Crassula barklyi

Synonyms:

Crassula teres
Tetraphyle barklyi

Habitat:

Crassula barklyi is native to South Africa, in particular it’s widespread in Great and Little Namaqualand in the Northern part of Cape province. It grows among rocky slopes, in soils originated from quarzite gravel.

Description:

Crassula barklyi is a tiny dwarf succulent shrub with a peculiar appearance. Its stems are erect or partially prostrate, and the entire plant reach a maximum height of 9 centimeters. Leaves are dense upon the stems, so that they overlap to each others and can look like scales and the stems end to look like columns. Leaves are maximum 3-4 millimeters long, fleshy, light green with darker green spots. Blossoming occurs in Winter: in its natural habitat from June to August, in Northen hemisphere from December to February. Inflorescences are at the top of the stems and they are thyrse of little, creamy-white, scented flowers.

Cultivation:

Crassula barklyi is the perfect succulent for beginners, because it’s easy to cultivate. It requires a well-draining, sandy substrate and a sunny spot. Water it moderately during Spring and Summer and reduce the number of interventions in Winter, keeping the soil dry. It survives frosts, until -5ºC, but it’s better if the temperature doesn’t fall below 5ºC.

Propagation:

Propagation can be realized through its offsets or by seeds.

Curiosity:

For its weird aspect, this plant is also called with the common names “Rattlesnake Buttons” or “Bandaged Finger”.