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.
Bergeranthus (Schwantes 1926) Characterized by their very fleshy leaves, often as thick as they are wide, and in some cases cylindrical, which allow them to store water and nutrients. They are highly resistant to drought and extreme sun exposure. Their flowers, in light colors such as yellow, orange, and white, typically open at midday. They require well-drained soil and appreciate moderate watering. Etymology: In honor of Alwin Berger (1845–1931), a German botanist, combined with the Greek term (anthos) for flower.Place of Origin: Southwestern South Africa.
Carpobrotus (Nees 1843) Characterized by its fleshy leaves, which grow in pairs and take on a more or less triangular or acinaciform (saber-shaped) form, tolerating extreme aridity and a certain degree of salinity. It produces large, vividly colored flowers that stand out against the plant''s green mantle. Several species of this genus have become invasive plants in various regions of the world. Etymology: From the Greek (karpos), fruit, and (brotos), edible, in reference to its fruits being edible.Place of Origin: Southern Africa.
Cheiridopsis (N.E.Br.1925.) Propia de zonas áridas o semiáridas. Es una planta perenne de porte bajo, adaptada a soportar alta insolación y largos periodos de sequía en suelos pobres. Requiere un sustrato con muy buen drenaje para su correcto desarrollo. Sus hojas son de color verde grisáceo y presentan un notable grosor, lo que les permite acumular grandes reservas de agua. Además, poseen una epidermis gruesa que reduce la pérdida de humedad y limita la evaporación. Produce flores grandes y vistosas, de colores llamativos como blanco, amarillo o anaranjado, con apertura diurna, lo que favorece la polinización por insectos. Etymology: Del inglés sleeve-like, “en forma de manga”, en referencia a la funda papirácea presente en la base de las hojas de algunas de sus especies.Place of Origin: Sudáfrica, concretamente en Great and Little Namaqualand y en los Karroo Deserts.
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.
Machairophyllum (Schwantes1927.) Etymology: Del griego (machaira) espada y (phyllon) hoja. Place of Origin: Sudáfrica, Provincia del Cabo.
Mesembryanthemum (L. 1753) Formed by fleshy leaves with a great capacity for storing water, and creeping or semi-creeping stems. They feature light-colored and very striking flowers, which often contrast with the plant''s green background. They are highly adapted to rocky and arid areas, and stand out for their ease of propagation and ability to colonize different habitats. Etymology: From the Greek (mesēmbria) midday and (anthos) flower, referring to the fact that it opens its flower at midday.Place of Origin: Primarily South Africa, although there are populations throughout Africa and the Mediterranean.
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.) The most distinctive feature is its ability to trap sand on the surface of its leaves through glandular papillae. This adaptation serves as camouflage and protection against the sun. It typically forms low clusters of rosettes that produce daisy-like flowers in pink tones. It is highly adapted to extremely arid climates. Etymology: From the Greek psámmos (sand) phóros (bearer) that carries sand.Place of Origin: Namibia and South Africa.
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.