Crassula perfoliata

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Crassula perfoliata
Crassula perfoliata var. falcata-IMG 0687.JPG
C. perfoliata var. falcata
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Saxifragales
Family: Crassulaceae
Genus: Crassula
Species:
C. perfoliata
Binomial name
Crassula perfoliata
Synonyms
List
    • Rochea perfoliata var. alba(Haw.) Sweet
    • Rochea perfoliata(Linné) DC.
    • Rochea falcata var. acuminata Eckl. & Zeyh.
    • Larochea perfoliata var. alba Haw.
    • Larochea perfoliata(Linné) Haw.
    • Crassula perfoliata var. albiflora Harv.
    • Crassula pallidaBak.

Crassula perfoliata is the type species of the genus Crassula , in the succulent/flowering plant family Crassulaceae, where it is placed in the subfamily Crassuloideae. Formally described by Linnaeus in 1753 as one of 10 species of Crassula, [1] the plant is endemic to Southern Africa, where it may be found in Eswatini, Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe. [2] It grows mainly on drier, partially exposed, lower slopes and canyon walls (for sufficient root drainage and aeration) from the Groot Winterhoek range of Western Cape to Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) and Umtata (Mthatha) in the Eastern Cape.

Four varieties are recognized: [2]

Crassula perfoliata var. falcata, known as the airplane plant or airplane propellers, is arguably the best-known in cultivation; this popular variety has gained the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Award of Garden Merit. [3] Growing to 1 m (3.3 ft) tall by about as broad, this succulent, evergreen subshrub is known for its greyish-teal, thick foliage which emerges in a criss-cross or rosette formation, on an ever-lengthening stem which may produce aerial roots and thus further spread the plant. It has inflorescences of brilliant profusions of scarlet blossoms in the summer. It does not tolerate freezing temperatures, thus in temperate zones, it must be grown under glass in a greenhouse during the coldest seasons, or brought indoors and kept in a very sunny southern or western window, lest they become distended and begin reaching for the sunlight, as is typical of many succulents grown indoors.

When repotting Crassula, the plants should be, preferably, potted in as loose and aerated of a substrate as can be provided. Coconut husk or fiber, potting soil, commercial orchid or cacti mixes, or organic compost are all acceptable as a base substrate, adding a small amount of earthworm castings (vermicompost) as a nutrition source; Crassula, like many succulents, are not heavy feeders and do not require intense or regular fertilisation—though it will not harm them, provided it is infrequent (monthly basis during growing season) and well-diluted. Granulated or pelleted timed-release fertilisers are additionally beneficial, only being released when the soil is wet, and thus may last for between three to six months. However, regardless of soil composition, water must flow freely from the substrate so as not to risk root rot. Substrates for succulent species, such as Crassula, should be amended with inert (inorganic) materials to add aeration, such as perlite, pumice, gravel, decomposed granite, turface, or sand, or a mixture. It is also susceptible to damage from excessive sun exposure, which may show as scarring, burning or chlorotic or yellowing foliage.

The Latin specific epithet perfoliata means "with the leaves surrounding the stem". [4]

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<i>Crassula perfoliata <span style="font-style:normal;">var.</span> falcata</i> Species of plants

Crassula perfoliata var. falcata, known by the common names airplane plant and propeller plant, is a succulent plant endemic to South Africa, from the Cape of Good Hope. The foliage is gray-green with striking texture, on plants that grow to 2 feet (0.61 m) tall. The flowers are tiny and scarlet red, that rise in dense clusters above the foliage for a month in summer. Crassula falcata is cultivated for use in drought tolerant and succulent gardens, and in container gardens.

<i>Aloe perfoliata</i> Species of succulent

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<i>Haworthia truncata</i> Species of succulent

Haworthia truncata, locally known as horse's teeth, is a species of succulent plant in the genus Haworthia. It is found in the Little Karoo region, in the far east of the Western Cape Province, South Africa.

<i>Crassula muscosa</i> Species of succulent

Crassula muscosa, synonyms Crassula lycopodioides and Crassula pseudolycopodioides, is a succulent plant native to South Africa and Namibia, belonging to the family of Crassulaceae and to the genus Crassula. It is a houseplant grown worldwide and commonly known as rattail crassula, watch chain, lizard's tail, zipper plant and princess pines.

<i>Crassula capitella</i> Species of succulent

Crassula capitella, is a perennial succulent plant native to southern Africa.

<i>Crassula ovata</i> Species of succulent

Crassula ovata, commonly known as jade plant, lucky plant, money plant or money tree, is a succulent plant with small pink or white flowers that is native to the KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa, and Mozambique; it is common as a houseplant worldwide. Much of its popularity stems from the low levels of care needed; the jade plant requires little water and can survive in most indoor conditions. It is sometimes referred to as the money tree; however, Pachira aquatica also has this nickname.

<i>Gasteria bicolor</i> Species of succulent

Gasteria bicolor is a species of succulent flowering plant in the family Asphodelaceae, native to the Eastern Cape, South Africa.

<i>Crassula sarcocaulis</i> Species of succulent

Crassula sarcocaulis is a small shrubby succulent plant known by the common name bonsai crassula, due to its bonsai-like appearance. It is a perennial plant native to the southern and southeastern Africa, ranging from Malawi and Mozambique through Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Lesotho, and South Africa. It grows on mountain slopes in rocky terrain.

<i>Sempervivum ciliosum</i> Species of succulent

Sempervivum ciliosum, the Teneriffe houseleek is a species of flowering plant in the succulent stonecrop family, Crassulaceae, native to the Balkans and Southeastern Europe. Despite a superficial resemblance, houseleeks are not closely related to the American cacti family. A colony-forming evergreen perennial plant, each individual rosette can grow to around 7.5 cm (3.0 in) high and wide, forming dense mats of up to 50 cm (20 in) wide.

<i>Crassula subaphylla</i> Species of plant

Crassula subaphylla is a succulent plant belonging to the family Crassulaceae. It is widespread in the Karoo regions of South Africa and Namibia.

<i>Crassula pellucida</i> Species of plant

Crassula pellucida is a creeping, succulent ground-cover, or low-growing, spreading succulent shrub. It is native to eastern and southern Africa, ranging from Kenya and Angola to South Africa.

References

  1. 1 2 Linnaeus 1753.
  2. 1 2 Crassula perfoliata L. Plants of the World Online . Retrieved 26 September 2023.
  3. ↑ "Crassula perfoliata var. falcata". RHS. Retrieved 5 May 2020.
  4. ↑ Harrison, Lorraine (2012). RHS Latin for Gardeners. United Kingdom: Mitchell Beazley. ISBN   184533731X.

Bibliography


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