Lithops - Au Cactus Francophone

collected. Dinter’s L. alpina, on the other hand, grows at a height of 2420
metres, and in a rock ledge, thus its small size would appear to be the result
of its habitat.
In the past authors have frequently made the mistake of describing a
new species from one specimen only or from very meagre material. L. ter‑
ricolor has a very wide distribution, and an attempt has been made to form a
species L. Peersii, which is supposed to differ from the typical L. terricolor in
certain respects. I had a consignment of about 400 plants from one and the
same place sent to me, and it was evident that one could divide these plants
into as many species as there were gradations in the colour of the top surface
An examination of the colour plates of this species will make clear what is
meant. A study of various specimens of L. terricolor in the field has borne out
my contention that there is only one species, somewhat variable, and if an at
tempt were made to split this up into several species it would be exceedingly
difficult if not impossible to find for these constant distinguishing characters.
Dinter has attempted to create a new species L. summitata, which is
supposed to differ from L. karasmontana in certain respects. If one accepts
Dinter’s method of delimiting species of this genus then one might just as
well give up any attempt to classify or name plants belonging to it. In his
own photograph, published in Moellers Deutsche Gaertner Zeitung Nr. 27
(1927) p. 102, it is quite evident that he has two kinds of plants on the
same plate both of which he called L. summitata. The one on the extreme
left has very decided darker colouration in the depressions than the others.
figure 11 . lithops karasmontana (dtr. et schwant.) n.e. br.
Showing the degree of variation in size and texture of upper surface
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