Conophytum pageae is a cute little succulent known as Lips Plant, Cone Plant, Button Plant, or Dumplings due to its unique shape and growth habit. It is an excellent choice for beginning gardeners because it is easy to grow if given the proper care.

Description

C. pageae is a tiny plant that grows in rocky soil and outcroppings in southern Namibia and the Cape provinces of South Africa. This type of succulent is an evergreen member of the Aizoaceae family, commonly known as the Ice Plant family, showcasing the diverse beauty of these remarkable plants.

These little plants go dormant during the late spring and summer. During that time, the outside leaves begin to shrivel as two new leaves form inside. The old outer leaves become thin and dry during dormancy and function to protect the young leaves as they grow.

When the plants resume their growth in the fall, single, daisy-like flowers bloom nocturnally from the red-ringed fissure. Each highly fragrant, yellow, rosy-pink, or white flower develops into a small capsule with many tiny seeds.

These appealing little succulents are hardy and can be grown outside in warm regions in rock gardens, alpine gardens, stone walls, and containers. Indoors, they make excellent houseplants if given the proper care.

Within the last decade, they have been illegally poached in South Africa, and some populations have almost been eliminated. They are not endangered, however, since they are widespread, and measures have been taken to protect these unusual succulents.