JADE TREE - Crassula ovata Bonsai Seeds - Indigenous South African Succulent + Free Bonsai eBook

Crassula ovata Bonsai Seeds

Jade Tree

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 ovata, commonly known as Jade Tree, is an evergreen succulent indigenous to South Africa. The Jade has a thick trunk and branch structure with thick elliptic green succulent leaves. Given sufficient light the leaves develop red edges to their leaves and produce clusters of star-shaped white flowers in autumn. Natural leaf size is 2.5 to 5cm but can be reduced to as little as 1cm with regular pruning. An excellent choice for beginners to the art of bonsai, the Jade Tree is suitable for informal upright and clump styles in all sizes.