Painting of L. julii subsp. fulleri var. brunnea © Jim Porter and reproduced with kind permission.

Brief additional notes to the Cole Lithops monographs by Keith Green.

Introduction

An abridged version of these notes was published over three issues by the BRITISH CACTUS

AND SUCCULENT SOCIETY in their journal CACTUS WORLD, in December 2007, March 2008

and June 2008. This is the complete, unedited project.

The following notes evolved from my intention to provide an update (without any duplication)

to Professor DESMOND T. COLE’s original Lithops monograph - LITHOPS FLOWERING

STONES, published in Randburg, Republic of South Africa by Acorn Books in 1988. An attempt was

made to briefly document all of the subsequent discoveries within the genus, with emphasis on the

originating source. I gave consideration to every “new” Lithops I saw mentioned (the vast majority of

which were termed cultivars) and documented, further researched and where possible obtained

photographs of those I considered worthy of the rank afforded them. Over the years I therefore

amassed quite a reasonable number of entries. Early in 2003 I learned through the pages of the M.S.G.

Bulletin that Professor Cole was going to update his work and have a second edition Lithops

monograph published. Subsequently I was able to make contact with Professor Cole, and I sent him a

rough copy of these (then embryonic) notes hoping that they would be of some assistance to him in

compiling his new book. Although he and Naureen kindly mention my help on p. 11 of ‘Cole’05’, I

learnt a great deal more from the Coles’ than they could ever have learnt from me!

Professor Cole’s reply (which included some Lithops seed) was most informative. He pointed

out that mere appearance on a seed list or such like does not count as valid publication of a new plant.

Only when properly published in accordance with the INTERNATIONAL CODE OF BOTANICAL

NOMENCLATURE does a new plant become valid (or indeed in the somewhat less exacting

INTERNATIONAL CODE OF NOMENCLATURE FOR CULTIVATED PLANTS become

“established”). Somewhat paradoxically though, the Coles’ Lithops research has highlighted doubts

that historically all the relevant conditions of the Botanical Code have always been met. This point is

highlighted in the Classification section of these notes. Taking Professor Cole’s guidance into account,

I further rechecked my sources and revised my format, initially splitting these notes into four sections,

which were as follows: Introduction, Classification, New Lithops post ‘Cole ‘88’ and Hybrids. The

publication of DESMOND T. & NAUREEN A. COLES’ second and updated Lithops monograph –

LITHOPS FLOWERING STONES published in Italy by Cactus & Co. in 2005, accordingly

necessitated a 5th

section called (rather unsurprisingly): New Lithops post ‘Cole’05’. A few lines at the

beginning of each of these sections explain the general theme.

Although it has been my experience that many unpublished and un-established Lithops names

have been advertised for sale by various sources, I expressly decided against a section on taxonomic

errata. Suffice to say that in all such cases I have found these names (usually advertised as cultivars) to

be synonymous with taxa already recorded within the Coles’ monographs or subsequently within these

notes. I venture that any name pertaining to be a Lithops that does not appear in the Classification list

of this project be treated with suspicion, and carefully researched.

Although academically unqualified in botany, Professor Cole stands as the undoubted world

authority on Lithops, and I view his two monographs (the second of which was co-written with his

wife Naureen) as fundamental to the understanding of this fascinating genus. The quality benchmark

of the 1988 Lithops monograph later served to lay the foundations for the superb 2005 revision, which

is now unquestionably the ultimate Lithops publication. By comparison these amateur companion

notes pale into insignificance, but none the less it is my hope that fellow Lithops enthusiasts will find

them of some help and amusement.

Acknowledgements

Even a short set of notes like these could not have been put together without help from many

other people, to who I send my thanks.

Special thanks go to Desmond and Naureen Cole, as without their extensive field research in

the first instance these notes would be impossible and pointless. They have also been readily

forthcoming with help, advice and guidance on all aspects concerning my understanding of Lithops.

Thanks too to Steven Hammer who has been instrumental in the discovery, production and

reporting of "new" Lithops. He further discusses some of these in his book LITHOPS TREASURES

OF THE VELD that was published by the B.C.S.S. in 1999, and I have indicated the plants concerned

in the text. Despite his fame throughout the succulent world his readiness to enter into dialogue with

“unknowns” such as I is a credit to him.

Even though we do not share a common language Mr. Shimada of Japan too has been of great

assistance. He produced an excellent reference book called THE GENUS LITHOPS that was

published in Japan in autumn 2001. The text is mainly in Japanese, but even for those un-educated in

the language the photography is quite stunning. With help from his son Norihiko and Ms. Miyako

Tannowa as translators we have shared knowledge and plants.

Thanks also to fellow growers: David Blythe, Jonathon Clark, Lindsey Deaves, Will du Toit,

Vincent Formosa, Francois Hoes, Tim Jackson, Kevin Mason (especially for his efficient delves into

his archives), Petr Pavelka, Jim Porter, Terry Smale, Bernd Schloesser and Willie van der Westhuizen for information, communication, friendship, photographs and plants, and to Suzanne and Tony Mace

for their stoic efforts with the Mesemb. Study Group.

Finally, thanks to my family. To my father Charles, for introducing me to succulent plants at

the age of 5 years; to my mother Louisa, my wife Debra and my two sons Christopher and Clive (who

also took some of the photographs) for support, academic help and tolerance.

Abbreviations used throughout this text include:-

A (type cv) = "instances of white flowers in

species which are normally yellow flowering"

(‘Cole‘88’ p. 83).

‘acf’ = aberrant colour form

B.C.S.S. = British Cactus and Succulent

Society

Botanical Code = INTERNATIONAL CODE

OF BOTANICAL NOMENCLATURE

C = Cole (Lithops colony) number

‘Cole’88’ = D.T. COLE, LITHOPS –

FLOWERING STONES (1988)

‘Cole’05’ = D.T. & N.A. COLE, LITHOPS -

FLOWERING STONES (2005)

Cultivar Code = INTERNATIONAL CODE

OF NOMENCLATURE FOR CULTIVATED

PLANTS

cv = cultivar

G- (type cv) = "instances of plants which lack

their normal pigmentation and have an

unusually green or yellow green basic colour"

(‘Cole’88’ p. 83), the letter “Y” having been

dropped and the “-“ sign being added in ‘Cole

’05’ to describe cultivars with aberrant colour

forms.

‘Hammer (1999)’ = STEVEN A. HAMMER -

LITHOPS TREASURES OF THE VELD

(1999)

I.S.H.S. = International Society for

Horticultural Science

I.S.I.J. = International Succulent Institute Japan

L. = Lithops

M.S.G. = Mesemb. Study Group

M.S.G. Bulletin = Quarterly publication of the

M.S.G.

p. = page

pp. = pages (more than 1)

R (type cv) = instances of unusually red

coloured mutations.

R- (type cv) = instances of unusually red

coloured mutations the “-“ sign having been

added in ‘Cole ’05’ to describe cultivars with

aberrant colour forms.

‘Shimada (2001)’ = YASUHIKO SHIMADA –

THE GENUS LITHOPS (2001)

subsp. = subspecies, subspecies

var. = varietas, variety

vol. = volume

W- (type cv) = "instances of white flowers in

species which are normally yellow flowering"

(‘Cole‘88’ p. 83) the letter being changed and

the “-“ sign being added in ‘Cole’05’ to

describe cultivars with aberrant colour forms.

Y- (type cv) = instances of yellow flowers on

normally white flowering Lithops (‘Cole’05’ p.

67).

YG (type cv) = "instances of plants which lack

their normal pigmentation and have an

unusually green or yellow green basic colour"

(‘Cole’88’ p. 83).

* = invalid, unestablished or excluded name,

number or status.

All photographs reproduced with permission of the © holders. Text and author photographs ©

Keith Green (2008).

Lithops Classification

In this project I have tried to maintain the Cole Lithops classification system whilst adhering to

the INTERNATIONAL CODE OF BOTANICAL NOMENCLATURE and the INTERNATIONAL

CODE OF NOMENCLATURE FOR CULTIVATED PLANTS as closely as possible. It should

perhaps be noted that the rules governing cultivar publication in general are less exacting than the

rules that govern publication at the higher “botanical” ranks (e.g. variety, subspecies, species etc.). In

response to a question I had previously posed him, Professor Cole sent me a fax dated 17th

July 2005

in which he stated: “You are right, publication of cultivars has less stringent conditions than formal

taxa, for example no Latin diagnosis is required. However, there are rules which must be adhered to”.

The Coles’ emphasise theirs is not a botanical study, and raise doubts that some of the taxa

included in their research has ever actually been correctly published in full accordance with the

Botanical Code (see p. 4 of ‘Cole’88’ & p. 6 of ‘Cole’05’). It would obviously be preferable that every

Lithops so thoroughly described and designated within the Coles’ research project had been accorded

publication that exactly met the requirements of the Botanical Code, and whilst I know for a fact that

all botanical Lithops taxa published by Professor Cole have met all the laid down conditions, it is

possible other authors may not have been so diligent. The publication of ‘Cole’88’ however, provided

a “clear and solid foundation” (p. 5 of ‘Cole’05’) for botanists, taxonomists or horticulturalists to study

and correct.

Along similar lines 8 cultivars were published in ‘Cole’88’ on the basis of single specimens

that strictly speaking did not conform to the Cultivar Code, where replicable groups of plants are

required. These plants were: L. julii subsp. julii ‘Peppermint Crème’, L. lesliei subsp. lesliei var. hornii

‘Greenhorn’, L. lesliei subsp. lesliei var. minor ‘Witblom’, L. meyeri ‘Hammeruby’, L. otzeniana

‘Aquamarine’, L. pseudotruncatella subsp./var. pseudotruncatella ‘Albiflora’, L. terricolor Silver

Spurs’ and L. terricolor ‘Speckled Gold’. With the exception of L. pseudotruncatella subsp./var.

pseudotruncatella ‘Albiflora’ (the specific anomaly of which is discussed below), these were all

inadvertently established as cultivars in conformity with the Cultivar Code in ‘Hammer’99’, although

there the 2 L. terricolor cultivars were recorded under *L. localis.

A further point is that Professor Cole has not applied the minor rank of forma (form) as a

divisive tool when classifying this genus. The following passage is a quote from an article written by

Professor Cole in 1969 that appeared in the BULLETIN OF THE AFRICAN SUCCULENT PLANT

SOCIETY. This part of the text directly followed his negative stance on retaining some examples of L.

julii as varieties: “One might reduce them to the rank of forma, but even this does not seem to me to be

justified – if we do, then we shall end up with a host of “forma” in any number of colonies, according

as they may or may not have open windows, reticulations, subcutaneous venations, etc.” In fact the

previously held varieties just mentioned were all eventually sunk under subsp. julii (see p. 146 of

‘Cole’88’& p. 189 of ‘Cole’05’). Suffice to say that natural variations within wild Lithops populations

are such that the consistent application of forma (usually abbreviated to “f.”) is inappropriate. Many

commercial growers however have continued to use this rank in their seed lists and publications,

presumably for their own reasons. The use of the forma rank for mutations or aberrations was also

dismissed on p. 83 of ‘Cole’88’ and p. 65 of ‘Cole’05’.

Photographs of L. aucampiae subsp./var. aucampiae ‘Storm’s Snowcap’, L. lesliei subsp.

lesliei var. hornii ‘Greenhorn’ and a representation of L. pseudotruncatella subsp./var pseudotruncatella ‘Albiflora’ are shown here because suitable images were not available when either

of the Coles’ monographs went to press. The three taxa are depicted so as to ensure every Lithops on

this classification list has a photographic record either in the Coles’ monographs or within these notes.

Unfortunately the ‘Albiflora’ representation does not show the white flowers for which these seedlings

were selected, and hence may simply be a normal subsp./var. pseudotruncatella.

The following then is a list of all accepted plants within the Lithops genus. Plants from

Professor Cole’s original 1988 Lithops classification together with the two new cultivars that first

appeared in ‘Cole ’05’ are shown in black font; plants from my “New Lithops post ‘Cole‘88’” section

are in blue font; plants from my “New Lithops post ‘Cole ‘05’” section are in Green font and my

“Hybrids” section is shown in red font.

Lithops

amicorum

aucampiae subsp. aucampiae var. aucampiae

aucampiae subsp. aucampiae var. aucampiae 'Betty’s Beryl'

aucampiae subsp. aucampiae var. aucampiae ‘Firebrandt’

aucampiae subsp. aucampiae var. aucampiae 'Jackson’s Jade'

aucampiae subsp. aucampiae var. aucampiae 'Storms's Snowcap'

aucampiae subsp. aucampiae var. koelemanii

aucampiae subsp. euniceae var. euniceae

aucampiae subsp. euniceae var. euniceae ‘Bellaketty’

aucampiae subsp. euniceae var. euniceae 'Hikoruby'

aucampiae subsp. euniceae var. fluminalis

aucampiae subsp. euniceae var. fluminalis 'Chieruby'

aucampiae subsp. euniceae var. fluminalis ‘Green River’

bromfieldii var. bromfieldii

bromfieldii var. bromfieldii ‘White Nymph’

bromfieldii var. glaudinae

bromfieldii var. glaudinae ‘Embers’

bromfieldii var. insularis

bromfieldii var. insularis 'Sulphurea'

bromfieldii var. mennellii

coleorum

comptonii var. comptonii

comptonii var. weberi

dinteri subsp. dinteri var. dinteri

dinteri subsp. dinteri var. dinteri 'Dintergreen'

dinteri subsp. dinteri var. brevis

dinteri subsp. frederici

dinteri subsp. multipunctata

divergens var. divergens

divergens var. amethystina

dorotheae

dorotheae 'Zorro'

francisci

fulviceps var. fulviceps

fulviceps var. fulviceps 'Aurea'

fulviceps var. lactinea

fulviceps var. laevigata

gesinae var. gesinae

gesinae var. annae gesinae var. annae ‘Hanawared’

geyeri

gracilidelineata subsp. gracilidelineata var. gracilidelineata

gracilidelineata subsp. gracilidelineata var. gracilidelineata 'Cafè au lait'

gracilidelineata subsp. gracilidelineata var. gracilidelineata 'Ernst's Witkop'

gracilidelineata subsp. gracilidelineata var. waldroniae

gracilidelineata subsp. gracilidelineata var. waldroniae 'Fritz's White Lady'

gracilidelineata subsp. brandbergensis

gracilidelineata subsp. brandbergensis ‘Vertigo’

hallii var. hallii

hallii var. ochracea

hallii var. ochracea 'Green Soapstone'

‘Harlequin’

helmutii

hermetica

hermetica ‘Green Diamond’

herrei

herrei 'Splendido'

hookeri var. hookeri

hookeri var. hookeri 'Envy '

hookeri var. dabneri

hookeri var. dabneri ‘Annarosa’

hookeri var. elephina

hookeri var. lutea

hookeri var. marginata

hookeri var. marginata 'Shimada's Apricot'

hookeri var. subfenestrata

hookeri var. susannae

julii subsp. julii

julii subsp. julii 'Hotlips'

julii subsp. julii 'Peppermint Crème'

julii subsp. fulleri var. fulleri

julii subsp. fulleri var. fulleri 'Fullergreen'

julii subsp. fulleri var. brunnea

julii subsp. fulleri var. rouxii

karasmontana subsp. karasmontana var. karasmontana

karasmontana subsp. karasmontana var. karasmontana ‘Rosary’

karasmontana subsp. karasmontana var. aiaisensis

karasmontana subsp. karasmontana var. aiaisensis ‘Orange Ice’

karasmontana subsp. karasmontana var. lericheana

karasmontana subsp. karasmontana var. tischeri

karasmontana subsp. bella

karasmontana subsp. eberlanzii

karasmontana subsp. eberlanzii 'Avocado Cream'

‘Kikukaseki’

‘Kikusiyo Giyoku’

‘Kosogyoku’

lesliei subsp. lesliei var. lesliei

lesliei subsp. lesliei var. lesliei 'Albiflora'

lesliei subsp. lesliei var. lesliei 'Albinica'

lesliei subsp. lesliei var. lesliei ‘Fred’s Redhead’ lesliei subsp. lesliei var. lesliei 'Storm's Albinigold'

lesliei subsp. lesliei var. hornii

lesliei subsp. lesliei var. hornii ' Greenhorn'

lesliei subsp. lesliei var. mariae

lesliei subsp. lesliei var. minor

lesliei subsp. lesliei var. minor 'Witblom'

lesliei subsp. lesliei var. rubrobrunnea

lesliei subsp. lesliei var. venteri

lesliei subsp. lesliei var. venteri ‘Ventergreen’

lesliei subsp. burchellii

marmorata var. marmorata

marmorata var. marmorata 'Polepsky Smaragd'

marmorata var. elisae

meyeri

meyeri 'Hammeruby'

naureeniae

olivacea var. olivacea

olivacea var. olivacea ‘Angels of Tony’

olivacea var. nebrownii

olivacea var. nebrownii 'Red Olive'

optica

optica 'Rubra'

optica ‘Rubragold’

otzeniana

otzeniana 'Aquamarine'

otzeniana 'Cesky Granat'

pseudotruncatella subsp. pseudotruncatella var. pseudotruncatella

pseudotruncatella subsp. pseudotruncatella var. pseudotruncatella 'Albiflora'

pseudotruncatella subsp. pseudotruncatella var. elisabethiae

pseudotruncatella subsp. pseudotruncatella var. riehmerae

pseudotruncatella subsp. archerae

pseudotruncatella subsp. archerae 'Split Pea'

pseudotruncatella subsp. dendritica

pseudotruncatella subsp. groendrayensis

pseudotruncatella subsp. volkii

ruschiorum var. ruschiorum

ruschiorum var. ruschiorum ‘Silver Reed’

ruschiorum var. lineata

salicola

salicola 'Malachite'

salicola 'Sato’s Violet'

schwantesii subsp. schwantesii var. schwantesii

schwantesii subsp. schwantesii var. marthae

schwantesii subsp. schwantesii var. rugosa

schwantesii subsp. schwantesii var. rugosa 'Blue Moon'

schwantesii subsp. schwantesii var. urikosensis

schwantesii subsp. schwantesii var. urikosensis 'Nutwerk'

schwantesii subsp. gebseri

steineckeana

‘Sunstone’

‘Talisman’ terricolor

terricolor 'Silver Spurs'

terricolor 'Speckled Gold'

terricolor 'Violetta'

vallis-mariae

vallis-mariae 'Valley Girl'

verruculosa var. verruculosa

verruculosa var. verruculosa 'Rose of Texas'

verruculosa var. verruculosa 'Verdigris'

verruculosa var. glabra

villetii subsp. villetii

villetii subsp. deboeri

villetii subsp. kennedyi

viridis

werneri

xhybrida

Lithops pseudotruncatella subsp./var. pseudotruncatella ‘Albiflora’ was not in existence when

either of the Cole Lithops monographs or ‘Hammer’99’ were published, and accordingly has not been

established in accordance with the Cultivar Code (see point (d) in the New Lithops post ‘Cole‘88’

section of these notes and point (b) in the New Lithops post ‘Cole ’05’ section). Therefore a rift exists

between the Cole Lithops classification system where var. pseudotruncatella ‘Albiflora’ is recognised

and the Cultivar Code where it is not. However, the fact remains that *L. pseudotruncatella forma

albiflora was published (? validly) under the Botanical Code by “Jacobsen” in the NATIONAL

CACTUS & SUCCULENT JOURNAL vol. 10, p. 81 (1955), was subsequently transferred to cultivar

status in ‘Cole’88’ and given ‘acf’ status in ‘Cole’05’. It is really down to the individual to decide

whether to recognise this as a form under the Botanical Code (*forma albiflora) or as an ‘acf’ cultivar

(‘Albiflora’) under the Cole classification system (or not at all!). As mentioned above I try to adhere to

the Codes as closely as possible, but in relation to Lithops I hold the Cole classification system

supreme and therefore regard var. pseudotruncatella ‘Albiflora’ as an ‘acf’ cultivar (albeit an “extinct”

one). If at some future date a white flowering var. pseudotruncatella should be established in

accordance with the Cultivar Code, the author would then be at liberty to choose a new name.

L. aucampiae subsp./var aucampiae ‘Storm’s

Snowcap’

(see p. 102 of ‘Cole’88’ & p. 86 of ‘Cole’05’)

photograph © Yasuhiko Shimada.

L. lesliei subsp. lesliei var. hornii ‘Greenhorn’

(see p. 164 of ‘Cole’88’ & p. 220 of ‘Cole’05)’

photograph © Kevin Mason.

Seedlings selected from var. pseudotruncatella C68 by

Kevin Mason for white flowers and hence

L. pseudotruncatella subsp./var. pseudotruncatella

‘Albiflora’

(see p. 182 of ‘Cole’88’ & p. 259 of ‘Cole’05’).

Photograph © Kevin Mason.

New Lithops post ‘Cole‘88’

These are the Lithops that came to light and were published subsequent to Professor Cole’s

1988 monograph, and were included in the second edition 2005 book (although the pattern bred

cultivars were only mentioned there in the Taxonomic index). With two notable exceptions (please

refer to the introduction of the section entitled: New Lithops post ‘Cole’05’, point (a)) this section can

be seen as a simple “add on” of newly discovered Lithops to the first (1988) monograph, up to the

point the later work went to press. The plants have been cross-referenced as necessary, and the term

“‘acf’” applied retrospectively. For an explanation of this term (and my use of the term “pattern bred”)

please refer to the introduction of the section entitled: New Lithops post ‘Cole’05’, point (c).

It is perhaps worth commenting on a few of points from Professor Cole’s 1988 book.

(a) "The problem of Lithops localis" discussed on p. 41 of ‘Cole’88’ (& p. 36 of ‘Cole’05’),

now appears to be settled. Steve Hammer reported at the M.S.G. show in Banstead 1996 that Professor

Cole then agreed the name *Lithops localis was correct. After further consideration however,

Professor Cole reverted to the name of Lithops terricolor, and continued to use that name in his

LITHOPS LOCALITY DATA of October 2002, and in ‘Cole’05’.

(b) The latest thinking on the subject of Lithops steineckeana is that it may be an inter-generic

hybrid between Lithops pseudotruncatella and a Conophytum. The subject was further discussed on p.

108 of ‘Hammer (1999)’, and further is mentioned in the Hybrids section of these notes.

(c) On pp. 129-130 of ‘Cole’88’ (& pp. 148-149 of ‘Cole’05’), concerns were expressed as to

the correct naming of L. gracilidelineata plants from colonies C243 & C385, together with further

doubts as to maintaining the cultivars ‘Ernst’s Witkop’ & ‘Fritz’s White Lady’ as two separate types.

The publication of DESMOND T. COLE – LITHOPS LOCALITY DATA in October 2002 however,

saw C243 remaining as var. waldroniae and C385 remaining as var. gracilidelineata. This situation

remained the same when ‘Cole’05’ was published. I view Professor Cole’s non-action of transferring

plants from either colony to the other variety as acceptance of the status quo, and therefore that the two

cultivars be maintained as separate types, albeit chiefly due to small differences in flower size. “Nature

does not provide for equidistant relationships within or between any categories which we humans find

it convenient to establish” (p. 35 of ‘Cole’88’ & p. 33 of ‘Cole’05’).

(d) According to the I.S.H.S. (2005), a cultivar pertains to: “a group of individual plants”, yet

as discussed on pp. 83-85 of ‘Cole’88’ (& pp. 65-68 of ‘Cole’05’), an aberration can pertain to a single

plant specimen. Partly to avoid a plethora of “dull and unimaginative” Lithops named at the rank of

forma, the Coles’ utilised the cultivar format for publication of colour specific aberrations; the

establishing of which (as cultivars according to the Cultivar Code & the I.S.H.S. above) subsequently

become the focus of many growers. The adoption of the term “acf” in ‘Cole’05’ perhaps clarified this

matter further (see points (b) & (c) in the New Lithops post ‘Cole’05’ section of these notes).

(e) The next point is self explanatory, and is therefore a direct quote (including a couple of

apparent printing errors) from a communication from Professor Cole in the M.S.G. Bulletin vol. 16,

p. 60 (2001). It read as follows: “In the “Readers’ Corner” of MSGB [2], p.44, Keith green raises the

question of the colour of Lithops fulviceps var. lactinea as illustrated in Lithops – Flowering Stones

[1988]. He is quite correct, of course, in his view that the illustrations on p.123 of the book are

excessively blue. This was manifest when we saw proofs of the book, and we complained at the time,

but because of some colour printing technology concerning which we have no knowledge or insights

they were not able to do anything about it. So, the book came out with the colours of var. lactinea

excessively blue, but it did not seem appropriate at the time for me to write a critical review of my

own book. Perhaps I should have do so!”

(f) Another point of discussion occurred on p. 77 of ‘Cole’88’ (& p. 61 of ‘Cole’05’) where it

stated: “Lithops should be grown in pots or trays not less than 125mm (5 in) deep”. Steve Hammer

stated in a special issue of the CACTUS AND SUCCULENT JOURNAL OF AMERICA vol. 67, p.

23 (1995) that: "all Lithops will grow and thrive in deep or shallow pots; of course the available depth

will affect root length, one's watering regime, and the ultimate size of the plants." I was perplexed by

this contradiction until (in the same article as (e) above) Professor Cole explained his reasoning. In the

M.S.G. Bulletin vol. 16, p. 60 (2001), he stated: "As regards size of pot: With very rare exceptions,

Lithops do not grow in "open fields", but only in stony areas, usually on ridges or hills. Sometimes a

seed settles in a crevice in a rock, and then one gets a "bonsai" plant which may even flower and

produce two or three heads. However, this is unusual, and typically these plants grow on stony ground

with roots penetrating 2-3 inches (50-75 mm) or more. Respecting their preferences in habitat, we

always grew them in pots or trays/pans with a minimum depth of 4-5 inches [approx 10-12 cm]."

(g) One further point concerns the case of *Lithops halenbergensis as mentioned of p. 222 of

‘Cole’88’, where it stated: “the problem awaits satisfactory resolution”. This is indeed the "lost"

yellow flowering virtual L. karasmontana subsp. eberlanzii that was described by Dr. Arthur Tischer

in 1932, but cannot be found again. In ‘Hammer (1999)’ it was suggested that the plants Dr. Tischer

observed could possibly have been natural hybrids between L. karasmontana subsp. eberlanzii and L.

francisci, a theory discounted by Professor Cole to me in person in 2006. Steve Hammer wrote of his

suggestion in the M.S.G. Bulletin vol. 11, p. 84 (1996), and talked of it in more detail on p. 118 of

‘Hammer (1999)’ where two black and white photographs were illustrated. N.E. Brown also observed

this plant, and produced an illustration of it on p. 31 of his album entitled "Drawings of Succulent

Plants", which was subsequently lodged at the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew. For many years I

considered *L. halenbergensis may have been a browner than usual form of L. franscisci, a thought I

based on comparison of N.E. Brown’s illustration and Mr. Shimada’s photograph as shown below.

The subject was further explored on pp. 35-36 of ‘Cole’05’ where the deciphered description stated

alongside another black and white photograph: “probably, a network of rubrications”. If this is indeed

the case, my L. franscisci guess can be ruled out. Then in October of 2006, I was verbally informed by

Professor Cole that *L. halenbergensis was in fact published without any flowering specimens having

been observed, the yellow flower colour only being assumed (a point expanded on p. 35 of ‘Cole’05’).

This, when coupled with the extensive and fruitless searches undertaken by the Coles’, strongly

suggests L. karasmontana subsp. eberlanzii is in fact the plant in question. Whatever the true identity

here, I am convinced that *L. halenbergensis does not, and never did exist as a separate species.

*L. halenbergensis L. francisci

photograph © Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew. photograph © Yasuhiko Shimada.

(h) The title of L. lesliei subsp. lesliei var. venteri on p. 167 of ‘Cole’88’ has been incorrectly

recorded, as the subspecies rank (ie. The words “subsp. lesliei”) has been omitted.

Lithops coleorum. (species)

L. coleorum

photographed by the author.

As stated on p. 332 of ‘Cole’05’, Lithops coleorum was validly published by Steve Hammer and

Ronald Uijs in ALOE vol. 31, pp. 36-38 (1994). This yellow flowering species was found on an

isolated kopjie somewhere in what was the northern Transvaal, well away from any other known

Lithops colony. It had been known to a local farmer for some time, but was recognised as unusual by a

young relative who had begun to study botany. He drew it to the attention of a South African Society

official. L. coleorum is among the smallest of all Lithops, although cultivated specimens tend to be

somewhat larger than their wild counterparts. It was named in honour of Professor Desmond T. Cole,

and his wife Naureen. On p. 52 of ‘Hammer (1999)’ it stated among further information that the plants

are: “usually 2-3(-6) headed”, and that the colour is: “pale tan to pinkish-grey or orange-buff”. This

species was described in detail on pp. 104-105 of ‘Cole’05’, where the number of heads was given as:

“rarely up to 8, mostly 2” and C396 given as the type locality.

Lithops hermetica. (species)

L. hermetica

photographed by the author.

This is the species that re-ignited Professor Cole’s field trips (see p. 11 of ‘Cole’05’). This yellow

flowering species was found in the Tsaus area, midway between L. gesinae and L. franscisci by

Graham Williamson and Steve Hammer, growing in dolomite ground and initially appearing to be an

intermediate form. Steve Hammer numbered this plant SH2003 and mentioned it in a talk he gave at

the Banstead M.S.G. show in 1996, where he referred to it as "plasticky looking". SH2003 was also

discussed on p. 61 of ‘Hammer (1999)’ with a photograph on p. 63. However, as stated by Suzanne

Mace in the M.S.G. Bulletin vol. 16, p. 22 (2001) valid publication by Professor Cole in the Italian

publication CACTUS & CO vol. 4, pp. 156-161 (2000) was at species rank, and here the plant was

numbered C397. In the same article Suzanne went on to state: "Lithops hermetica has been so named

by Prof. Cole after a proposal by Steve Hammer "in reference to the 'hermetically sealed' Protected

Diamond Area, the only area where Lithops and other succulent plants are reasonably safe from

predators"”. This same phrase appeared on p. 163 of ‘Cole ’05’, and the whole naming issue was

explained at length in the M.S.G. Bulletin vol. 21, pp. 43-44 (2006) where it was made clear that the

name was indeed the suggestion of Steve Hammer. It should also be noted that Professor Cole stated

in the M.S.G. Bulletin vol. 16, p. 60 (2001) that: "In fact L. hermetica is a highly distinctive species,

with no clear relationship whatsoever to any other species", a point reiterated in the M.S.G. Bulletin

vol. 21, p. 44 (2006). L. hermetica was described in detail on pp. 162-165 of ‘Cole’05’, although due

to a typo error the collection date recorded there was incorrect, it should read 1994 and not 1995 as

explained by Professor Cole in the afore mentioned article in the M.S.G. Bulletin vol. 21, p. 43 (2006).

Lithops aucampiae subsp. aucampiae var. aucampiae 'Jackson’s Jade'. (cultivar)

L. aucampiae subsp./var aucampiae ‘Jackson’s Jade’

photograph © Tim Jackson.

This is a YG or G- ‘acf’ that was established by Professor D.T.Cole in the M.S.G. Bulletin vol. 7, p.

87 (1992) as follows: "in all other respects the same as L.aucampiae 'Betty's Beryl' (see Cole[‘88]

P100), but has yellow flowers. It was first noted and reported by Tim Jackson of Whitter, California. It

appeared among cultivated plants grown from seed, and is not known to occur in habitat." It was also

mentioned and tentatively named *'Golden Beryl' by Steve Hammer in the M.S.G. Bulletin vol. 7, p.

65 (1992). This ‘acf’ was further mentioned on p. 49 of ‘Hammer (1999)’ and on p. 86 of ‘Cole’05’

with a photograph on p. 85.

L. aucampiae subsp./var. aucampiae 'Jackson’s Jade' photographed by the author.

Lithops aucampiae subsp. euniceae var. euniceae 'Hikoruby'. (cultivar)

L. aucampiae subsp./var. euniceae 'Hikoruby'

photograph © Yasuhiko Shimada (supplied via Steve Hammer).

This is a "neon red" R or R- type ‘acf’ that was bred by Yasuhiko Shimada in Japan, and mentioned by

Steve Hammer in the M.S.G. Bulletin vol. 15, p. 55 (2000). The cultivar title comes from the breeders

Christian name (Yasu)hiko, and it is likely this is the result Steve Hammer was trying to achieve when

he referred to the radiating “Jack-o’-lantern” var. euniceae on p. 49 of ‘Hammer (1999)’. ‘Hikoruby’

was established on p. 90 of ‘Cole’05’ with a photograph on p. 91.

Lithops aucampiae subsp. euniceae var. fluminalis 'Chieruby'. (cultivar)

L aucampiae subsp. euniceae var. fluminalis 'Cheiruby'

photograph © Yasuhiko Shimada (supplied via Steve Hammer).

This is a "neon red" R or R- type ‘acf’ that was bred by Yasuhiko Shimada in Japan, and mentioned by

Steve Hammer in the M.S.G. Bulletin vol. 15, p. 55 (2000). It was named after Mr. Shimada’s wife

whose name is Chei(ruby). ‘Cheiruby’ was established on p. 93 of ‘Cole’05’.

Lithops aucampiae subsp. euniceae var. fluminalis 'Green River'. (cultivar)

L. aucampiae subsp. euniceae var. fluminalis ‘Green River’

photograph © Norihiko Shimada (supplied via Will du Toit).

This is a YG or G- type ‘acf’ of that was mentioned and initially thought by me to have been

established in PIANTE GRASSE SPECIALE 1995 by Steve Hammer following the discovery of a

wild specimen. Frik du Plooy called this cultivar *'Flavivirens' on a seed list in 1997, although he never attempted to formally establish that name which he numbered it F010a, stating that it originated

from a colony "nr. Hopetown CP". This plant was further mentioned as “a work in progress” on p. 49

of ‘Hammer (1999)’, where it was described as having a “soft grey-green” colour; possibly a reference

to the plants shoulders. Another report of this ‘acf’ came via e-mail to me from Will du Toit in 2006,

where he reported the earlier collection of a two headed specimen in the veld by Louw Pretorius of

Kimberley. Louw used the title *’Jewel of the Gariep’ (Gariep – the old Orange River) for the plant,

but again this title was never established. On p. 68 of ‘Cole’05’ an un-established G- ‘acf’ from L.

aucampiae subsp. euniceae var. fluminalis was recorded (this may have been Louw Pretorius plant),

but on p. 93 the same mutation was given full status as an ‘acf’. Editing of these notes for publication

in CACTUS WORLD by Roy Mottram, concluded that due to there not being a reproducible number

of plants in existence at the time, ‘Green River’ had not in fact been established in accordance with the

Cultivar Code by Steve Hammer in PIANTE GRASSE SPECIALE 1995. As a “reproducible number”

of specimens certainly do now exist, I offer the following description here to formally establish ‘Green

River’: Lithops aucampiae subsp. euniceae var. fluminalis ‘Green River’ is an unusually green bodied

aberration, distinctive in colour, but in all other respects essentially as for the type.

L. aucampiae subsp. euniceae var. fluminalis ‘Green River’

photograph © Waldie Volschenk (supplied via Will du Toit).

Lithops bromfieldii var. bromfieldii ‘White Nymph’. (cultivar)

L. bromfieldii var. bromfieldii ‘White Nymph’

photograph © Yasuhiko Shimada.

This is a white flowering A or W- type ‘acf’ that was established by Yasuhiko Shimada of Japan in the

M.S.G. Bulletin vol. 17, p. 62 (2002). In 1994 he noticed a white flower among a batch of plants from

C279 seed sown in 1991, and the subsequent F3 generation was 50% white flowered. A presumably

white flowering var. bromfieldii was offered (without a description) by Frik du Plooy on his 1997 seed

list named as *‘Albiflorus’, numbered as F013 and said to also originate from colony *C279(a). This

mutation was further mentioned on p. 50 of ‘Hammer (1999)’ without being named, and recorded as

an ‘acf’ on p. 97 of ‘Cole’05’.

Lithops gracilidelineata subsp. gracilidelineata var. gracilidelineata 'Cafè au Lait'. (cultivar)

L. gracilidelineata subsp./var. gracilidelineata ‘Café au Lait’

photograph © Francois Hoes.

Steve Hammer described and established this pattern bred cultivar in PIANTE GRASSE SPECIALE

1995 as follows: "The "fuscous" form of this species seen in COLE (p. 129) has finally been stabilised,

using seed from C309. The species is usually whitish or buff-coloured, rarely pinkish or grey. The

combination of whipped cream islands floating on a cappuccino sea is unique”. ‘Café au Lait’ was also

mentioned on p. 65 of ‘Hammer (1999)’. The reference Steve made to p. 129 of ‘Cole’88’ included

two photographs taken before this form was stabilised and named. As this is a pattern bred cultivar it

did not appear in the main text of ‘Cole’05’, although the two photographs just mentioned were

reproduced again: one on p. 147 and one on the back cover. ‘Café au Lait’ was recorded on p. 332 of

‘Cole’05’ in the taxonomic index.

L. gracilidelineata subsp./var. gracilidelineata ‘Café au Lait’

photographed by the author.

Lithops herrei 'Splendido'. (cultivar)

L. herrei 'Splendido'

photograph © Giuseppe Maria Piccione.

This is an A +YG or W- + G- type ‘acf’ that was established by Giuseppe Maria Piccione of Verona,

Italy, in the CACTUS AND SUCCULENT JOURNAL OF AMERICA vol. 73, p. 76 (2001). There he

mentioned the plants pale green body, and the fact it can be distinguished from the otherwise similar L.

marmorata by its facial pattern, smaller flower size, capsule structure and seed form. ‘Splendido’ was

documented as an ‘acf’ on p. 169 of ‘Cole’05’.

Lithops hookeri var. hookeri 'Envy'. (cultivar)

L. hookeri var. hookeri 'Envy'

photograph © Chris Barnhill (supplied via Steve Hammer).

This is a lime green YG or G- type ‘acf’ that apparently first appeared in cultivation in Australia, but

was grown again from seed ex Cole 336. This cultivar was once referred to as *'Hookersgreen', but

this name was dropped prior to official publication. It was mentioned in the M.S.G. Bulletin vol. 12, p.

58 (1997), and on p. 73 of ‘Hammer (1999)’. ‘Envy’ was established in PIANTE GRASSE

SPECIALE 1995 by Steve Hammer, and further documented as an ‘acf’ on p. 173 of ‘Cole’05’.

Lithops hookeri var. marginata 'Shimada's Apricot'. (cultivar)

L. hookeri var. marginata 'Shimada's Apricot'

photographs X2 © Yasuhiko Shimada.

This is an R or R- type ‘acf’ that arose from the normal "red form" of C053. It was produced by

Yasuhiko Shimada, and established by him in the CACTUS AND SUCCULENT JOURNAL OF

AMERICA vol. 72, p. 302 (2000). There he stated: "The top surface is bright plum red” (although I

consider it orange-pink) “and the separating groove is half translucent and slightly greenish red, with

bright red rubrications within. The sides are paler and slightly pinkish". Steve Hammer stated in the

same article that the "plants have an unusual intensity". This ‘acf’ was further mentioned on p. 182 of

‘Cole’05’.

Lithops julii subsp. julii 'Hotlips'. (cultivar)

L. julii subsp. julii 'Hotlips'

X2 photographed by the author.

This is a pattern bred cultivar that was reported and established by Steve Hammer in PIANTE

GRASSE SPECIALE 1995 as follows: "The first anagrammatic cultivar, named for its splendidly

widened and dark fissure markings, familiarly known as "lips" though "lipstick" would be apter." This

plant was further mentioned on p.77 of ‘Hammer (1999)’, where it stated the plant "was bred to match

a wild plant" Steve "once admired near Rambawd". As this is a pattern bred cultivar it was not

included in the main text of ‘Cole’05’, although it did get a passing mention on p. 68, and was

documented on p. 337 in the taxonomic index.

Lithops lesliei subsp. lesliei var. lesliei 'Fred’s Redhead'. (cultivar)

L. lesliei subsp./var. lesliei 'Fred’s Redhead'

photograph © Chris Barnhill (supplied via Steve Hammer).

This is an R or R- type ‘acf’ that was established by Steve Hammer in PIANTE GRASSE SPECIALE

1995, and further discussed by him in the M.S.G. Bulletin vol. 12, p. 32 (1997). On p. 85 of ‘Hammer

(1999)’ it was described as: “a fantastic neon-red sport of a normal Warrentonian var. lesliei”. It

actually came about as an abnormally coloured branch of a normal plant that was taken as a cutting

and self-pollinated. It can be similar to some of the redder forms of var. rubrobrunnea (see p. 167 of

‘Cole’88’, p. 225 of ‘Cole’05’ & p. 227 of ‘Cole’05’), but grows larger and is brighter in colour. Steve

Hammer also reported in the M.S.G. Bulletin vol. 19, p. 39 (2004), that the plants have: “huge flowers

with red petal tips”. ‘Fred’s Redhead’ was recorded as an ‘acf’ on p. 220 of ‘Cole’05’.

L. lesliei subsp./var. lesliei 'Fred’s Redhead'

photograph © Francois Hoes.

Lithops marmorata var. marmorata 'Polepsky Smaragd'. (cultivar)

Lithops marmorata var. marmorata ‘Polepsky Smaragd’

photograph © Clive Green.

This YG or G- type ‘acf’ with a "strong yellowish-green undertone" was referred to in PIANTE

GRASSE SPECIALE 1995 by Steve Hammer as *'Chartreuse'. However, after developing this plant in

the Czech Republic it was established by Petr Pavelka (who actually came up with his name first) as

‘Polepsky Smaragd’ in CACTACEAE ETC. vol. I, pp. 24-29 (1996). This plant was further mentioned

on p. 88 of ‘Hammer (1999)’, where it stated: ""Smaragd" (Czech for emerald) was well-chosen; the

plants have a really green colour". Steve later found a wild specimen during a field trip, and reported it

in the M.S.G. Bulletin vol. 16, p. 77 (2001). 'Polepsky Smaragd' was recorded as an ‘acf’ on p. 234 of

‘Cole’05’.

Lithops marmorata var. marmorata ‘Polepsky Smaragd’

photograph © Francois Hoes.

Lithops olivacea var. nebrownii 'Red Olive'. (cultivar)

L. olivacea var. nebrownii 'Red Olive'

photograph © Chris Barnhill (supplied via Steve Hammer).

This is an R or R- type ‘acf’. An un-named red form of L. olivacea was actually mentioned by

O.Hoeval in the CACTUS AND SUCCULENT JOURNAL OF GB vol. 9, p. 79 (1947), where its

appearance was attributed to: "an extremely rich production of anthozyan pigment". However, as var.

nebrownii was not collected until 1969 (see p. 176 of ‘Cole’88’ & p. 244 of ‘Cole’05’) it is doubtful

that this was ‘Red Olive’. The possible R-type ‘acf’ from var. olivacea referred to on p. 68 of

‘Cole’05’ raised further suspicions that the 1947 report may have been an unpublished mutation from

var. olivacea. The tenuous difference of profile shape and size would identify O. Hoeval’s report; var.

nebrownii (& hence ‘Red Olive) being generally cordate and larger than var. olivacea which, is

generally truncate and smaller (see p. 16 of ‘Cole’88’ & p. 18 of ‘Cole’05’). ‘Red Olive’ was

mentioned on p. 92 of ‘Hammer (1999)’, established in PIANTE GRASSE SPECIALE 1995 by Steve

Hammer and recorded as an ‘acf’ on p. 246 of ‘Cole’05’.

L. olivacea var. nebrownii 'Red Olive'

photograph © Yasuhiko Shimada.

Lithops optica ‘Rubragold’. (cultivar)

L. optica ‘Rubragold’

photograph © Yasuhiko Shimada.

This yellow flowering L. optica 'Rubra' was classed as an “R- + Y- form” on p. 67 and a “Ywc + R-

form” on p. 251of ‘Cole’05’. Initially considered a hybrid, this plant was named *Lithops ‘Ruberoid’

by Vincent Formosa in an article in the M.S.G. Bulletin vol. 13, p. 56 (1998) but not described. Steve

Hammer explained on the following page (M.S.G. bulletin vol. 13, p. 57 (1998)), that this could

actually be a cross between L. optica 'Rubra' and L. geyeri. It was further discussed on p. 93 of

‘Hammer (1999)’, where the possibility of it being L. optica 'Rubra' x L. herrei was also mentioned.

The plant was referred to as * “L. optica “Rubra Yellow Flower form”” on p. 158 of ‘Shimada

(2001)’, as a chance mutation from seed of C81A, sown in October 1997. Then in December 2002 Mr.

Shimada informed Professor Cole that he had named it L. optica ‘Rubragold’ after he had produced 12

more specimens. Professor Cole sent a fax to me on the 28th

of May 2003 in which he stated: “L.optica

‘Rubragold’ – to me this is a most astonishing phenomenon, but Shimada is such a careful cultivator,

with whom I have been in contact for very many years, that I have decided to accept his information

on this.” Its non-hybrid status is somewhat doubtful, but it qualified as an “honorary” ‘acf’ after being

established p. 251 of ‘Cole’05’. The name had there been corrected from *L. optica ‘Rubra Gold’ as it

appeared on p. 220 of the book SUCCULENTS published by the I.S.I.J. in 2004, because L. optica

‘Rubragold’ was how the originator, Mr. Yasuhiko Shimada presented it to the Coles.

Lithops otzeniana 'Cesky Granat'. (cultivar)

L. otzeniana 'Cesky Granat' L. otzeniana 'Cesky Granat'

photograph © Petr Pavelka. photograph © Clive Green.

This is a red R or R-type ‘acf’ that was developed in the Czech. Republic, and first mentioned in the

M.S.G. Bulletin vol. 15, p. 55 (2000) by Steve Hammer, where it stated: "("is fantastic plant")". Petr

Pavelka described this plant in 2001 via e-mail to Kevin Mason as follows: "Plants have opaque, light

ruby bodies, islands and peninsulas, and obscurely translucent dark ruby windows. Mr. Hejtmanek got

seeds of typical L. otzeniana from Ed Storms about 20 years ago. Seedlings, however, bore ruby

colour and were eliminated from the collection as freaks. Fortunately few plants were kept till now".

He also said the plant was named: "after Czech famous garnat – Czech spelling is different!!!". Prior to

this Petr had established ‘Cesky Granat’ in the Czech journal KAKTUSY, vol. XXXV11, pp. 27-29

(2001). This plant was briefly mentioned as an ‘acf’ on p. 255 of ‘Cole’05’.

Lithops pseudotruncatella subsp. archerae 'Split Pea'. (cultivar)

L. pseudotruncatella subsp. archerae 'Split Pea'

photograph © Chris Barnhill (supplied via Steve Hammer).

This albinistic YG or G- type ‘acf’ was established in PIANTE GRASSE SPECIALE 1995 by Steve

Hammer. A photograph was shown on p. 97 of ‘Hammer (1999)’, and on p. 101 Steve stated that: “in

spring they” (‘Split Pea’ plants) “have a very pale and delicate colour which darkens slightly by

summer”. It was further documented as an ‘acf’ on p. 266 of ‘Cole’05’.

Lithops salicola 'Sato’s Violet'. (cultivar)

L. salicola 'Sato’s Violet' photographed by the author.

This is a striking lilac-purple (or raspberry) colour variant of L. salicola that arose in Japan via Mr.

Tony Sato, and was described as "a really fine thing" by Steve Hammer in the M.S.G. Bulletin vol. 13,

p. 57 (1998). It was mentioned again by Steve in the M.S.G. Bulletin vol. 14, p. 24 (1999). On p. 104

and p. 132 of ‘Hammer (1999)’ this cultivar was further discussed and unfortunately named in error as

*‘Bacchus’, "for the Greek god of wine, [as it] has the beautiful shade of ripe grapes". On p. 173 of

‘Shimada (2001)’ it stated: “L. salicola “Bacchus”=”Sato’s Violet””. This R- form ‘acf’ was further

erroneously documented as *‘Bacchus’ on p. 278 of ‘Cole’05’ where it was described as being a “dark

red wine” colour, which indicates that there can be quite a variation in shade intensity. Editing of these

notes for publication in CACTUS WORLD by Roy Mottram concluded that in fact this ‘acf’ had been

named as *‘Bacchus’ against the wishes of Tony Sato. Therefore in order to comply strictly with the

Cultivar Code the name of ‘Sato’s Violet’ had priority and had to be used.

L. salicola 'Sato’s Violet' photograph © Bernd Schlӧsser.

Lithops schwantesii subsp. schwantesii var. rugosa 'Blue Moon'. (cultivar)

L.schwantesii subsp. schwantesii var. rugosa 'Blue Moon'

photograph © Chris Barnhill (supplied via Steve Hammer).

This is a pattern bred cultivar that was reported and established by Steve Hammer in PIANTE

GRASSE SPECIALE 1995 as follows: "Norm Dennis,...once sent me an amazing powder-blue

seedling of COLE 247, from which I have now bred several similar plants, named for their rarity

("once in a blue..."), colour, and general resemblance to lunarian backsides". Steve also mentioned this

plant on p. 108 of ‘Hammer (1999)’ with a photograph on p. 107. Because it is an intensification of the

“normal” bluish colour of var. rugosa that distinguishes ‘Blue Moon’, it qualifies as a pattern bred

cultivar and is not considered to be an ‘acf’. It was therefore only recorded in the taxonomic index of

‘Cole’05’, on p. 331, where the sometimes used incorrect title of *’Bluemoon’ was highlighted.

Lithops schwantesii subsp. schwantesii var. urikosensis 'Nutwerk'. (cultivar)

L. schwantesii subsp. schwantesii var. urikosensis ‘Nutwerk’

photograph © Clive Green.

This is a brown pattern bred cultivar with an intensely dark network of markings that was developed

and first mentioned by Steve Hammer in the M.S.G. Bulletin vol. 13, p. 57 (1998). He named and

established the plant on p. 108 and pp. 132-133 of ‘Hammer (1999)’, where he also stated that

‘Nutwerk’ has: “an unusual concentration of brown netting” and "can easily be distinguished from the

average Cole 75 by its consistent intensity" (of pattern). In the same book, Figures 214 and 215 on p.

107 showed the original parent plants. Photographs of normal C075 plants (the *nutupsdriftensis form)

can be seen on p. 197 of ‘Cole’88’ and p. 287 of ‘Cole’05’, and comparison to the photographs here

highlights the intensified “brown netting” effect of ‘Nutwerk’. As this is a pattern bred cultivar it was

only mentioned on p. 342 of ‘Cole’05’ in the taxonomic index.

L. schwantesii subsp. schwantesii var. urikosensis ‘Nutwerk’

photograph © Tim Jackson.

Lithops terricolor 'Violetta'. (cultivar)

L. terricolor 'Violetta'

photograph © Chris Barnhill (supplied via Steve Hammer).

This is an R or R- type ‘acf’ from L. terricolor that has an "intensely purple cast", as reported and

established by Steve Hammer in PIANTE GRASSE SPECIALE 1995. A similar form was actually

mentioned by O.Hoeval in the CACTUS AND SUCCULENT JOURNAL OF GB vol. 9, p. 79 (1947),

where its appearance was attributed to: "an extremely rich production of anthozyan pigment". This

may or may not have been 'Violetta', and it was not named at that time. This plant was further

discussed on p. 87 of ‘Hammer (1999)’, and on p. 293 of ‘Cole’05’ as an ‘acf’, where it was pointed

out that publication was done under the species name of *localis.

Lithops vallis-mariae 'Valley Girl'. (cultivar)

L. vallis-mariae ‘Valley Girl’

photographs X3 © Tim Jackson.

This is a white flowering A or W- type ‘acf’, otherwise identical to the normal form that was reported

and established in PIANTE GRASSE SPECIALE 1995 by Steve Hammer. ‘Valley Girl’ was further

mentioned on p. 110 of ‘Hammer (1999)’ where it stated: "It originated amongst seedlings of Cole 281

reared by Jane Evans", and was recorded on p. 296 of ‘Cole’05’.

Lithops verruculosa var. verruculosa 'Rose of Texas'. (cultivar)

L. verruculosa var. verruculosa 'Rose of Texas' photograph © Chris Barnhill (supplied via Steve Hammer).

This is a brightly flowered form that was established in PIANTE GRASSE SPECIALE 1995 by Steve

Hammer, where he wrote: “This is distinguished by its uniform and shocking rose-red petals, which

emerge from a normal or green body”. This cultivar was bred by Ed Storms, and was mentioned on p.

111 of ‘Hammer (1999)’. Although the flower colour is the point here, ‘Rose of Texas’ falls into the

patterned bred cultivar group, so in ‘Cole’05’ was recorded in the taxonomic index (on p. 344). It

seems the natural tendency of L. verruculosa to produce flowers of varying colour is maintained by

this cultivar; Mesa Garden choosing the descriptive term “great pink flowers” in its seed listings (plant

number 1757.2 in the 2004 catalogue but likewise recorded in other years). The colour range is

highlighted by the two photographs shown here, but note that in both the colour is “uniform” over the

whole flower.

L. verruculosa var. verruculosa 'Rose of Texas' photograph © Clive Green.

Lithops verruculosa var. verruculosa 'Verdigris'. (cultivar)

L. verruculosa var. verruculosa 'Verdigris' photograph © Chris Barnhill (supplied via Steve Hammer).

Although this albinistic YG or G- type ‘acf’ was mentioned by Steve Hammer in PIANTE GRASSE

SPECIALE 1995, editing of these notes for publication in CACTUS WORLD by Roy Mottram

concluded that the description there was: “insufficient to distinguish it from ‘Rose of Texas’ which

may also be green-bodied”. Official establishment by Steve Hammer was therefore on p. 111 of

‘Hammer (1999)’, where Steve explained the plant came about accidentally whilst attempting to raise

a stock of L. verruculosa var. verruculosa 'Rose of Texas' plants. ‘Verdigris’ has normal var.

verruculosa flowers and is only distinguishable from green bodied examples of ‘Rose of Texas’

(which has rose-red petals) when flowering. ‘Verdigris’ was further documented on p. 302 of

‘Cole’05’.

Hybrids

Natural hybrids were discussed on pp. 69-71 of ‘Cole’88, and on pp. 55-57 of ‘Cole’05’. Most

of the “possibilities” there documented however, seem to have a greater affinity for an already given

parent taxon and have been classified accordingly (albeit with the acknowledgement of a possible

hybrid element).

Steve Hammer has produced many cultivated hybrids, and commented on the subject in the

CACTUS AND SUCCULENT JOURNAL OF AMERICA vol. 67, p. 234 (1995), p. 27 (& elsewhere)

of ‘Hammer (1999)’ and in various other sundry articles.

Many hybrid Lithops have indeed been cultivated (intentionally or otherwise), but few have

been formally described. Some (rare) true intermediates could also currently exist in the wild, such as

Lithops gracilidelineata x Lithops ruschiorum as mentioned on p. 71 of ‘Cole ’88’ & p. 101 of

‘Hammer (1999).

As stated elsewhere in these notes, Lithops steineckeana may well be a hybrid, but it has

gained species status courtesy of p. 200 of ‘Cole '88’ and p. 290 of ‘Cole’05’. The link of L.

steineckeana to the genus Conophytum remains a possibility but cannot be confirmed. In a similar

vein Steve Hammer suggested a link between Lithops steineckeana and Muiria hortenseae in the

M.S.G. Bulletin vol. 19, p. 55 (2004), although subsequently this speculation proved unfounded. Steve

reported this in answer to a question I posed him at a B.C.S.S. lecture he gave at Woodley in 2007.

Generally however, I consider inter-generic hybrids that include Lithops to be beyond the scope of

these short notes.

Few inter-species hybrids within the Lithops genus are given any more than a passing mention

within various texts. It should also be noted that by their very nature the progeny of hybrids can be

highly variable, and careful selection is often required in order to maintain some kind of standard in

cultivation. Further, cross-bred Lithops produced from within a given species using subspecies or

varieties are sometimes labeled according to which parent they most resemble, and this can cause

confusion. A hybrid becomes more obvious the greater the difference between the parents or where

some bizarre form using a cultivar or mutant is involved.

To the best of my knowledge there is no laid down rule under either code for the correct

naming of hybrids that have not been formally described, and therefore we must revert to “common

English”. I consider unestablished or invalid inter-species hybrid Lithops (including those of uncertain

parentage), together with non conformist cross-breeds from within the same species group be best

treated by “lumping” them all together under the convenience title of “hybrid”. This name translates to

“hybrida” using standard “life-science” Latin, and the addition of the prefix “x” ensures the hybrid (or

notho-species rank) element is instantly apparent. Hence I include Lithops xhybrida in my

classification list, although this format is perhaps unique to me.

Lithops ‘Harlequin’. (hybrid)

L. 'Harlequin' photograph © Lindsey Deaves.

Lithops ‘Harlequin’ was established by Nick Rowlette of Oregon on p. 62 of his book LITHOPS FOR

THE CURIOUS, THE COLLECTOR AND THE CULTIST, which was privately published in

Portland, Oregon in 1990. This plant looks to be a cross that heavily involves L. julii subsp. julii, and

in my experience this white flowering hybrid is virtually identical to all subsp. julii forms. Indeed I

speculate that in many instances much of any other genetic material has largely been bred out through

subsequent generations. Unfortunately the parent plants were not recorded by Nick in the

establishment article, but his description did include: “generally greyish orange-brown”. Steve

Hammer has commented to me on the “robustness” of L. ‘Harlequin’, and therefore I venture these

plants need to be selected for colour and size in order to maintain the tenuous standard. Because

details regarding official establishment were unknown at the time, this hybrid was recorded as an

excluded name (& probable “selection” from subsp. julii) on p. 337 of the taxonomic index of

‘Cole’05’.

L. ‘Harlequin’ photograph © Kevin Mason.

Lithops ‘Kikukaseki’. (hybrid)

L. ‘Kikukaseki’

photograph © Norihiko Shimada.

This is a hybrid of uncertain parentage that was established by Yashiko Shimada on p. 222 of the

Japanese book SUCCULENTS that was complied by Hiroshi Kobayashi and published by the I.S.I.J.

in 2004. Mr. Shimada considered the parents of this plant were probably from the L. julii complex

(which of course encompasses subsp. fulleri) and accordingly the flower colour is white. It is a striking

plant reminiscent of L. ‘Kikusiyo Giyoku’ (documented below) but with markedly indented margins.

In spite of the publication date, this hybrid was unknown by the Coles when the second edition

monograph went to press.

Lithops ‘Kikusiyo Giyoku’. (hybrid)

L. ‘Kikusiyo Giyoku’

photograph © Norihiko Shimada.

The initial scant information I received regarding this plant was e-mailed to me by Roy Mottram as

follows: “Lithops ‘Kikusiyo Giyoku’ T. Sato, Report of contest Japan Succulent Society 1990 New

Year party in Tokyo, Cactus & Succulent Journal of Japan 4(6): 8. (Feb) 1990. Standard: Japan; photo

of a large cluster, accompanying the protologue. A hybrid of unknown parentage.” A comment

relating to the protologue photograph just mentioned was translated into English by Andy Walker of

Surbiton thus: “A Lithops “made in Japan”. Richly pleasant, with a window leaf pattern”. Further

investigation revealed this plant was produced by Mr. Kisata Tanaka who once ran a succulent nursery

in Nagano, but is now deceased. The name was actually translated into English incorrectly in the

establishment article (it should have been ‘Kikushou-Gyoku’). This was highlighted to me by

Norihiko Shimada who explained that the literal translation means “chrysanthemum crest” (the mark

on the cover of Japanese passports), and that the word “gyoku” is often used in naming Japanese

Cactus and Succulents. The exact parents are unknown, but Yasuhiko Shimada (Norihiko’s father)

considered that L. julii subsp. fulleri may have been strongly involved. It has white flowers, greyish

shoulders and strongly streaked reddish brown windows that pertain to resemble a chrysanthemum.

Under the rules of the cultivar code the name as published must be maintained in this instance. This

hybrid was unknown by the Coles when ‘Cole’05’ went to press.

Lithops ‘Kosogyoku’. (hybrid)

L. ‘Kosogyoku’

photograph © Norihiko Shimada.

The initial scant information I received regarding this plant was e-mailed to me by Roy Mottram as

follows: “Lithops ‘Kosogyoku’ T. Sato, Cactus & Succulent Journal of Japan 5(4): 11. (Dec) 1990.

Standard: Japan; photo of a large cluster, accompanying the protologue. A hybrid of unknown

parentage.” Further investigation revealed this plant was produced by Mr. Kisata Tanaka who once ran

a succulent nursery in Nagano, but is now deceased. The name was actually translated into English

incorrectly in the establishment article (it should have been ‘Kousougyoku’). This was highlighted to

me by Norihiko Shimada who explained that the literal translation means “red window” and that the

word “gyoku” is often used in naming Japanese Cactus and Succulents. Apparently this plant was

derived from L. ‘Kikusiyo Giyoku’, although I would guess that L. salicola was somehow involved. It

has white flowers, greyish shoulders and reddish brown windows. Under the rules of the cultivar code

the name as published must be maintained in this instance. This hybrid was unknown by the Coles

when ‘Cole’05’ went to press.

Lithops 'Sunstone'. (hybrid)

L. 'Sunstone' L. 'Sunstone' photographed by the author. photograph © Kevin Mason.

Lithops ‘Sunstone’ was established by NICK ROWLETTE of Oregon on p. 61 of his book LITHOPS

FOR THE CURIOUS, THE COLLECTOR AND THE CULTIST, which was privately published in

Portland, Oregon in 1990. Unfortunately the parent plants were not there recorded, but this hybrid

looks to be the result of crossing various forms of L. karasmontana and therefore it flowers white.

Nick’s description included: “generally light yellow-orange to brownish-orange;” and that the:

“Markings consist of narrow to broad strips of the window, which usually run continuously from the

fissure to the margin. Usually the plants are marked with a distinct reticulate pattern, but at times the

markings can also be vague and/or irregular. The lighter coloured islands, when present, are usually

not sharply outlined, but rather blend gradually into the window strips.” Further he stated: “A large

number of plants show hybrid vigor (rapid growth, flowering at an early age from seed, and becoming

quite large as adults).” In a personal communication to me Kevin Mason of Carmarthen once aptly

described this hybrid as having "rusted iron coloured windows, with a metallic sheen". Also, in the

M.S.G. Bulletin vol. 13, p.14 (1998) Steve Hammer commented: “Sunstone looks like karasmontana

(of the reddish laterita type) x bella”. Although L. ‘Sunstone’ had been offered on many seed lists,

details regarding official establishment were unknown when ‘Cole’05’ went to press. Therefore this

hybrid was only recorded there as an excluded name on p. 346 in the taxonomic index.

Lithops 'Talisman'. (hybrid)

L. 'Talisman'

photographs X2 © Francois Hoes.

Lithops ‘Talisman’ was established by NICK ROWLETTE of Oregon on p. 61 of his book LITHOPS

FOR THE CURIOUS, THE COLLECTOR AND THE CULTIST, which was privately published in

Portland, Oregon in 1990. Unfortunately the parent plants were not there recorded, but in the M.S.G.

Bulletin vol. 13, p. 14 (1998) Steve Hammer suggested that this yellow flowering plant: “might be a

triple hybrid, perhaps pseudo x gesinae x gracilidelineata”. Nick Rowlette’s original description

included: “very light grey-brown (beige) with slight violet tinge; lines are dark purplish-brown, narrow

and distinct, running continuously from the fissure to the margin in a conspicuous and attractive

reticulate pattern. A purple-brown line runs along the entire length of the fissure. Numerous grey spots

are scattered at random across the top, or sometimes coalescing near the lines.” In my experience seed

from this hybrid is often not true to type, and careful selection is required to maintain the desired

characteristics. Although L. ‘Talisman’ had been offered on many seed lists, details regarding official

establishment were unknown when ‘Cole’05’ went to press. Therefore this hybrid was only recorded

there as an excluded name on p. 346 in the taxonomic index.

Lithops xhybrida. (casual name)

“L. marmorata x L. olivacea” “L. julii subsp./var. fulleri 'Fullergreen'

photograph © Tim Jackson. x L. salicola 'Malachite'”

photographed by the author.

“L. dinteri subsp./var dinteri ‘Dintergreen’ “L. gesinae var. annae

x L. herrei” x L pseudotruncatella subsp. dendritica”

photograph © Francois Hoes. photograph © Clive Green.

Lithops xhybrida is the name I use for hybrid Lithops that are unrecognised by either the Botanic or

the Cultivar Codes. Although the genetic history of inter-species hybrids must be more diverse than

that of cross-breeds from within the same species group, all cross boundary Lithops present with

similar challenges. All are taxonomically awkward, interesting to fathom and unable to consistently

produce true to type seed through the generations. Perhaps partly for the last reason and also perhaps

because so many hybrids are “un-natural”, Professor Cole has paid little attention to cultivated hybrid

Lithops in his studies. However, as many such plants have been produced they cannot be over looked.

The images shown are examples of the many officially unrecognised but possible L. xhybrida

formulas.

“L. lesliei subsp./var. lesliei ‘Fred’s Redhead’ x L. lesliei subsp. lesliei var. hornii”

photograph © Chris Barnhill (supplied via Steve Hammer).

New Lithops post ‘Cole ’05’

A few months before the second edition Lithops monograph hit the bookshelves (both English

and Italian versions were produced), Mr. Lino Di Martino made mention of it in an editorial written in

CACTUS & CO. vol. 8, p. 165 (2004) as follows: “It should be emphasised that this new edition is co-

authored by Desmond and his wife Naureen. The Coles have painstakingly gone through the old text,

revising and updating it wherever necessary (adding inter alia several new taxa and locality

data)….The book will surely stand as a ‘work of art’ as well as THE standard reference on the

subject.” Mr. Di Martino’s prediction was indeed correct, and the Coles’ 2005 updated monograph

quickly became the ultimate single Lithops reference.

Research on the genus did not stop there however, and the following are Lithops that were

validly published after the Cole’s 2005, second edition monograph went to press.

As with the section on “new Lithops post Cole ’88” (points (a), (c), (f) & (g) from that section

equally apply here) a few comments now follow.

(a) First of all it should be noted that two new cultivars or “aberrant colour forms” were

established in this work that I knew nothing about until I saw the book. They are Lithops hermetica

‘Green Diamond’ on p. 165 and Lithops ruschiorum var. ruschiorum ‘Silver Reed’ on p. 274.

(b) Although not so documented in ‘Cole’05’, by the time this book was published 7 cultivars

(but not L. pseudotruncatella subsp./var. pseudotruncatella ‘Albiflora’) recorded from single

specimens in ‘Cole’88’ had been established (inadvertently) in accordance with the Cultivar Code (in

‘Hammer’99).

(c) On p. 33 of ‘Cole’05’ reasons for splitting cultivars into two camps were given. The Coles’

only included “aberrant colour forms” abbreviated to “acf” in the main text when dealing with this

rank (a development of the terminology on pp. 83-84 of ‘Cole’88’). These are the specific colour

aberrations mentioned in (d) below that have occurred either in nature or in seed collected from nature

without interference (at least initial interference) from human propagators. At the M.S.G. mini-book

launch of ‘Cole’05’ held in Reading on April 23rd

2005, Professor Cole pointed out that much can be

produced by selective breeding, and cultivars produced in this way are different from aberrant colour

forms as the selectively bred, or in my words “pattern bred” Lithops (where normal features have been

artificially intensified and or stabilised) are not natural. Although the term “acf” is not currently

recognised by the Cultivar Code, the two types are of equal rank and both established “pattern bred”

and ‘acf’ Lithops have the same status as cultivars. There is of course a clear distinction between

cultivars and hybrids as discussed in the previous section.

(d) In ‘Cole’05’ the terms “G-, W- and R-“ replaced the terms “YG, A and R” when dealing

with "aberrant colour forms", and the term “Y-“ was introduced.

(e) Another point of note in the new work was the spelling of Lithops gesinae. In a fax to me

dated 2 December 2004, Professor Cole stated: “In the first edition of Lithops I followed the rules as I

knew and applied them to sundry other names, and changed de Boer’s spelling from gesinae to

gesineae. When we started editing for the new volume, I consulted a taxonomic expert in the Botanical

Institute in Pretoria, and he concluded that while gesineae is the more correct, it is better to stick to the

spelling that de Boer used, that is, gesinae. I really do not follow his logic, but in keeping with his

advice, I have used de Boer’s original spelling gesinae in the new edition of the book.”

(f) Included in a fax to me from Professor Cole dated 7 May 2006, was the following: “we

have already noted four typos in the new edition of Lithops – Flowering Stones, and may well find

more”!

(g) Information gained subsequent to the publication of ‘Cole’05’ placed *L. salicola

‘Bacchus’ (as mentioned there on p. 278) in synonymy of L. salicola ‘Sato’s Violet’. An explanation

for this is given in the relevant entry above.

Lithops amicorum. (species)

L. amicorum L. amicorum

photographed by the author. photograph © D.T. & N.A Cole.

This white flowering species was found growing in three locations by Professor Cole during a field

trip taken in early May of 2004, after he had received relevant information from Mr. Tok Schoeman.

In a text message to me dated 25th

May 2004, Professor Cole described the plants as: “ small,

maximum facial measurements 18 X 12 mm, generally very pale, almost white, in colour, mostly with

relatively few markings, and VERY difficult to see and find in its habitat of smallish quartzite stones.”

Then at the M.S.G. mini-book launch of ‘Cole’05’ held in Reading on April 23rd

2005, Professor Cole

made several further points. He stated the name pertains to “of the friends”; the plants are the smallest

yet discovered, generally being only around 15mm across at the widest point (although despite this L.

dinteri subsp. frederici is perhaps on average slightly smaller as its size was given as “mostly about 14

X 10 mm” on p. 115 of ‘Cole’88’ & p.117 of ‘Cole’05’); the flower completely covers the plant body

when fully open and that there is some resemblance to the “fulleri” complex. Professor Cole validly

published L. amicorum as a new species with a number of C410 in CACTUS & CO. vol. X, pp. 58-60

(2006), where the maximum facial measurement had been revised to “19 X 13 mm, mostly about 15 X

10 mm”.

Lithops fulviceps var. laevigata. (variety)

L. fulviceps var. laevigata

X2 photographs © D.T. & N.A. Cole.

Compared to the type variety, var. laevigata is smaller, smoother and generally lacking in rubrications.

On p. 60 of ‘Hammer (1999)’ the observation was made that the Pofadder population of L. fulviceps:

“…which occurs on yellow gneiss, is quite distinct-looking”, and that the plants differ from var.

fulviceps in so much as they are: “…mustard-coloured, smooth and surprisingly convex”. Professor

Cole had not visited this location prior to the publication of ‘Cole’88’, but subsequently did so with his

wife Naureen in May of 2004. Further to ‘Hammer (1999) Professor Cole made a few points at the

M.S.G. mini-book launch of ‘Cole’05’ held in Reading on April 23rd

2005. These included that in fact

this colony is quite a considerable distance from Pofadder (I subsequently learnt on a farm named

Swartmodder) and that the dusky dots sometimes form channels and islands. After careful

consideration Professor Cole validly published this plant as a new variety of L. fulviceps in CACTUS

& CO. vol. X, pp. 60-63 (2006), with a number of C412. The photographs here show that there can be

some variation in colour.

L. fulviceps var. laevigata L. fulviceps var. laevigata

photographed by the author. photograph © D.T. & N.A Cole.

Lithops aucampiae subsp. aucampiae var. aucampiae ‘Firebrandt’. (cultivar)

L. aucampiae subsp./var. aucampiae L. aucampiae subsp./var. aucampiae 'Firebrandt’

'Firebrandt’ photographed by the author. photographs X2 © Kevin Mason.

This is an R or R-type ‘acf’ that was established in the M.S.G. Bulletin vol. 21, p. 42 (2006) by Keith

Green. With hindsight it would have been preferable for me to have used the term “formal

establishment” in place of “valid publication” in that article (as I was dealing with the Cultivar Code),

but otherwise it was self explanatory and the relevant section is reproduced here as follows (in this

article D.T. & N.A COLE, LITHOPS – FLOWERING STONES (2005) = ‘Cole (2005)’ :

“A colony of Lithops aucampiae subsp./var. aucampiae “Nr. Olifantshoek, CP” was given the

name *’Rubrobrunneus’ and numbered F005 on Frik du Plooy’s seed list in 1997. Presumably these

were “reddish” examples, but no description was offered at that time. Subsequent examples from this

seed I have seen have been dull red at best, not really anything different from normal plants, although I

fully accept that somewhere out there truly red examples may exist.

Around the same time but quite independently, an R-type mutation of subsp./var. aucampiae was produced by Jossie Brandt from the self-pollination of a "hyper red freak”. This was reported in

the M.S.G. Bulletin vol. 12, p. 58 (1997) by Steve Hammer, and again mentioned on p. 49 of ‘Hammer

(1999)’. This form had the name “Firebrandt” tagged on to it in the M.S.G. Bulletin vol. 18, p. 55

(2003) with a photograph on p. 56, although the text at that time stated the plant had not been

stabilised.

I have also seen a photograph of a red form of subsp./var. aucampiae on the web page of

Francois Hoes of Belgium with the name *’ Rudisheim Ruby’ attached. It seems that this colour freak

appeared in a batch of seed from subsp./var aucampiae that Mr. Shimada of Japan sent to Francois.

This seed was originally collected around Rudesheim farm (the correct spelling is in fact

“Rudesheim”), which I understand to be the former home of Jossie Brandt. However, I have not been

able to find a source of valid publication for this name.

Although rare, bright red mutations are not completely unheard of in subsp./var. aucampiae,

occurring either by chance or by selective cultivation. Unless we want to split hairs, the three afore-

mentioned reports obviously pertain to the same colour mutation, but do not currently share a common

name. So what name to use?

On p. 344 of ‘Cole (2005)’ it is stated that *’Rubrobrunneus’ would not be permissible as a

cultivar name even if it had been correctly proposed, and there appears to be no further details relating

to any valid publication of * ‘Rudisheim (Rudesheim) Ruby’ . Therefore in order to clear up any

ambiguity I propose that we should officially name normal yellow flowering but intensely red aberrant

colour forms of Lithops aucampiae subsp./ var. aucampiae as ‘Firebrandt’, in honour of Jossie Brandt,

and as suggested by Steve Hammer.

It follows that the description for Lithops aucampiae subsp. aucampiae var. aucampiae

‘Firebrandt’ is an unusually red-coloured mutation, distinctive in colour, but in all other respects

essentially as for the type.”

Lithops aucampiae subsp. euniceae var. euniceae 'Bellaketty'. (cultivar)

L. aucampiae subsp. euniceae var. euniceae ‘Bellaketty’

photograph © Giuseppe Maria Piccione.

This is a YG or G- type ‘acf’ that was established by Giuseppe Maria Piccione in the CACTUS AND

SUCCULENT JOURNAL (US) vol. 75, p. 152 (2003). Giuseppe stabilised this cultivar by crossing an

unlabeled, but unusually light, translucent and “greenish-sided” look-a like var. euniceae with a

normal brown-sided plant. Further back crossing of the offspring resulted in striking green plants in

1997. This cultivar was named after Giuseppe’s niece Ketty. With the exception of the colour, it is

identical to normal subsp./var. euniceae, and has yellow flowers. In spite of its publication date, this

plant was unknown by the Coles when their second edition monograph went to press.

L. aucampiae subsp. euniceae var. euniceae ‘Bellaketty’

photograph © Francois Hoes.

Lithops bromfieldii var. glaudinae ‘Embers’. (cultivar)

L. bromfieldii var. glaudinae ‘Embers’

photograph © Chris Barnhill.

This is an R or R-type ‘acf’ that was established in the M.S.G. Bulletin vol. 21, p. 42 (2006) by Keith

Green. With hindsight it would have been preferable for me to have used the term “un-established” in

place of “unpublished” in that article (as I was dealing with the Cultivar Code), but otherwise it was

self explanatory and the relevant section is reproduced here as follows (in this article D.T. & N.A

COLE, LITHOPS – FLOWERING STONES (2005) = ‘Cole (2005)’ :

“Lithops bromfieldii var. glaudinae *'Rubroroseus' was offered on Frik du Plooy’s seed list in

1997 numbered F015a ex. colony *C393(a) but without a description (it should be noted *C393(a) is

not a valid Cole number). However, examples I have seen give instant visual impact and appear to be

true red (R- type) aberrant colour forms.

On p. 50 of ‘Hammer (1999)’ Steve mentions a “single abnormally red var. glaudinae from

Cole 393”, and again mentions the same “reddish freak” as having “popped up for several people”, in

the M.S.G. Bulletin vol. 17, p. 29 (2002).

On p. 68 of ‘Cole (2005)’ there is also a mention of an unpublished R- type aberrant colour

form of Lithops bromfieldii var. glaudinae.

It would appear these three reports are of the same manifestation, but as pointed out on pp.

344-345 of ‘Cole (2005)’ the name *'Rubroroseus’ would not be permissible for a cultivar even if it

had been correctly proposed. Fortunately, I can recall an e-mail from Steve Hammer in which he

referred to these normal yellow flowering but bright red forms of Lithops bromfieldii var. glaudinae as

‘Embers’, and I think few would argue against officially adopting this title.

It follows that the description for Lithops bromfieldii var. glaudinae ‘Embers’ is an unusually

red-coloured mutation, distinctive in colour, but in all other respects essentially as for the type.”

L. bromfieldii var. glaudinae 'Embers' photographed by the author.

Lithops dorotheae 'Zorro'. (cultivar)

L. dorotheae 'Zorro'

photograph © Yasuhiko Shimada.

This pattern bred cultivar was developed by Steve Hammer, and was first mentioned in the M.S.G.

Bulletin vol. 13, p. 57 (1998). It was also mentioned on p. 57 of ‘Hammer (1999)’, and established by

Steve in the M.S.G. Bulletin vol. 18, p. 66 (2003), where the plants history in the care of Ed Storms

was documented. In the publication article Steve stated: “…the apical window is reduced to kind of

lightening bolt or zigzagged pattern. Some plants are almost completely opaque, but even in these the

usual red lines are present.” I think it bears some resemblance to the imagined cultivar suggested on p.

35 of ‘Cole’88’ and p. 33 of ‘Cole’05’. In spite of the publication date, ‘Zorro’ was too late to be

included in the taxonomic index of ‘Cole ’05’, although it was mentioned as an excluded name on p.

349. Obviously this plant is no longer excluded.

L. dorotheae 'Zorro'

photograph © Chris Barnhill (supplied via Steve Hammer).

Lithops gesinae var. annae ‘Hanawared’. (cultivar)

L. gesinae var. annae ‘Hanawared’

photograph © Yasuhiko Shimada.

This is an intensely pink, normally yellow flowered R or R-type ‘acf’ that was developed by Yasuhiko

Shimada from seed of C078 that was originally given to him by Ed Storms in 1981. Mr. Shimada

established the eventual selected progeny in the I.S.I.J. NESWLETTER vol. 7, pp. 1-2 (2005), and

later published the plants in the M.S.G. Bulletin vol. 21, p. 78 (2006). Here, the description finished

with the sentence: “The plants give an overall impression of bright pink colour”. The article then went

on to explain the name is: “derived from the Japanese translation of Lithops gesineae var. annae”. In

the book SUCCULENTS published by the I.S.I.J. in 2004 this cultivar was (then validly) named

*Lithops gesineae var. annae ‘Hanawa Red’. However, as allowed under the rules of the Cultivar

Code this name was corrected by the plants originator, Mr. Yasuhiko Shimada, when he established

the plants himself as stated above.

Lithops gracilidelineata subsp. brandbergensis 'Vertigo'. (cultivar)

L. gracilidelineata subsp. brandbergensis ‘vertigo’

photograph © Vincent Formosa (supplied via Tony Mace).

This is a light green, YG or G- type ‘acf’ that may have been mentioned without a description by Frik

du Plooy on his 1997 seed list, under the cultivar title of *‘Green’, with the number F051 assigned. It

originated from seed collected from colony C394, and was grown in relative profusion by Vince

Formosa. It was also mentioned on p. 65 of ‘Hammer (1999)’. The name *’Greenberg’ was suggested

by Steve Hammer in 2002 (brandbergensis + greenness), but he was not truly comfortable with that

title, choosing to name the plant ‘Vertigo’ (my suggestion) when he established it in the M.S.G.

Bulletin vol. 18, p. 66 (2003). There he stated: “Anyone who turns verdant at the prospect of heights

will appreciate this cultivar, named for the fear-inducing habitat of subspecies brandbergensis, highest

and grandest of them all.” He also mentioned the plants “dulled red lines” in the same publication

article. In spite of the publication date, ‘Vertigo’ was too late to be included in ‘Cole ’05’.

L. gracilidelineata subsp. brandbergensis ‘Vertigo'

photographed by the author.

Lithops hookeri var. dabneri ‘Annarosa’. (cultivar)

L. hookeri var. dabneri ‘Annarosa’

photograph © Giuseppe Maria Piccione.

This is a green bodied YG or G- type ‘acf’ that was developed by Giuseppe Maria Piccione of Verona,

Italy. He established the plant in CACTUS & CO vol. X, pp. 115-116 (2006), where it stated that the

plants were produced by crossing a look-a-like dull green var. dabneri mutant of unknown origin with

normal var. dabneri from C301. Further back crosses resulted in normal yellow flowering but bright

green plants that are identical in facial pattern to var. dabneri. This cultivar was named after Anna

Rosa Nicola.

L. hookeri var. dabneri ‘Annarosa’

photograph © Bernd Schlӧsser.

Lithops karasmontana subsp. karasmontana var. karasmontana ‘Rosary’. (cultivar)

L. karasmontana subsp./var. karasmontana ‘Rosary’.

A protologue photograph supplied by Roy Mottram.

This is a most unusual “pattern bred” cultivar from the Signalberg form of var. karasmontana that was

established by Tony Sato in the CACTUS & SUCCULENT JOURNAL OF JAPAN, vol. 12, p. 16

(1997). Roy Mottram brought this to my attention during the editing process of these notes for

publication in CACTUS WORLD. The establishment text was in Japanese script that I had translated

into English by Andy Walker of Surbiton in August 2007. It reads thus: “On a Lithops, the old leaves

die off when the new ones appear each year. On the Rosary, however, the leaves do not wither but

remain, giving the plant 3 years’ worth of leaves, in some cases forming 3 tiers. A rather odd plant, it

apparently emerged from ten thousand homogenous seeds. Although few have appeared, the Rosary

appears to be extremely well established. It represents an unusual variety that defies the common

wisdom on cacti and succulents.” Even though the “stacking” of old leaves can be induced on any

Lithops through incorrect watering, I have to accept the authors word that in ‘Rosary’ the old leaves

persist even when the plants are correctly cultivated. This cultivar was unknown when ‘Cole’05’ went

to press.

L. karasmontana subsp./var. karasmontana ‘Rosary’

photograph © Yasuhiko Shimada.

Lithops karasmontana subsp. karasmontana var. aiaisensis ‘Orange Ice’. (cultivar)

L. karasmontana subsp. karasmontana var. aiaisensis ‘Orange Ice’

photographed by the author.

This is a stabilized pattern bred cultivar. On p. 81 of ‘Hammer (1999)’ Steve mentioned a “bizarre

bright orange” topped var. aiaisensis he grew from seed sent to him by Naureen Cole in 1977. This

plant can be seen top centre in Figure 133 on p. 78 of ‘Hammer (1999)’, and together with its progeny

Steve first tentatively named ‘Orange Ice’ in the M.S.G. Bulletin vol. 19, p.39 (2004). Subsequently

seed was offered via the seed distribution scheme in the M.S.G. Bulletin vol. 22, p.18 (2007) where it

was numbered 2175, described and in fact inadvertently established by Terry Smale. His brief

description stated: “orange area on leaf tips”, although the plants origins from var. aiaisensis were not

mentioned.

L. karasmontana subsp. karasmontana var. aiaisensis ‘Orange Ice’

photograph © Terry Smale.

Lithops lesliei subsp. lesliei var. venteri ‘Ventergreen’. (cultivar)

L. lesliei subsp. lesliei var. venteri ‘Ventergreen’

photograph © Yasuhiko Shimada.

This is a YG or G- type ‘acf’ that was developed from C001 by Yasuhiko Shimada, and established by

him in the M.S.G. Bulletin vol. 21, p. 78 (2006). Here he explained the plants origins from two mutant

green seedlings he first noticed in 1992 which he crossed together when both specimens produced

yellow flowers in October 1996. The plants have a pleasant contrast of light green and yellow on their

faces, whilst the shoulders maintain a grey hue.

L. lesliei subsp. lesliei var. venteri ‘Ventergreen’

photographed by the author.

Lithops olivacea var. olivacea ‘Angel’s of Tony’. (cultivar)

L olivacea var. olivacea ‘Angels of Tony’.

A protologue photograph supplied by Roy Mottram.

This chance mutation that falls into the pattern bred cultivar group has “crinkly, ruffled-up” petals on

its flowers, and was established by T. Sato in the CACTUS & SUCCULENT JOURNAL OF JAPAN

vol. 16, pp. 8-11 (2001). It appeared among cultivated plants grown by Mr. Yoshio Furihata in Japan,

and was subsequently bought by Mr. T. Sato. A Japanese article unknown to me but published in 2003

was translated as follows by Ms. Miyako Tannowa: “In one afternoon of late autumn, I found my

collection of [L.] olivacea flowering all together. One of them looked as if it was at the final stage of

flowering, with its petal[s] crinkled up. Then, I found 5 or 6 more plants with the similar petals, but

those looked [like] they had just come out. Some were in between of those (i.e. final stage and the first

state of flowering), and some others had petals with only tips curled up. This phenomenon must be due

to genetic mutation, and my guess is DNA which lacks partial genetic information to stretch petals

after efflorescence caused it. I named this [L.] olivacea 'Angel's of Tony' because, for me, it was as if

angels [had been] fluttering around my flower garden." Unconfirmed suggestions raised the possibility

that this flower mutation was the result of a virus, and it may be that vegetative propagation is the only

method of replicating this plant. However, I was informed by Roy Mottram that in no way does this

affect it’s standing as a cultivar. Because publication details were unsure, ‘Angels of Tony’ was

mentioned as an excluded name on p.331 of the taxonomic index of ‘Cole ’05’. Obviously it is no

longer excluded.

Appendix

The author’s collection in the autumn of 2005

photograph © Clive Green.

It seems appropriate to comment on my own collection of Lithops, and (from a personal

perspective) to see how my circumstances and growing methods have evolved over the 12 years since

my article entitled LITHOPS ON A WINDOWSILL was published in the M.S.G. Bulletin vol. 11, p.

50 (1996).

I am still not a prolific grower or a cultivar specialist, rather just a keen student of the genus. It

is merely the fact that subsequent to the Coles’ publications more Lithops were published at the rank

of cultivar than at any other that sees so many recorded in this project.

I choose to keep only a small representative collection of Lithops. The basic remit I set myself

when I began to assemble the plants together was to have just one plant of each “species”; although

through contact with other growers this goal has long since been surpassed. Some of my Lithops were

purchased (rescued?) from garden centres, whilst others were grown from seed or given to me in

exchange for cuttings or seedlings. Others still were purchased directly from specialist growers. Most

are confined to 2 inch square plastic pots, but a few of the larger growing plants are housed in more

traditional 3½ inch terracotta pots. I top dress, usually include a small pebble or two for effect and

generally bottom water.

On occasion I have produced my own seed, but this is a bonus to me and most is distributed

among other growers. By passing on seed and seedlings, and by splitting up multiple headed

specimens that outgrow their pots, I not only maintain a compact and concise collection, but also in a

small way, perhaps help to lesson the demand on wild populations.

All of my plants are numbered and their histories recorded. This exercise was termed “the

Swidderly Project” during the 1990’s by my two sons, following a family visit to the Eden Project in

Cornwall. I cannot fully explain the name to this day!

During the better weather I place my Lithops outdoors whenever possible, under a chicken-

wire frame for protection from birds, squirrels and the like. They certainly seem to enjoy the natural

sunlight and respond with bright colours and copious flowers. My small plant numbers ensure I know

my Lithops as individuals and can keep my simple collection neat, tidy and a joy to behold.

References

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