Crassula deceptor

Crassula deceptor grows to 8 cm tall when there is an inflorescence included in the measurement. The square stems of densely stacked leaves branch at the base to form clumps. It used to be called C. deltoidea and C. deceptrix respectively at times in the past.

The compact columns of adpressed leaves seen without flowers for most of the year must be regarded to be the main attraction of the plant, as is the case with many crassulas. The leaves are pointed or round tipped, here nearly white in colour with scattered dark spots. The angled leaf margins are reddish at the tips of leaves near the top of columns. This is not always seen when the growing conditions become easier.

The species distribution is in the west of the Northern Cape, the Richtersveld and Namaqualand, continuing southwards to the Knersvlakte in the Western Cape. This one grows in the Richtersveld. 

The habitat is arid winter rain scrub. The species is not considered threatened in habitat early in the twenty first century (Williamson, 2000; Le Roux, et al, 2005; http://redlist.sanbi.org).