Conophytum chrisolum is a species of succulent plant in the Iceplant Family Aizoaceae. It is endemic to the Richtersveld region of Northern Cape Province in South Africa. It may be the smallest free-living, land dwelling (non-aquatic) flowering plant, and certainly is the smallest succulent, measuring no more than 0.4 inch (10 mm) in height by less than 0.25 inch (6 mm) in width. It never branches or divides. It was only discovered in 1994 by botanical explorer Chris Rodgerson.[2] The solitary magenta colored flower, up to 0.8 inch (20 mm) in diameter, is wider than the plant.

Conophytum chrisolum
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Aizoaceae
Genus: Conophytum
Species:
C. chrisolum
Binomial name
Conophytum chrisolum
S.A.Hammer

References

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  1. ^ Young, A.J. (2022). "Conophytum chrisolum". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2022: e.T202851275A202851277. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2022-1.RLTS.T202851275A202851277.en. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
  2. ^ Hammer, Steven (May–June 1997). "New Chrisogenic Species of Conophytum...etc". Cactus and Succulent Journal. 69 (3): 127.