Scientific Name
Lithops pseudotruncatella N.E.Br.
Synonym(s)
Lithops pulmoniuscula, Lithops volkii, Mesembryanthemum pseudotruncatellum
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Lithops
Etymology
The specific epithet "pseudotruncatella" (pronounced "soo-doh-trunk-ah-TEL-uh") means "false truncatella," indicating that this species looks like another species with the epithet "truncatella" but is distinct from it. The epithet refers to the initial confusion between this species and Mesembryanthemum truncatellum, which is now considered a synonym of Conophytum truncatum subsp. truncatum. Both were previously classified under the genus Mesembryanthemum.
Origin
Lithops pseudotruncatella is native to Namibia.
Description
Lithops pseudotruncatella is a dwarf succulent with bodies that consist of two pale brownish-gray leaves with olive-brown to brownish-red branched lines and spots on the upper surfaces. It grows either solitary or may form a small clump over time. The bodies can reach a height of 1.6 inches (4 cm). The upper surface can measure up to 2 inches (5 cm) long and 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) wide. The opposite leaves are separated with a deep fissure from which the new leaves and flowers emerge.
The flowers are yellow, occasionally white, and appear in late summer and fall. They can reach a diameter of up to 2 inches (5 cm).
Forms of Lithops pseudotruncatella
- Lithops pseudotruncatella subsp. volki (not accepted as a separate subspecies and is treated as a synonym of Lithops pseudotruncatella)
- Lithops pseudotruncatella var. elisabethae (not accepted as a separate variety and is treated as a synonym of Lithops pseudotruncatella).
How to Grow and Care for Lithops pseudotruncatella
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 10a to 11b: from 30°F (-1.1°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 will go 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 showing up as a small bud forcing its way between the leaves, and growth will begin again. It's safe to water during this period. Heading into the winter, the leaves will still grow, but you should stop watering, even as the older leaves shrivel and encase the new growth. In the spring, it's safe to begin lightly watering again as the plants start to grow again, heading toward their summer dormancy period 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 only happens every several years.
See more at 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
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