Scientific Name
Crassula ausensis Hutchison
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Etymology
The specific epithet "ausensis" (pronounced "ah-SEN-sis") refers to Aus, a settlement in the ǁKaras Region of southern Namibia, where this species was first discovered at an elevation of 4,600 feet (1,400 m).
Origin
Crassula ausensis is native to southern Namibia. It grows in quartz and granite gravel flats in the Succulent Karoo and the Nama Karoo.
Description
Crassula ausensis is a dwarf, highly branched succulent that forms spreading tufts of green leaves clustered in basal rosettes. The leaves are grey-green, reddish at tips and margins, and have short, spreading hairs. They are oblanceolate to elliptic with flat to slightly convex upper surface and convex lower surface, measuring up to 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) in length and 0.45 inches (1.1 cm) in width.
The small flowers are white to cream with brown anthers and appear in elongated thyrses in late fall on stalks that can grow up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) long.
Subspecies of Crassula ausensis
- Crassula ausensis subsp. ausensis
- Crassula ausensis subsp. giessii
- Crassula ausensis subsp. titanopsis
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25°F (-3.9°C) to 50°F (10°C).
How to Grow and Care
Crassulas are easy to grow but susceptible to mealybugs and fungal diseases. As with all succulents, overwatering is fatal, so err on the side of too dry rather than too wet. Never let your plant sit in water. If you water from beneath by allowing the plant to sit in a saucer, pour off any excess water after a few minutes.
These succulents are generally started by division, offsets, or leaf cuttings. Crassulas can be easily propagated from a single leaf. Sprout leaves by placing them into a potting mix for succulents, then cover the dish until they sprout.
Repot as needed, preferably during the warm season. To repot your Crassula, ensure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the pot. Knock away the old soil from the roots, removing any rotted or dead roots. Treat any cuts with a fungicide. Place the plant in its new pot and backfill it with potting soil, spreading the roots as you repot. Leave the plant dry for a week or so, then begin to water lightly to reduce the risk of root rot.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Crassula.
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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