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Home Home » GENERA C » Crassula » Crassula alpestris subsp. alpestris
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Crassula alpestris subsp. alpestris

Crassula alpestris subsp. alpestris
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  • Crassula alba
  • Crassula alba var. alba
  • Crassula alba var. alba white flowers and red stems
  • Crassula alba var. alba with the usual red flowers
  • Crassula alba var. alba with white flowers and green stems
  • Crassula alba var. alba with white flowers and red stems
  • Crassula alba var. parvisepala
  • Crassula alba var. parvisepala
  • Crassula alpestris subsp. alpestris
  • Crassula alpestris subsp. alpestris branching near the top
  • Crassula alpestris subsp. alpestris flowers fading
  • Crassula alpestris subsp. alpestris in its sandy cloak
  • Crassula alpestris subsp. massonii
  • Crassula alpestris subsp. massonii dry, black flowers
  • Crassula alpestris subsp. massonii flowering stem
  • Crassula alpestris subsp. massonii flowers
  • Crassula alpestris subsp. massonii inflorescence upper part

Image information

Description

Crassula alpestris subsp. alpestris flowers at stem-tips only.

It grows in the sandy soil of some mountainous regions of the Karoo. Mainly associated with the Koue Bokkeveld and Tanqua Karoo, the plant is also found on the Gifberg south of Van Rhynsdorp and the Rooiberg south west of Oudtshoorn. And maybe many other secluded and remote spots in this general area.

This plant is hidden away from suitable farming land; a fortunate survival choice. Summer temperatures of 50˚ C may occur in the exposed shallow sandy patches among rocks where the plants are naturally found. In winter there may be snow, inflicting cold to -5˚ C.

Add severe drought to the trials and tribulations offered by the habitat and some respect for the survivors of this land can be expected. The plant grows slowly in its harsh climate, reaching ages from 3 to 5 years; short compared to some other crassulas. The subspecies is not considered to be threatened in its habitat early in the twenty first century.

People have rightly taken note of this pretty and plucky little plant, giving rise to several local names, like berg-crassula (mountain crassula), slangstertplakkie (little snake-tail slab, but why?) and alpine stonecrop (Van Jaarsveld, et al, 2006; Manning and Goldblatt, 1997; Bond and Goldblatt, 1984; www.plantzafrica.com; http://redlist.sanbi.org).

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Ivan Latti
Author
Ivan Latti
 
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