Adromischus is a compact but irresistibly diverse genus of leaf-succulent “miniatures” in the stonecrop family, Crassulaceae. The name comes from Greek, with adros meaning “thick” and mischos “stem”, a nod to the chunky little stems that anchor their often bizarre leaves.

All recognised species are endemic to southern Africa, mainly South Africa with some reaching into Namibia, where they inhabit rocky slopes, cliff faces and arid shrublands in both winter- and summer-rainfall regions.

Despite their small size, Adromischus offer tremendous variety: leaves can be spotted or plain, triangular or spindle-shaped, chalky white or deep green, smooth or heavily textured. Many species are cespitose, forming tight mats or clusters of short stems that slowly spread over time.

Their flowers are usually slender, tubular spikes in shades of green, white and pink – modest compared with their leaves, but invaluable for section and species identification. For collectors and beginners alike, they are famously easy to propagate from single leaves, making them ideal subjects for experimentation and sharing.

For South African growers, Adromischus bring the magic of the Karoo and Cape mountains onto a sunny stoep or windowsill. Internationally, they are perfect for bright indoor collections and under-glass culture, thriving in small pots of very gritty mix and tolerating a wide range of climates as long as they are kept dry and well-lit. Their compact size, drought tolerance and fascinating variation also make them excellent subjects for seed-grown collections, where every seedling can show its own unique patterning or leaf shape.

Adromischus filicaulis subsp. marlothii (Adromischus mammillaris marlothii, Adromischus marlothii, Adromischus tricolor, Cotyledon mammilaris, Cotyledon marlothii, Adromischus oviforme) – Egg Adromischus

Adromischus filicaulis subsp. marlothii is a much-loved “creeping brosplakkie” of the Little and Great Karoo, occurring mainly from the Worcester–Oudtshoorn region eastwards, with some records extending into other Cape areas and the Succulent Karoo.

It typically grows on dry, rocky slopes, often shaded by stones or shrubs, where its stems trail and root as they go.

Compared with the typical subspecies, marlothii has more creeping, trailing stems with conspicuous aerial roots, and leaves that are often bulbous, round to teardrop-shaped. Leaf colour ranges from fresh green to grey-green, frequently marked with dark red blotches under strong light, giving each plant a distinctive personality. In mid-summer, tall inflorescences carry tubular greenish flowers flushed with red, with white to pink lobes, typical of the species.

This subspecies is a superb candidate for seed-raising, both for South African gardeners wanting to echo Karoo slopes in containers and for overseas collectors drawn to unusual leaf shapes. Seedlings may show a wide range of leaf forms and colour patterns, reflecting the natural variability of the group, so a tray of young plants quickly becomes a miniature “population” to select from. Provide a very open, gritty medium, bright light with some protection from the fiercest midday sun, and allow the soil to dry between deep waterings; the creeping stems and stilt roots will gradually create cascades ideal for bowls, hanging pots or raised troughs.