Crassula setulosa var. setulosa forma setulosa

Crassula setulosa var. setulosa forma setulosa is a formidable name for such a small plant, usually less than 10 cm tall. Still, this perennial leaf succulent has an elegant shape with sessile leaves in opposite, spaced, (and decussate) pairs up the stem.

The small white flowers probably lose against the leaves in appeal to most judges, although the overall effect of the compact leafy stem, topped by its inflorescence, is always a special treat to come across on top of the Magaliesberg or in the Drakensberg. This one was seen growing on the former range near Hekpoort in Gauteng.

The plant is found on rocky ridges and rock faces in Highveld and other grassland of Gauteng, maybe also in Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. The plants succeed in just a little sandy soil among rock crevices not too dominated by grass. The status of the plant's natural population is unknown (Smith, et al, 2017; Van Wyk and Malan, 1997; iNaturalist; iSpot; http://redlist.sanbi.org).