This species was described in 1956 from material collected at Donkerkloof northwest of Montagu. For whatever reason, modern references place the plants at least a hundred kms to the East in the Little Karoo, either at the foothills of the Klein Swartberge or between Barrydale and Ladismith. *
They are found on rocky flats and outcrops.
Their 5-10 cm long fleshy rootstocks branch at soil level or below and thereby form small cushions.
The leaves are up to 3 cm long and about 1 cm thick and wide, spindle-shaped or almost spherical with tapered ends like a lemon (hence the name). They have a bluish grey waxy cover and are decorated with around 40 longitudinal clear stripes.
The 10-15 cm tall peduncles bear 1-3 creamy white flowerheads about 0.5 cm in diameter and appear in Jan. – March.
*All pictures apart from the first one, were taken a week ago about a km northeast of Montagu.
Gorgeous little plant & beautifully photographed. Thanks Frans, it always cheers up my day when I open your succulent email.
Thanks Retha, good to know you like the posts!
Beautiful! Great photos.
Hello Murray,thanks for your kind words!