The velocity of raindrops on the wet capsule roofs disperses the seed by water pressure, almost like a water pistol. When the capsule dries out the lids close, protecting the seed. The seed are thus only released during the rainy season. The Conophytum calculus looks like a cluster of gray marbles. This remarkable plant becomes dormant during the long dry summers.
Yellow flowers appear in autumn.
Other dwarf mesembs include Oophytum nanus , O. oviforme and Diplosoma insignis . Its panicle of red tubular flowers is produced in midsummer. Its elongated racemes are produced during summer. It has a snake like stem emerging from the ground with protruding linear leaves. The sweet smelling white to mauve flowers appear during December, followed by fragrant edible fruit in autumn.