Conophytum saxetanum Luderitz

The name of the genus Conophytum derives from the Greek words "kònos" (cone) and "phytòn" (plant), due to the characteristic cone shape of the stem. C. saxetanum is one of the smallest specimens of the genus Conophytum. Over time it clusters and can live up to 100 years. It is a rare succulent plant that is made up of green cylindrical fleshy leaves, covered with small clear dots. Like the other Conophytum, this plant 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 it blossoms with white flowers and once the flowering is over, in winter the growth of the plant continues.