Crassula alpestris subsp. massonii flowering stem

The pinkish red Crassula alpestris subsp. massonii flower stem is stout and cylindrical, growing decussate leaf-pairs without flowers near the base. Higher up, opposite flower clusters grow from the leaf axils, the stem elongation showing fleshy, bare internodes.

In picture most flower clusters up the stem have already withered, the fruiting well underway. Most of the subtending (opposite) leaves (or bracts) in the inflorescence have dropped off already. The sepals persist, serving the ovary as protective covering, as they earlier held the young corolla.

Each flower cluster has a short, stubby stalk. The last flowers to open are the ones at the top (Frandsen, 2017; Manning and Goldblatt, 1997; iNaturalist).