Crassula deceptor young inflorescence

This specimen of Crassula deceptor lives in grand style compared to its brethren in habitat. It was found ready to flower in the Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden during February.

The corolla is just starting to burst from the protective cover of the sepals on the flowers in the inflorescence in picture. The dense cluster is, however, deceptive (true to its name!) insofar as the cluster may still spread, by the top ends of flower stalks stretching a bit to present its flowers further apart.

C. deceptor flowers grow in branched cymes. They are cream, fading to brown. The scented flowers appear whenever conditions are favourable, usually from midsummer to early autumn. Fresh seed will be ready for the winter rain (Williamson, 2010; Le Roux, et al, 2005).