Crassula streyi

The leaves of Crassula streyi are deep green, shiny and variable in colour on their upper surfaces. Fine net-veining and mottling occur. The pinkish red or burgundy lower leaf surfaces are very noticeable. Leaf shape is ovate with rounded apices and entire margins, sometimes with a tiny protrusion at the tip. At the base is a usually short petiole.

The plant is a low-growing succulent herb that spreads a bit. It is endemic to a limited coastal forest habitat near Port St. Johns in the Eastern Cape and southern KwaZulu-Natal. Usually found here on sandstone cliffs near rivers, although not often, as the plant’s status is rare. The Afrikaans common name of kransplakkie (little crag slab) is apt.

This Crassula, like so many others from the genus, is easy to grow from small stem cuttings (Van Jaarsveld, et al, 2000; www.plantzafrica.com).