Crassula ericoides aka Heath Stonecrop

Crassula ericoides, or large whipcord, is a small succulent subshrub. It belongs to the stonecrop family, Crassulaceae. Its native range follows the coast of South Africa. It extends from Bredasdorp in the Cape to Eshowe in KwaZulu-Natal. The plant grows in grassland and on sandy flats. It also grows among granite boulders near the coast. Kew places it in the subtropical climate group.

This perennial grows about 0.4–1 foot [0.12–0.30 metres] tall. Some plants reach 1.3 feet [0.40 metres]. Its branched stems tend to stand upright. Branches fork into pairs and stay close together. Some stems lean or lie along the ground. Older branches become woody, lose leaves, and shed bark in flakes. Younger sections carry dense rows of green leaves. Stems have ring marks and may bear a few hairs.

The small, flat leaves give the plant a heath-like look. They overlap in opposite pairs, forming four rows around each stem. Each leaf joins the stem without a stalk. Leaves range from egg-shaped to narrow and pointed. Their edges are smooth and curl back a little. These close-set leaves form much of the plant's visible texture. The flowers form rounded clusters at the stem tips. Upper leaves partly hide them. Each branching unit bears three to eight small flowers. White or cream petals join at the base, then spread outward. Each flower has both male and female parts. The anthers are brown.

In cultivation, this species grows fast and roots with ease. It suits warm conditions and forms a small upright shrub. Give it bright light and good air movement. It tolerates drought and needs only light watering. A sandy, gritty mix provides the drainage it needs. Poor drainage raises the risk of root rot. The supplied sources give no firm frost limit or hardiness zone.

Growers can raise plants from seed or cuttings. Stem cuttings root with little trouble. Leaves can also produce new plants in sandy soil. Take leaf cuttings in spring or summer. Let the broken end dry for a day before planting. Feed with diluted succulent fertiliser during the warmer growing months. Stop feeding in winter. The supplied evidence gives no food uses or toxicity assessment.