Crassula brevifolia

Crassula brevifolia, or rockslab crassula, is a small succulent shrub. It belongs to the stonecrop family, Crassulaceae. Its range runs from southwest Namibia into northwest South Africa. It grows among rocks in the Succulent Karoo. This includes Namaqualand and extends south to Vanrhynsdorp. Kew classes its climate as subtropical.

The plant forms many branches and reaches 1–1.6 feet [0.3–0.5 metres] tall. Young stems are green and round, with gaps between leaves. Older stems turn woody and develop peeling, red-brown bark. The roots are fibrous, and old leaves fall away. Thick, smooth leaves spread outward and bend upward. Their shape ranges from oval to long and narrow. The leaves join at their bases around the stem. A grey coating may cover their green surface. They can also turn yellow, red or purple. Their edges have a firm, horny rim.

Loose, rounded flower clusters form at the ends of stems. Flowers open in March and April, during southern autumn. They are lemon-yellow, though some are cream or white. The petals join at the base into a short tube. Their tips may stand upright or curve sharply back. The flowers have a strong, unpleasant scent like honey. The plant makes large numbers of dust-fine seeds. Wind carries them without wings or other special structures. Some settle into cracks and grooves in the soil.

LLIFLE describes this as a fast-growing plant suited to beginners. It needs a mineral growing mix that drains well. Give moderate water, without keeping the roots too wet. The source also warns against letting it become too dry. Water with care in winter, and water regularly in summer. It can withstand some drought. Grow it outdoors only where frost does not occur. Elsewhere, the source recommends growing it indoors. It grows in poor soil and needs little fertilizer. Too much feed encourages soft growth that fungi can attack.

Gardeners grow it in bonsai pots and prune it into small trees. Its branching tips also suit a low, loose hedge. LLIFLE reports few pest problems and easy growth from cuttings. Seeds offer another way to raise new plants. Sow them in autumn. Cuttings placed in clean river sand may root within two to three weeks.