Crassula ernestii is a delightful petite groundcover, growing up to only 5cm in height. The fleshy pyramid shaped leaves are tightly stacked together and covered with fine white hairs, giving the plant an iridescent appearance. This charming plant produces petite white star-shaped flowers, adding a touch of delicacy to its overall appearance.
This perennial plant is happy in either full sun or part shade, making it a versatile addition to a variety of gardens. It's particularly wonderful in rockeries and potted succulent gardens, as well as miniature gardens as a mini shrub.
Crassula ernestii is native to the northern parts of the Eastern Cape, slightly further south than var. lanuginosa, between Graaff-Reinet, Somerset East, and Queenstown. It grows in crevices on rock outcrops and often among boulders.
The leaves of this plant are of an elliptic to obovate shape, being dorsiventrally flattened or somewhat convex on both sides. They are adorned with recurved, largely adpressed hairs, and the leaf margins typically have longer cilia.The inflorescence produces 7 – 12 (-15) flowers that are almost sessile, with a corolla 3 – 4 mm long. Crassula ernestii blooms from January to March.
Named after the collector Ernest E. Galpin, this plant's scientific name, Crassula ernestii, reflects its thick fleshy succulent leaves. Its synonym, Crassula lanuginosa var. pachystemon, was originally named Crassula pachystemon by Schönland & Baker f. in 1898. Though the names may be synonymous, Crassula lanuginosa var. pachystemon has somewhat larger leaves and other differences making the two varieties unique.
Overall, Crassula ernestii is a delightful and versatile plant that would make a lovely addition to any garden looking for a touch of delicacy and charm.
Crassula ernestii plants for sale shown in 70mm pot. You will receive same or similar plants as those shown in images 2 onward. First image for display only. Colours will vary depending on time of year and growing conditions.
First time customers... Please read our Shipping Guide, in top or bottom menu, before placing your order.
Please Note:
- All plants are sent bare rooted with no pots and soil, or minimum soil only.
- Due to the drying process necessary for sending plants through the mail, plants may look slightly different than images shown on our website
- Some plants, may look wrinkled when they arrive, may be somewhat limp, or soft to the touch. This is normal as they have been dried out for for a number of days before shipping to avoid rotting in the mail.
- Succulents are very hardy plants and they will recover quickly, providing you unpack them as soon as you receive them follow some simple care instructions you will find with your order.
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