The “rocks” here are no ordinary stones! This “stone” is alive, it can even flower! So that you don’t get confused, let’s get acquainted!
- These lithops are really plants. Lithops comes from the Greek words, lithos = stone, and ops = face. So lithops means rock-like. Lithops are often also called living stones.
- Lithops were first discovered by William John Burchell in 1811.
- This plant grows among pebbles. So, he is safe from animals and humans who want to disturb him. In fact, researchers are often confused looking for lithops among rocks.
- Lithops plants do not have stems. Lithops in the form of a pair of leaves 2-3 cm in diameter. Tiny, yes! Although tiny, the thick leaves of these lithops can store water for several months. Lithops are native to South Africa, which is dry and rarely rains.
- In autumn and winter, lithops shed their leaves. When new leaves come out, they will suck water and food from the old leaves. The old leaves will be buried under the surface of the soil.
- Lithops are also known as flowering stones. In early winter, the lithops will flower. Sweet-scented flowers will appear in the gap between the two leaves. The diameter of the flower is about 25 mm.
- Currently, lithops are commonly grown indoors as ornamental plants. Lithops require adequate light and loose soil. If you get too much water, the lithops will die.
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