Baby
Toes
Fenestraria rhopalophylla (Aizoaceae ~ “Stone Plants”)
Native
to Coastal
The
Stone plants have evolved to survive in extremely harsh, arid (dry) and typically
hot environments. Hence, they store nutrients and water in their modified
stems. This makes them a perfect source of food for herbivores and the reason
for their adaptation for deception, i.e., “rocks”.
Baby
Toes gets its common name from its appearance - jade-green clusters of what look like
smooth infant toes. This plant has translucent, window-like tips on top to
admit light. The photosynthetic tissue is located on the inner surface so the
leaf is completely sealed during the day and does not release water to the
atmosphere.
Our Baby Toes are on the
Desert Bench.