Round-leaved crassula
Crassula arborescens

Family: Crassulaceae

What it is like

A succulent tree. It grows to about 3 m tall. he bark is green-grey, succulent and smooth. The leaves are fleshy and bluish-grey. They are oval and tapering towards the base. They have a waxy bloom. They are 3 cm long by 3 cm wide. The flowers are pink and in clusters at the ends of branches. The fruit are small and 6 mm long. They have 3-5 separate oval follicles. The roots are edible.

There are 216 succulent Crassula species. There are also other Crassula species. There are 300 total.

Where it is found

It is a warm temperate to subtropical climate plant. It grows on rocky hillsides. It can grow on fairly poor, well-drained soils. It is salt tolerant. It is best in a partly shaded position. It is resistant to frost and drought. Hobart Botanical Gardens. It suits hardiness zones 9-11.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia, Eswatini, Hawaii, Pacific, Slovenia, South Africa (country/location of origin), Southern Africa, Swaziland, Tasmania, USA

How it is used for food

The roots are eaten.

Edible parts

Roots

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds. They can also be grown by stem or leaf cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Bull tacky, Drevesasta tolstica, Karka, Kerky, Silver jade

Synonyms

Cotyledon arborescens Mill.;