Larryleachia perlata

Larryleachia perlata is the largest of the smooth and tuberculate stemmed larryleachias of the Richtersveld.

A common name of brain plant is sometimes heard, referring to the folded surface appearance, formed by the network of irregularly shaped flattish tubercles that are spineless and hairless. Tubercles on lower stems are larger, rendering stems angular, smaller and smooth near the rounded stem tips.

The plant is said to hybridise in nature with other larryleachias sharing the same distribution area. When the unusual plant appearance of a hybrid is first encountered, the thought and excitement of a new species easily arises (Williamson, 2010; White and Sloane, 1937).