Conophytum jucundum subsp. jucundum leaves

Conophytum jucundum subsp. jucundum forms a small group of these button-like leaf tops among stones in the bare Richtersveld terrain. Succulent and evergreen, the leaf surface is pale green or grey with a scattering of darker spots around the leaf body slit. The flower, 1 cm in diameter, or new leaf appears through this slit in season.

The flower is reddish to lilac, often with a white centre. The petals form an erect tube before spreading their upper parts around the stamens. Flowering happens in summer and autumn.

The small fruit capsules are borne just above the leaf surface. They have four or five locules each (Williamson, 2010; www.llifle.com).