start in spring, weekly in summer, taper off in autumn, and not at all in winter. BUT ALWAYS WATER WITH CARE!
After flowering in autumn, water is withheld and plants absorb moisture from the old leaves, which gradually shrivel. The new leaves are formed at right angles between the fissure and at right angles to the old leaves. It is important not to water at this stage, as the old leaves will continue to grow forming misshapen plants.
Lithops are excellent plants for children, as will tolerate educated neglect. Be selective if buying from retail outlets as too often these plants have been sitting on shelves in poor light and will not make good specimens.
Noel Main, Ballarat Cactus & Succulent Society.
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