Crassulaceae

mother of thousands

 

CRASSULACEAE

J.St.-Hil.

pronounced: krass-yoo-LAY-see-eye

the stonecrop family

 

The name is derived from the Latin crassulus, the diminutive of crassus, thick – rather thick: the members of the family have succulent leaves. They are generally herbaceous, but there are some subshrubs and a few tree-like or aquatic plants. They are found all over the world, but mostly in the northern hemisphere and southern Africa, typically in dry and/or cold areas where water is scarce. The roots are sometimes thickened; the leaves may be alternate or opposite, and sometimes whorled; they are thick and fleshy, and have no stipules. The flowers are mostly perfect, in red, yellow or white flower clusters, and the fruit is a follicle. These are ancient plants, thought to have evolved many millions of years ago.

 


Photograph © Donald Simpson 2013