Scientific Name
Lithops karasmontana N.E.Br.
Synonym(s)
Mesembryanthemum karasmontanum
Common Name(s)
Karas Mountains Living Stone
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Lithops
Etymology
The specific epithet "karasmontana" (pronounced "kar-as-MON-tan-uh") refers to the Great Karas Mountains in the Karas Region of southern Namibia, the driest part of the country, where this species originates.
Origin
Lithops karasmontana is native to Namibia.
Description
Lithops karasmontana is a dwarf, clump-forming succulent with bodies consisting of pairs of thick, fleshy leaves fused into an inverted cone with a central fissure dividing them. The bodies can grow up to 2 inches (4 cm) tall. They are grey with brown mottling on the upper surface. The face is kidney-shaped, flat to slightly convex, and can reach up to 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) in length and 1.1 inches (2.8 cm) in width.
The white flowers appear in the fall from the fissure between the leaves. They can reach up to 1.8 inches (4.5 cm) in diameter. The fruits are usually 5-chambered capsules with yellow-brown seeds inside.
Subspecies and Varieties of Lithops karasmontana
- Lithops karasmontana subsp. amicorum
- Lithops karasmontana subsp. karasmontana
- Lithops karasmontana var. summitatum
Cultivars of Lithops karasmontana
How to Grow and Care for Lithops karasmontana
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (-3.9°C) to 50°F (10°C).
These plants develop a new set of leaves every year, with new leaves emerging in the fall and growing through the winter and summer. Lithops are dormant in late summer, and water should be severely restricted to prevent bursting leaves. The flowers appear near the end of summer or fall, first as a small bud forcing its way between the leaves, and growth will begin again. It's safe to water during this period. The leaves will still grow in the winter, but you should stop watering, even as the older leaves shrivel and encase the new growth. In the spring, it's safe to resume light watering as the plant begins to grow, heading toward its summer dormancy and the emergence of new leaves in the fall.
Lithops are very slow-growing, small plants, making them ideal as houseplants (once you get the hang of their watering schedule). Older plants form attractive clumps of "pebbles" in their pots, which are highly prized. In general, plants should only be repotted if there are cultural problems (soggy soil) or if the plant has outgrown its container, which happens only every several years.
Learn more in "How to Grow and Care for Lithops."
Links
- Back to genus Lithops
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
