Lithops salicola vestigial islands

    Lithops salicola vestigial islands
    Author: Ivan Lätti
    Photographer: Thabo Maphisa

    This plant is thought to be Lithops salicola. The lush leaf-pair body is fused to near the slightly convex upper surfaces.

    The side surfaces and margins on top are blue-grey, pinkish next to the windows and the slit, possibly lower down as well. Body colouring of this plant may also vary among soft, dull shades of yellow, pink, green or lilac. 

    The leaf-top windows have ragged edges like detailed maps of islands. Fuzzy, pale blotches are scattered in the dull green of the translucent windows. Islands in the window surface may also be absent or more substantial.

    The leaf-tops in picture, elevated only a short distance above the stony ground around the plant are slightly unequal in size.

    These plants grow in habitat in calcrete near brackish salt pans. They may be under water for long periods during rainy seasons (Frandsen, 2017; Wikipedia).

    Total Hits : 269