Origin and Habitat: South Africa, Little Namaqualand, forty miles east of Port Nolloth (according to Jacobsen).

• Ophthalmophyllum schlechteri Schwantes ex H.Jacobsen

• Conophytum longum N.E.Br.
• Ophthalmophyllum longum (N.E.Br.) Tischer
• Conophytum discretum G.D.Rowley
• Ophthalmophyllum discretum G.D.Rowley
• Conophytum rawei G.D.Rowley
• Ophthalmophyllum longitubum L. Bolus
• Conophytum restitutum G.D.Rowley
• Ophthalmophyllum fulleri Lavis
• Ophthalmophyllum herrei Lavis
• Ophthalmophyllum schlechteri Schwantes ex H.Jacobsen

Description: Ophthalmophyllum schlechteriSN|26968]]SN|26968]] is a dwarf succulent consisting of 1-2 bodies. It was first named by H. Jacobsen in 1933 and validly described by Schwantes in 1935. It is one of the controversial species included within (as a synonym) of the very variable Conophytum longumSN|26961]]SN|26961]] ( = Ophthalmophyllum longumSN|26962]]SN|26962]]), which form a complex of related taxon. It is still unclear whether this variable complex is one or several species. There is so much variation that most authors choose to lump them together.
Distinctive characteristics: Ophthalmophyllum schlechteriSN|26968]]SN|26968]] usually forms 1-2 bodies (paired leaves) that are elongated oval, somewhat compressed, up to 40 mm long, 18 mm in diameter, somewhat thinner at the base and bilobed above. Lobes 7 mm tall, somewhat conical, fissured not quite all the way through, smooth, not hairy, ground colour dark green to pale flesh tint or somewhat reddish, lobes above with a dull, not transparent window. Whole body spotted with little transparent flecks.
Flower: White, about 25 mm in diameter.

Bibliography: Major references and further lectures
1) Dr. A. Tischer (Translated by Mrs. G. Peters) “OPHTHALMOPHYLLUM Dtr. Et Schwant-contd.” The Cactus and Succulent Journal of Great Britain, October, 1953 p. 78
2) Jacobsen, Die Sukkulenten p. 168.
3) Jacobsen, Succ. Plants p. 228.
4) Jacobsen, Succulenta 1939 p. 113.

Cultivation and Propagation: The Conophytums belonging to the Ophthalmophyllum group are some of the world's most fascinating plants and are sought by the collector of succulent plants. They grow on winter rain and heads for summer dormancy. They are notoriously difficult to grow because they rot very easily. Paying attention to the particular growing requirement of Ophthalmophyllum is especially important. If you provide the Ophthalmophyllum with the right conditions, they will reward you with their unique shape, size, colour and a proliferation of blooms in autumn. However, Ophthalmophyllum are tricky plants that are very particular about their growing conditions and require the right maintenance in order to keep happy. But don't be afraid even the best growers have plants that mysteriously dry up, or leave during the night. While Ophthalmophyllum are picky about their care, if you are patient and remember the basics, your efforts will be rewarded. Being small plants, a representative collection can be grown on a patio table, a sunny windowsill or a shelf in the greenhouse.
The growing season in northern hemisphere is from September to March.
Soil: It grows best in sandy-gritty soil and requires good drainage as it it is prone to root rot. It can grows outdoor in sunny, dry, rock crevices (protection against winter wet is required) It can also be cultivated in alpine house, in poor, drained soil.
Repotting: Repotting every year is not recommended. They may stay in the same pot for many years. Plants grown in larger containers have frequently relatively poor flowers. They might improve when the plants are given their own, small individual pots.
Fertilization: Feed it once during the growing season with a fertilizer specifically formulated for cactus and succulents (poor in nitrogen), including all micro nutrients and trace elements diluted to ½ the strength recommended on the label. It thrives in poor soils and need a limited supplies of fertilizer to avoid the plants developing excess vegetation, which is easily attacked by fungal diseases.
Watering: The Ophthalmophyllum thrive in dry and desert regions and are able to stand extended periods of drought and require careful watering. Water minimally in summer, (only occasional misting), water more abundantly after the previous year's leaves have dried up when they are growing in the autumn and spring, but let the soil dry between soaking. Requires little water otherwise its epidermis breaks (resulting in unsightly scars). If grown in a container, bottom watering by immersing the container is recommended. Ensure a very good ventilation.
Light: It enjoy some shade (avoid direct sun as it grows wild among rocks and under the shade of other plants) and in summer it need to be kept in a cool area.
Hardiness: It prefer a very bright situation and require a minimum temperature 5°C (But will take a light frost and is hardy down to -7° C for short periods if it is in dry soil). USDA zones 9A – 11.
Uses: Container, rock garden.
Pests and diseases: It is vulnerable to mealybugs and rarely scale.
Propagation: It can be reproduced both by seed in autumn or (or rarely) cuttings. Take the cutting from a grown-up mother plant. Each cutting must contain one or more heads along with a fraction of root and permit to dry out a couple of days, lay it on the soil and insert the stem end partially into the soil. Try to keep the cutting somewhat upright so that the roots are able to grow downward. It is relatively difficult to root Ophthalmophyllum from cuttings and generally pointless as well, so quick are they from seed.