Crassula perfoliata var. minor

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Botanical Name

Crassula perfoliata var. minor

Family

Crassulaceae - The crassula family.

Pronunciation

KRASS-yoo-la per-foh-lee-AY-tuh var. MYE-nur

Common Name(s)

English: Propeller Plant; Scarlet paintbrush

Afrikaans: Sekelblaarplakkie; Heuningbossie

Plant Group

Succulent A plant having fleshy stems or leaves often adapted to dry conditions.

Plant Size

Small to Medium

Tree 8m to 15m

Shrub 75cm to 1m

Perennial/ground cover 20cm to 40cm

Bulb 30cm to 40cm

Succulent 20cm to 40cm

Position

Sun The area is in full sun for all or most of the day, all year round.

General Information

Drought Tolerance: High The plant is well adapted to arid conditions; it can survive long periods of drought and high temperatures without extra water.
Evergreen Plants that have leaves all year round.
Frost: Half-hardy The plant is able to survive low temperatures and some frost but requires protection against severe frost.
Frost: Tender A plant that will not survive any frost or low winter temperatures.
Water Wise Plant species originating from low rainfall regions that require less water to survive and thrive than other plant species.

Specific Information

Even when not in flower, Crassula perfoliata var. minor is an eye-catching plant of interest in the garden. The grey-green leaves are sickle-shaped, firmly succulent, and arranged in opposite rows, compressed on opposite sides. The leaves often have red markings on the surface and minute teeth on the edges of the leaves. When in flower it makes an outstanding focal point. Crassula perfoliata var. minor is not often encountered in the veld as it has a limited distribution and grows in inaccessible places where it is well protected. Frost is rare or absent. The plant is grown by succulent plant lovers all over the world.

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Flowers

Description

densely clustered tiny bell-shaped flowers with bright yellow stamens arranged in a rounded to flat-topped head, held well above the plant

Season

Summer to Autumn Plants will seldom bloom for the entire season as given in the list, but should flower during a period within these parameters.

Colour

Growth Rate

Slow to Moderate Specifying growth rate can be very misleading as there is considerable variation of growth rate depending on type and species of plant, available water, supplementary feeding, mulching and general care, as well as the plants suitability and adaptability to the garden environment.

Plant Uses

Accent or Focal Point A plant used to attract the attention because of its colour or form.
Attracts bees, butterflies or other insects This plant attracts insects which can be food for birds or other creatures in your garden.
Container Trees, shrubs and ornamental species that can adapt to growing in a restricted environment.
Edging A low growing plant that provides softness or definition to the edges of a bed or walkway.
Filler Either a fast growing tree or shrub used temporarily to fill in an area while the permanent plants grow to a desired size, or a plant used to fill gaps in borders or beds.
Pot Plant A plant that needs a protected environment on a patio or indoors.
Rock Garden An area constructed of larger rocks, arranged naturally, to emphasise the use of stones as a main element. Generally plants used do not need a lot of care.
Wild Garden An indigenous garden planted for the benefit of wildlife and birds. Provides food, water, a variety of mini-biomes and no poisonous chemicals are used.

Distribution and Habitat

from the Groot Winterhoek Mountains and Port Elizabeth to Umtata in the Eastern Cape Province, on cliffs along dry river valleys and on quartzite sandstone outcrops in grasslands

Planting Suggestions

Crassula perfoliata var. minor grows and flowers best in dry gardens where frost is absent or mild. It is best planted in rockeries in full sun. Soil must be well-drained and sandy. Where frost is experienced, it needs the protection of a greenhouse, windowsill or patio. The plant can be propagated by division (which is quick), leaf cuttings (slow) or seed. Leaf cuttings can be made during spring or summer and rooted in clean, moist sand.

Medicinal Uses

The plant is not used medicinally, but is grown by succulent fans across the world.

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Author: Lorraine Solomon