Didymaotus

{{Short description|Genus of flowering succulent plants}} {{Speciesbox | status = VU | status_system = SANBI | status_ref = <ref name=sanbi>{{Cite web |title=Threatened Species Programme {{!}} SANBI Red List of South African Plants |url=http://redlist.sanbi.org/species.php?species=135-1 |access-date=2022-04-11 |website=redlist.sanbi.org}}</ref> | display_parents = 3 | genus = Didymaotus | parent_authority = N.E.Br. | species = lapidiformis | authority = (Marloth) N.E.Br. }}

'''''Didymaotus''''' is a monotypic genus of flowering plant belonging to the family Aizoaceae, containing the single species '''''Didymaotus lapidiformis'''''.<ref name="POWO">{{cite POWO |id=16162-1 |title=''Didymaotus'' |accessdate=11 April 2022}}</ref> The plant is also known by the names '''stone plant''' and {{lang|AF|beeskloutjie}} (Afrikaans for cow hoof). It occurs natively in the arid regions of Tanqua Karoo, near Ceres in the Western Cape.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Oliver |first=Ian |date= |title=''Didymaotus lapidiformis'' {{!}} PlantZAfrica |url=http://pza.sanbi.org/didymaotus-lapidiformis |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316174901/http://pza.sanbi.org/didymaotus-lapidiformis |archive-date=2022-03-16 |access-date=2022-03-16 |website=PlantZAfrica}}</ref> The generic name is taken from the Greek words ''didymos,'' meaning ''double,'' and ''aotus,'' meaning ''flower; the plant that bears two flowers.''<ref name=":0" /> The specific epithet ''lapidiformis'' means stone-like, as it is not easily seen, blending in with its surroundings.<ref name=":0" />

== Conservation == ''Didymaotus lapidiformis'' is considered vulnerable as a result of its localised and restricted habitat. Succulent collectors have over the years added to the species' further decline.<ref name=":0" />

== References == {{Reflist}}

== Further reading == * Oliver, I.B. (2005). Grow succulents; Kirstenbosch Gardening Series. SANBI. {{ISBN|1-919684-46-8}} * Stearn, W.T. (1998). Botanical Latin. {{ISBN|9780881926279}}

Category:Aizoaceae Category:Aizoaceae genera Category:Endemic flora of the Cape Provinces Category:Monotypic Caryophyllales genera Category:Taxa named by N. E. Brown Category:Taxa named by Rudolf Marloth