Conophytum helenae rr1635

The name of Conophytum derives from the Greek words "kònos" (cone) and "phytòn" (plant), due to the characteristic cone shape of the stem. It is a rare, slow-growing succulent plant, which clusters over time. This succulent plant is formed by small fleshy green leaves, with a slight reddish tinge at the edges, covered with small darker dots. Like the other Conophytum, C. helenae also has a particular growth: the new leaves are formed inside the stem and then come out when the old leaves begin to dry out. The dry leaves protect the plant body during the vegetative rest, like some sort of a blanket. In autumn you can admire its attractive pink flowers and once the flowering is over, in  winter the growth of the plant continues.