Stonecrop

Afrikaans name:

Stonecrop plant

Photo © Steven Herbert

Crassula obovata

The Stonecrop is often found on rocky outcrops particularly in grassland or forest. They are found in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces of South Africa. They grow at higher altitudes although there is a variety called dregeana which occurs closer to the coast in KwaZulu-Natal.

The Stonecrop reaches a height of around 30 cm. It is a succulent species which has fleshy green leaves that are tipped in red. During extremely hot summers the leaves may go completely red which helps prevent them from losing water. Leaves can be either hairy or hairless.

The stems are purplish in colour. The unspectacular flowers appear between December and June and are cream or white.

Stonecrops are quite easy to grow but are susceptible to over-watering and various fungal diseases. They are also attacked by mealy bugs. They make good container plants where at least on can control the amount of water they receive.

References and further reading

Field guide to Succulents of Southern Africa - Author: Gideon Smith & Neil Crouch - Published: 2017 - Page: 285

Succulent Flora of Southern Africa - 3rd edition - Author: Doreen Court - Published: 2010 - Page: 103

A Field Guide to Wild Flowers in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Region - Author: Elsa Pooley - Published: 2005 - Page: 146

Field guide to Succulents of Southern Africa - Author: Gideon Smith & Neil Crouch - Published: 2017 - Page: 284

Wikipedia - Crassula obovata

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