Crassula arborescens subsp. arborescens
Common names
tree crassula
Family
Crassulaceae
Flora category
Vascular – Exotic
Structural class
Trees & Shrubs - Dicotyledons
Conservation status
Not applicable
Similar taxa
There are two subspecies - Crassula arborescens subsp. arborescens and subsp. undulatifolia. The latter has elliptic, undulate, and erect leaves. It may also be mistaken for Crassula ovata but can be distinguished by the waxy bloom on the almost spherical leaves of Crassula arborescens subsp. arborescens.
Flower colours
White
Year naturalised
2005
Etymology
crassula: From the Latin crassus ‘thick’, meaning ‘rather thick’
arborescens: Becoming a tree
Reason For Introduction
Horticultural
Life Cycle Comments
Perennial shrub
Reproduction
Mainly vegetative from leaves which form plantlets and discarded pieces of stem which root freely. Very slow growing
Seed
Possibly formed in New Zealand, These are small and long-lived.
Dispersal
Through disarticulation of leaves and stems. Mainly accidental (the first record originated from a car crash!) but possibly deliberate. In new Zealand it is very slow growing.
Tolerances
Drought tolerant. Will tolerate cold once established but not heavy frost or snow.