Stone plants are very special succulent plants. Their scientific genus name is Lithops. Lithops means stone/stone-like in Greek. These stone plants occur only in Southern Africa.

These succulent plants are very popular among succulent collectors and plant-lovers. I have a few stone plants in my own collection.

Stone plants mimic stones (look like stones) to protect themselves from succulent-eating animals. They have two thick leaves that look like stones. These leaves store water and survive very hot, dry weather. The top part of the leaf is like a window. This window allows light into the plant.

The flower grows out between the two thick leaves. They only flower when it is a nice sunny day. Flower colours are white and yellow.

An interesting fact is that stone plants can pull themselves into the soil to protect themselves from the sun and heat.

Do you like stone plants, or have some of your own in a collection? Let me know in the comments.

Mimic = imitate, copy