Lithops is a genus of succulent plants in the family Aizoaceae. Members of this genus native to South Africa resemble stones when not in bloom. The name is derived from the Ancient Greek words “lithos” meaning “stone”, and ops” meaning “face”, referring to the stone-like appearance of this species. This is also a way of camouflage of lithops to avoid being eaten by hiding among the surrounding rocks, so it is often called gravel or live rock.

Individual lithops consist of one or more pairs of tubers, nearly fused opposite each other, and virtually rootless. The space between the leaves contains the meristem that produces new flowers and leaves. The leaves are thick to store enough water for the plant to last for months without rain.

During the winter, a new pair of leaves, or sometimes more than one, develops inside the existing fused pair of leaves. During the spring, the old pairs of leaves will wither and shed to reveal new ones. Lithops leaves can shrink and disappear under the ground. Yellow or white flowers emerge from the fissures between the leaves after the new pair of leaves has fully matured. This is usually in the fall, but can be before summer like L. pseudotruncatella and after winter spring like L. Optica. The flowers usually have a sweet fragrance.

The most surprising thing about Lithops is the color of the leaves. Not green like most other higher plants, but different shades of cream, gray, and brown, embellished with red dots or fringes, most especially shapes like very impressive brain.

Seeds are easy to germinate, when seedlings are small, vulnerable in the first or second year, and will not flower until at least two or three years old.

When Lithops changes new leaves

Even experts in the field sometimes have difficulty locating Lithops because of the subtle camouflage.

Lithops is not toxic. In fact, according to some documents, children of some countries in Africa sometimes eat these plants as a way to quench their thirst. However, it should be emphasized that a non-toxic plant can also become dangerous when insecticides have been widely applied to control spider mites (Spider mites), so special attention is needed.