UoN The Hidden Half: Calico Hearts(Adromischus maculatus)

Adromischis maculatus is commonly known as Calico Hearts or Chocolate drops due to their spotted leaves. These plants are known as succulents as the leaves are thickened and fleshy in order to retain water. This is an adaptation that helps the plant to survive in arid conditions. The plant can make the most of rain by saving some water in the leaves for later. This species has a very short stem so only the leaves are visible in clusters above the soil. Calico hearts are normally found on rocky outcrops high up mountains.

This CT scanned plant was propagated from a cutting and therefore the very thick part of the root may in fact be a part of the cutting. The roots appear to be emerging from multiple places and continue to branch.