Adromischus caryophyllaceus leaves

The leaf blades of Adromischus caryophyllaceus are succulent and slightly convex, borne angled up strongly (ascending). The shape is mostly oblanceolate, i.e. lance-shaped with the widest part nearer the tip than the base; sometimes wedge-like. The leaf tip is rounded to slightly pointed while the base tapers thickly with no petiole to speak of.

Leaf colour is pale blue-green or grey-green to yellow-green. Maroon colouring is often found close to the upper parts of leaf margins, but the slightly horny marginal ridge remains pale cream. The maroon sometimes spreads down from the margin for some distance in tiny dots. Leaf size is variable, up to 3,5 cm long and 2 cm wide.

The leaves resemble those of some Cotyledon species. A. caryophyllaceus, first described in the 18th century, was for long classified in that genus bearing several specific names in succession.

The specific name caryophyllaceus tells another story of resemblance perceived by somebody: In Greek karyon is a nut, phyllon a leaf and -aceous indicates resemblance. Have a look to see if you believe the leaves resemble nuts, possibly almonds (Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2010; JSTOR; Andrew, 2012).