Lithops bromfieldii var. mennellii sheltered by an Aloe

The habitat of Lithops bromfieldii var. mennellii is sparsely vegetated slopes of quartz stone and granitic gneiss. The region is known for its arid climate and extremes of temperature. Real stone plant country!

Good fortune in the form of a taller neighbour like this spotted Aloe brings some shelter. Every seed does its best, given the random chance represented by its landing spot. But the probability of much luck is low around here. Still, effort plus luck result in one more generation of the living... as good as it ever gets for everyone. The nature of life is to accept and use every smallest opportunity on offer.

L. bromfieldii var. mennellii is found in a very restricted distribution near Louisvale, south of Upington, not far from the Gariep (www.cactus-art.biz).