Crassula capensis var. capensis

    Crassula capensis var. capensis

    Crassula capensis var. capensis is a clump-forming tuberous perennial reaching heights up to 15 cm when flowering. The simple leaves are flat and round with scalloped margins.

    The narrow sepal lobes taper to acutely pointed tips around the base of the white corollas. There are six white petals on each of the flowers facing up. Flowers with five or seven petals are also seen. Dark vein lines are visible inside the corolla cups near the petal bases.

    The six stamens have bilobed, purple anthers. The carpels, the female floral parts that will develop into the fruits, are separate in a ring, surrounded by the stamens in the flower centre, their styles not visible in the photo.

    The variety is found in the Western Cape, at least in the Hemel en Aarde Valley and in Fernkloof near Hermanus.

    The plants grow in secluded, moist places among rocks (Manning, 2007; iNaturalist; https://www.fernkloof.org.za).