Scientific name:
Titanopsis calcarea
(Marl.) Schwant.
Origin:
South Africa (Bushmanland, Upper Karoo)
Habitat: With
a white incrustation to the leaves, it is confined to limestone
outcrops. This is probably a rare case of protective coloration in
plants akin to that found in the animal kingdom and these plants blend
in well with their surroundings.
Etymology:
Titanopsis calcarea is the species of Titanopsis most
frequently seen in cultivation, the name means 'looking like
limestone'
Synonyms:
Titanopsis calcareum Genus Titanopsis: There are three to six
species, depending on botanists' opinions. Some botanists have now
lumped T. lüderitzii and T. primosii in with T. schwantesii.
The species list for Titanopsis is considered to be:
T. calcarea Campbell west
Kimberley
This species is a truly impressive living rock, with unique
leaves with very variable colourful "warts" on their ends, making them
blend well in the rocky areas of South Africa where they are native.
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