Crassula nemorosa microgarden in the veld

The specific name of Crassula nemorosa is derived from the Latin word, nemorosus, meaning well-wooded or leafy, probably referring to where the plants grow, suggesting bushy vegetation in the habitat. These delicate specimens are clearly not providing the bushiness themselves but enjoy it in their secluded setting near Vanwyksdorp, a garden-like niche more than veld.

Erect here and not sprawling, or not sprawling yet, the leaf colour includes much red. This may tell the secret of stress involved in producing so many flowers from a small body under seasonal time pressure.

There is of course a small tuber delivering supplies from the underground, but the leaf discoloration suggests the bank balance is currently in debit. The manager can’t be too harsh though, for previous years must also have been successful, given the number of young plants making up the colony.

They all live protected here, protected by friendly neighbours, the bigger plants that aren’t even relatives (Curtis-Scott, et al, 2020; Smith, et al, 2017; iNaturalist).