Crassula capitella subsp. thyrsiflora

    Crassula capitella subsp. thyrsiflora

    Crassula capitella subsp. thyrsiflora is a leaf succulent reaching 15 cm in height. Clusters of stems are densely stacked with triangular to ovate, succulent leaves. Leaf colour reflects the availability or absence of moisture.

    The flowers are small and white. The growth form varies more in inflorescence and leaf shape than in the small white flowers themselves.

    There are sometimes tiny whitish, ciliate or eyelash-like hairs along the leaf margins of C. capitella plants, found on several of the subspecies. This brings a decorative effect, attracting succulent gardeners; a bit like nectar attracts pollinators. Gardeners are not in the class of pollinators, but serve a useful purpose in proliferating the plants, albeit in subnatural conditions. 

    Scattered spots may be present on the leaf surfaces. A large geographical distribution presents the diverse growing conditions that invite differentiation and make life more interesting.

    The subspecies distribution ranges across the southern parts of South Africa, including the Western Cape, the Eastern Cape, the Northern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State, as well as some neighbouring countries.

    The habitat is diverse and wide-ranging as well, the plants often found among rocks or sheltered under scrub. The subspecies is not considered threatened in habitat early in the twenty first century (Frandsen, 2017; Smith, et al, 2017; iNaturalist; http://redlist.sanbi.org).