Crassula

CRASSULA

Crassula is a large genus of succulent plants, most of which are native to South Africa. They are known for their thick, fleshy leaves and are popular in cultivation as houseplants and in gardens, especially in water-wise gardening. The name "Crassula" is derived from the Latin word "crassus," meaning thick, referring to the leaves.

One of the common species used for this purpose is the jade plant (Crassula ovata). This crassula has become a very popular house and container plant across the globe. Crassula ovata is also called the money plant (not to be confused with the money tree hailing from China!). It is traditionally given as a house-warming present to bring fortune and prosperity to the homeowners.

There are groundcovers that will grow and flower heartily in the poor soil around tree trunks. They will grow in semi-shade and in difficult-to-plant retaining walls.

Then there are other crassulas to use as bright colour accents in gravel gardens. Some are grown as specimen plants in large containers or as tough shrubs. Others are even used as succulent hedges in dry or windy coastal gardens. You can also use some in hanging baskets, in window boxes or as houseplants.