Scientific Name
Lithops ruschiorum (Dinter & Schwant.) N.E. Br.
Common Names
Bushman's Buttocks, Hottentot's Buttocks
Synonyms
Mesembryanthemum ruschiorum, Lithops ruschiorum var. ruschiorum, Lithops pillansii, Lithops ruschiana
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Lithops
Description
Lithops ruschiorum is a stemless succulent that grows solitary or usually in clumps of 5 to 6 bodies but occasionally forms large clumps with more than 30 bodies. Each body consists of a pair of fleshy leaves separated by a deep fissure. The leaves are pearl grey, yellowish, yellow-ochre, or greenish-grey. The upper surface of the leaves has irregularly shaped dots or linear depressions. The bodies are up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) tall and up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) wide. Flowers are up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) in diameter and consist of many long, narrow, yellow petals.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
These plants develop a new set of leaves every year, with new leaves emerging in the fall and growing through the winter and into the 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. The leaves will still be growing into the winter, but you should stop watering, even as the older leaves shrivel up and encase the new growth. In the spring, it's safe to begin lightly watering again as the plant begins to grow again, heading toward its 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 the plant has outgrown its dish container, which will only happen every several years.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Lithops.
Origin
It is endemic to Namibia. Its natural habitats are rocky areas and cold deserts.
Subspecies
Links
- Back to genus Lithops
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
