Crassula rupestris Seeds
South African Indigenous Succulent
The genus Crassula is one of the most diverse succulent genera, varying from tiny moss-like annual plants to 2m tall succulent trees like Crassula ovata. Belonging to the Crassulaceae family, there are more than 300 Crassula species of which approx. 150 are found in southern Africa, where they are widespread but concentrated in the semi-arid winter-rainfall areas. The centre of distribution of this genus is in southern Africa, but they extend beyond Africa into Europe, America, Australia, New Zealand and the southern islands. The name Crassula is the diminutive of the Latin crassus which means thick or fat, referring to the fleshy nature of the genus as a whole. This popular genus offers an extensive array of sizes, growing forms and textures making them perfect for landscaping, rockeries, windowsill plants or to be grown in containers. They can also be grown indoors as house plants. Those that make excellent house plants are the glossy leaf varieties. Crassulas, given a rich, well-drained medium will grow fast and luxuriantly. Crassula rupestris is indigenous to South Africa and occurs in southern Namibia, the Richtersveld, Namaqualand, Ceres, Tanqua Karoo, Worcester, Robertson, Karoo and Little Karoo. It favours hot, dry, rocky habitats. Like so many of other succulent plants from the dry western parts of our country, they are water misers. They survive in predominately winter rainfall areas that receive little more than 120 mm annually. They are relatively frost tolerant, being able to survive temperatures of minus 4°C. The beauty of this plant lies in its very attractive leaf markings. In summer the leaf margins take on red and yellow markings. This plant is a much-branched, succulent, perennial shrub. The stems are thin, fleshy near the growing tip, but rather woody lower down. Leaves are opposite, ovate and lanceolate in shape. Flowers are grouped in clusters at the apex (growing point). The flower colour ranges from deep pink to pale pink. Flowers are borne June to September. The seed is very fine, resembling dust. It is interesting to note that the green chlorophyll (green colouring) recedes deeper into the leaf tissue in the summer heat. In summer the leaf margins take on brilliant red and yellow hues. It is nature's way of surviving the dry summer heat. In most cases the plants rest in summer. Under ideal conditions it may take five years for a plant to reach a length of 1 m. They can live for more than sixty years in their natural habitat.
