Plant DetailShow Menu

Mimicry Plant Pleiospilos bolusii

Other Common Name(s):

Previously known as:

  • Mesembryanthemum bolusii
  • Pleiospilos barbarae
  • Pleiospilos beaufortensis
Phonetic Spelling
plee-oh-SPIL-os bol-LOO-see-eye
Description

The African Living Rock is a small succulent herbaceous perennial that has a stone-like or pebble-like appearance and is native to South Africa. In its native habitat, it appears to be half buried in the soil and can be found in dry shrubland or deserts in the Eastern Cape to Western Cape of South Africa. Currently, they are threatened by overgrazing by sheep and goats and also by the illegal collection for commercial trade. It is a member of the ice plant family (Aizoaceae). The specific epithet, bolusii, honors a South African botanist, Harry Bolus.

This plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight. It can tolerate direct morning sun but prefers partial shade in the afternoon. It will require a well-draining potting mix. They are not cold weather tolerant and are hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones of 9b to 11b. Watering is dependent on its growth cycle. The plant is dormant during the summer and does not require water. During the fall, it is best to water thoroughly during its growing cycle but allow the potting mix to dry out between waterings. Repotting may be required every 2 years. It may be propagated by seeds or division. 

The plant has a clump-forming habit, stemless, and grows about 3 inches tall and 6 inches wide with a split in the middle where new growth occurs. It has two to four opposite, fleshy, thick, triangular-shaped leaves that unite at the base and are grayish green to brown with small dark spots. The leaves help the plant conserve water, and their stone-like appearance helps protect the plant from predators. They bloom in the late summer to early fall. The flowers are yellow or orange, daisy-like, and measure about 3 inches in diameter. The blooms may be solitary or found in groups of three. Frequently, they are coconut-scented and bloom over several days. The bloom opens in the afternoon and closes by sunset. The fruits are dark brown and woody capsules that have 10 to 12 locules.

The Living Rock is a rare but popular ornamental. This small plant is easy to grow, and it can be used as a houseplant or in warmer climates planted in a rock garden. It is drought and poor soils tolerant. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  This plant is generally disease free. Monitor for aphids and avoid overwatering.

 

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#houseplant#drought tolerant#interesting flowers#succulent#low maintenance#interesting leaves#rock garden#poor soils tolerant#partial shade tolerant#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#container plant#easy to grow houseplant#perennial#border
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#houseplant#drought tolerant#interesting flowers#succulent#low maintenance#interesting leaves#rock garden#poor soils tolerant#partial shade tolerant#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#container plant#easy to grow houseplant#perennial#border
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Pleiospilos
    Species:
    bolusii
    Family:
    Aizoaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    South Africa
    Distribution:
    Cape Provinces
    Wildlife Value:
    In South Africa, sheep and goats feed on this plant.
    Play Value:
    Easy to Grow
    Dimensions:
    Height: 0 ft. 1 in. - 0 ft. 3 in.
    Width: 0 ft. 1 in. - 0 ft. 6 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Houseplant
    Succulent
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Available Space To Plant:
    Less than 12 inches
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    9b, 10a, 10b, 11a
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    The fruits are woody and small dark brown capsules with 10 to 12 locules. The seeds are small, round, and black.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Orange
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Solitary
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Radial
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    The flowers bloom in late summer to early fall and are daisy-like, yellow or orange, and measure up to 3 inches in diameter. They are frequently coconut scented and open in the afternoon and close at sunset. The blooms may be solitary or occur in groups of three.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Fleshy
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Two to four leaves appear opposite and are fleshy, thick, triangular, grayish-green to brown with small dark spots that unite at the base. Each leaf measures up to 3 inches in length and 1.5 inches wide.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Stemless
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Houseplants
    Small Space
    Landscape Theme:
    Rock Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Drought
    Poor Soil