Aichryson laxum (Tree of Love)

Scientific Name

Aichryson laxum (Haw.) Bramwell

Common Names

Tree of Love

Synonyms

Sempervivum laxum (basionym), Aeonium laxum

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Sedeae 
Subtribe: Sedinae
Genus: Aichryson

Description

Aichryson laxum is a biennial (plants die after flowering unless the inflorescence is removed as the flowers die) succulent plant, up to 20 inches (50 cm) tall, with stems covered with short hairs and hairy, green or reddish (in strong light) leaves, up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) long, arranged in rosettes at the tip of stems. The inflorescence is a branched cluster of up to 50 star-like, yellow flowers.

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zone 9b to 12b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 60 °F (15.6 °C).

How to Grow and Care

Aichryson grow as understory plants in the endemic laurel and pine forests of the Canary Islands and prefer to grow in slightly shaded moist soil with plenty of humus. They tolerate a cool, frost-free winter kept fairly dry. Some species are annuals or biennials, but the shrubby perennials also need to be re-started from cuttings on a regular basis to be at their best. Many species produce volunteer seedlings around themselves after flowering.

Aichrysons are very tolerant of mixed conditions and will tolerate considerable shade as well as full sun. Given the right conditions these plants will provide an incredible show of yellow flowers. Grow these plants hard with very little fertilizer because they can flower them selves to death. Aichrysons have a very structural trunk and make excellent bonsai subjects.

In winter they require a rather sunny spot inside at moderate, cool temperatures. If they become too large, plants can be cut back. Cuttings will easily root within few days… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Aichryson

Origin

Native to Canary Islands (Tenerife, Grand Canaria, La Palma, Hierro, Gomera).

Links

• Back to genus Aichryson
• Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus

Photo Gallery