Scientific Name
Crassula alata (Viv.) Berger
Common Name(s)
Three-part Crassula
Synonym(s)
Crassula alata subsp. alata, Crassula alata var. trichopoda, Crassula tripartita, Sedum confertum, Tillaea alata, Tillaea muscosa var. trichopoda, Tillaea trichopoda, Tillaea trichopoda
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Origin
This species is native to the eastern Mediterranean region, now also found in Australia and New Zealand. It grows in shallow soil or crevices in masonry.
Description
Crassula alata is a small annual succulent with slender, simple or branched, usually erect stems that grow up to 4.8 inches (12 cm) tall. Leaves are green to reddish-brown, lance-shaped, with the apex extended into a whitish bristle. They are about 0.3 inches (0.7 cm) long and 0.1 inches (0.2 cm) wide. Flowers are white, 3- or 5-merous, and appear in dense clusters in the leaf axil in spring.
Etymology
The specific epithet "alata (a-LAY-tuh)" is the feminine form of the Latin adjective "alatus," meaning "having wings" or "winged," and refers to the winged stems.
How to Grow and Care for Crassula alata
This plant has an annual growth habit, growing, flowering, seeding, and dying in one season.
In the wild, C. alata grows in shallow soil or crevices in masonry. In Australia and New Zealand, it is commonly found in lawns, paths, pavements, tennis courts, roadsides, and parking lots.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Crassula.
Toxicity of Crassula alata
C. alata is nontoxic to people and pets.
Links
- Back to genus Crassula
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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