Scientific Name
Crassula obovata Haw.
Synonym(s)
Purgosea obovata, Turgosea obovata
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Etymology
The specific epithet "obovata" (pronounced "ob-oh-VAY-tuh") means "obovate; inversely egg-shaped" and refers to the shape of the leaves of this species.
Origin
Crassula obovata is native to South Africa. It grows on rock outcrops in grassland in KwaZulu-Natal to the Eastern Cape.
Description
Crassula obovata is a small succulent plant with purplish-red stems against which the bright green, somewhat fleshy leaves gleam. It can grow up to 12 inches (12 cm) tall. The leaves range in shape from lance-shaped to elliptical or obovate, measuring up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) long, nearly equal in width. They are either hairy or hairless and edged in red or overall red in a hot, dry season. The leaf tips are blunt or pointed.
The flowers are tubular, white or cream, rarely tinged pink, and appear in flat-topped to elongate thyrses with 1 to many dichasia. Flowering occurs in the fall.
This species is similar to Crassula setulosa but differs in having longer petals and branches.
Varieties of Crassula obovata
- Crassula obovata var. dregeana
- Crassula obovata var. obovata
How to Grow and Care for Crassula obovata
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 10a to 11b: from 30°F (-1.1°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Crassulas are easy to grow but susceptible to mealy bugs and fungal diseases. Overwatering is sure to be fatal, as with all succulents, so err on the side of too dry rather than too wet. Never let your Crassula sit in water. If you water from beneath by letting the plant sit in a saucer of water, ensure to pour off any excess water after a few minutes.
Crassulas are generally started by division, offsets, or leaf cuttings. Plants can be easily propagated from a single leaf: sprout leaves by placing them into a succulent or cacti mix, then covering the dish until they sprout.
Repot as needed, preferably during the warm season. To repot a succulent, ensure the soil is dry, 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.
See 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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