Crassula rupestris luxuriating

Crassula rupestris, commonly known as concertina bush or in Afrikaans sosatiebos (kebab bush), is often admired for its leaf structure and markings. The flowers are, however, also spectacular; altogether a worthwhile and easy plant to grow.

The pink flowers of different shades are produced in winter and spring in stem tip clusters. The seeds are fine as dust.

Leaves of this and other succulents are greener in favourable conditions. When it gets too hot and dry to grow comfortably, the chlorophyll recedes into the fleshy leaves, making red the prominent leaf colour. This indicates that the plant has assumed a slower metabolic rate or comparative rest (iNaturalist; www.plantzafrica.com).