Purple Crassula

Description

Crassula atropurpurea (Purple Crassula) is a succulent plant, very common and widespread in the southern Karoo regions of South Africa and Namibia. This species is extremely variable. It is typically a small (up to 60 cm), shrubby perennial, with erect, branching stems. Its leaves are erect, or only slightly twisted across the stem. The leaves are sessile and packed evenly along the stems. Each leaf is typically linear-obovate (though this varies greatly), and has a slightly waxy surface. During drought or sun exposure, the leaves can develop a purple colour. Its slender spike-like inflorescence bears pale yellow-white flowers. The key distinguishing character of this species is its roughly canaliculate dorsal petal appendage. The type variety is the most widespread and variable in appearance. Key features for identifying it include: The leaf surface is smooth or papillate, but never hairy. There are 3-4 (rarely 2 or 5) pairs of sterile bracts along the stem of the inflorescence. The pointed, canaliculate (grooved) petals are papillose. In addition, the stems of this variety are usually erect branches (woody at base, new shoots pubescent). The new leaves are erect, becoming spreading and eventually falling off with age. The leaf shape is typically oblong to oblanceolate (max. 6cm long), flattened with a convex outer/lower surface. They are cuneate at the base, and obtuse at the apex. Around the Langeberg and Swartberg mountains, as far west as Worcester, some forms can have slender, pointed leaves. This variety occurs from Worcester and Swellendam in the west, as far east as Port Elizabeth, as well as around the Swartberg mountains. Its habitat is usually dry, rocky slopes and outcrops.