Succulents are plants with parts that are thickened, fleshy, and engorged. They do not have spines. The word “succulent” is derived from the Latin word sucus, meaning juice or sap. [Note: succulents do not constitute a formal taxonomic category].
An interesting and unusual example of a succulent is Pleiospilos nelii mesembs, commonly known as the “split rock” succulent. It resembles a rounded fractured stone that is about 4 inches tall and 8 inches wide. This kind of succulent is commonly referred to as a “living stone.” In the fall, it blooms with a flower consisting of many light-orange petals, or in some varieties, with orange-white-magneta color. As this succulent grows, it will open slightly and eventually widen its “split area” to allow new growth.
Figure 1. Three views of the same individual Pleiospilos mesembs (a stone plant) (width 34 mm, height 30 mm, [equivalent to about 1.5 inches wide and 1.25 inches high].
Kingdom Plantae
Family Aizoaceae [according to some experts, the family is Mesembryanthemaceae]
Genus Pleiospilos (there are several species)
Species nelii
Subspecies mesembs
Please remember that Pleiospilos is a succulent but not a cactus! Cacti are succulents characterized by having spines.
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