Aloinopsis (Schwantes 1926) Shrubby or small tree-like plants, perennial, with fleshy stems and opposite leaves, generally compact and succulent. The flowers are small, hermaphroditic, with five free petals and sepals, arranged in inflorescences. The fruit is a capsule containing tiny seeds. They are adapted to arid and semi-arid environments. Some species are valued for their ornamental appeal, drought tolerance, and ease of cultivation. Etymology: Similar to AloePlace of Origin: South Africa and some nearby areas.
Conophytum (N.E.Br. 1951) They are typically composed of one or two pairs of leaves fused at the base, giving the plant a globular or slightly pointed appearance. Their fleshy leaves, ranging in color from grayish-green to brown, allow them to store water and blend into their arid environment. They require high sun exposure, minimal water, and cannot tolerate waterlogging. They bloom during cold seasons, producing small yellow flowers that resemble tiny suns. Etymology: It means cone-shaped plant.Place of Origin: South Africa and Namibia.
Dinteranthus (Schwantes 1939) Compact in appearance, with fleshy leaves that give them a strong resemblance to small stones, helping them blend into their arid environment. To enhance their camouflage, the various species are adapted to match the color of the terrain they inhabit, making them nearly undetectable. Their leaves, typically arranged in pairs, display colors ranging from greenish-gray to brown, often with speckled patterns. They bloom in summer or autumn, producing striking flowers in yellow or orange tones. They require full sun, minimal watering, and a very well-draining substrate. Although they bear a notable resemblance to Lithops, they maintain slight differences in appearance from this genus and, most importantly, a distinct habitat. Etymology: In honor of the German botanist Kurt Dinter (1868–1945).Place of Origin: Namibia and northern South Africa.
Faucaria (M.H.G. Schwantes en 1926) Despite its aggressive appearance, which resembles crocodile mouths—in some species even with "teeth"—the plant is completely harmless. It consists of fleshy leaves in shades ranging from light green to brown. It forms compact rosettes and blooms mainly in autumn, with striking yellow flowers that open in the sun. It requires good lighting and is very sensitive to waterlogging, so it needs well-drained soil and moderate watering. Etymology: It comes from the Latin fauces, which means mouths.Place of Origin: South Africa, especially the Eastern Cape Region.
Glottiphyllum (Haw.1821.) Its thick, fleshy, smooth-textured, green, and flattened leaves, arranged in pairs, stand out. Its great capacity to store water allows it to survive in arid conditions. The plants form low, compact clumps and produce small yellow flowers reminiscent of daisies. It typically prefers poor, sandy soils. It is widely used in xeriscaping due to its ability to cover spaces and its drought resistance. Etymology: From the Greek "glotta" (tongue) and "phyllon" (leaf). The name refers to its leaves, which resemble tongues.Place of Origin: Endemic to South Africa and Namibia.
Lapidaria ((Dinter & Schwantes) N.E. Br., 1927) It is found in arid and rocky habitats. They are small succulents with opposite fleshy leaves that resemble stones, providing them with camouflage against herbivores. Their bright yellow flowers bloom in summer. They require well-drained soils. Etymology: Pertaining to stones in reference to their stony appearance.Place of Origin: Mainly Namibia and some in northern South Africa.
Lithops (N.E. Brown 1922) Often called "living stones," they are neither cacti nor stones. They consist of two thick, fused leaves that give them the appearance of a small rock. They perfectly mimic the colors and patterns of their natural surroundings, allowing them to camouflage. They produce spectacular white or yellow flowers, and much of the plant remains buried to conserve water. They are highly adapted species to arid climates. Etymology: From the Greek: lithos (stone) and ops (form).Place of Origin: South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and some in Angola.
Pleiospilos (N.E.Br. 1925) Despite their appearance, which resembles huge pincers, they are completely harmless, as they lack spines and are actually quite soft. Their main defense is camouflage by mimicking rocks. They have thick, fleshy leaves arranged in pairs, with colors ranging from light green to grayish brown. They bloom in autumn or spring, producing large flowers, usually orange or yellow in color. They require little water and plenty of light. Etymology: From the Greek pléios (many) and spìlos (spots).Place of Origin: South Africa and some species in Namibia.
Psammophora (Dinter & Schwantes1926.) La característica más distinguible es su capacidad de atrapar arena sobre la superficie de sus hojas mediante papilas glandulares. Esta adaptación le sirve de camuflaje y de protección contra el sol. Suele formar grupos bajos de rosetas que producen flores tipo margarita de tonos rosados. Está fuertemente adaptada a climas de aridez extrema. Etymology: Del griego psámmos (arena) phóros (Portador) que lleva arena. Place of Origin: Namibia y Sudáfrica.
Smicrostigma (N.E.Br. 1930) Fleshy, cylindrical or pencil-shaped leaves form compact clusters. Adapted to arid and rocky areas, these plants store water and blend remarkably with the terrain. The flowers are solitary, yellowish in color, and bloom in spring. Etymology: From the Greek smikros, meaning small, and stigma, meaning points, in reference to its small flowers.Place of Origin: South Africa, Cape provinces.