Crassula orbicularis

Crassula orbicularis belongs to the family of the Crassulaceae. The plant comes from the South African regions, including the provinces of the Eastern Cape and West Cape, where they thrive in rocky areas and semi -dry forests. The name "orbicularis" is derived from the Latin word "orbis", which indicates the circular shape of the leaves. The species belongs to a genus that is known for its great diversity and adaptability to dry locations.

Morphology and growth form

Crassula orbicularis is a multi -year succulent plant with rosette -like growth. It forms flat, floor -covering cushions made of fleshy, rounded leaves that can reach up to about 5 centimeters in diameter. The leaves are smooth, often slightly shiny and have a dark green to reddish-green color, which becomes darker when the sun is intensive. This color change is an adaptation to high light intensity and UV radiation and helps to protect the plant from harmful influences.

The inflorescences of Crassula orbicularis are usually unexpectedly and rise about 15 to 20 centimeters above the rosette. The white to cream -colored flowers appear in dense, terminal umbels and bloom mainly in late summer and autumn. As with other types of crassula, the flowers are small and have a characteristic star-shaped structure.

Ecology and adjustments

The home of Crassula orbicularis is characterized by a seasonally dry climate with warm summers and relatively cool winters. This plant has adapted to the dry conditions of its surroundings. Like many types of crassula, it operates the so-called crassulaceae acid metabolism (cam), in which the CO₂ recording takes place at night to minimize evaporation during the day. This reduces water loss and increases your tolerance to drought.

In addition, the fleshy leaves store water and serve as reserves if there is no precipitation available. Crassula orbicularis is also able to survive in extremely flat soils and is therefore widespread in rocky habitats with little organic substance. Your leaves can collect dead plant parts and floor particles that serve as a protective layer and also limit evaporation.

Propagation and cultivation

In nature, Crassula orbicularis increases both about seeds and vegetative by offshoots that exhale from the leaf bases. This ability to grow vegetative enables her to quickly form new colonies and cover wide surfaces. The plant is also increasingly cultivated as an ornamental plant in stone gardens and dry gardens. A location with a well -permeable substrate and full of solar radiation is ideal for cultivation. Excessive watering should be avoided to prevent root rot, since crassula orbicularis is adapted to dryness.

Ecological importance and protection

In her natural environment, Crassula orbicularis plays an important role in the ground stabilization and the preservation of local biodiversity. The dense leaves and rosettes protect the soil from erosion and create a microclimate that offers small insects habitat and protection. Due to its dryness tolerance, the plant contributes to stabilizing the soil and binding nutrients.

In nature, Crassula orbicularis is currently not classified as threatened, although the loss of habitat due to human activities is also increasing in its distribution area. The increasing cultivation of these and similar crassula species in gardens can help promote interest in their preservation and to ensure their survival in a changing environment.