Crassula coccinea in habitat

When gaining height, a multitude of branches and a robust root system, a Crassula coccinea plant flowering in fynbos may for a while be the centre of attraction in its neighbourhood on a Cape mountain. The flat-topped clusters of long-tubed, red flowers vary in hue from plant to plant, probably not much in fragrance at the time of opening.

The leafy stems look square from the four vertical arrays of opposite, decussate leaves. On the old stems in picture the leaves are yellowed, while pale green on the young ones now dominating photosynthetic food production.

In hard times stems may turn brown with age, the leaves drying from their tips. These are the normal concessions to needs and conditions while flowers are temporarily the prime concern.

As old plants acquire more stems, the erect habit may be replaced by sprawling or accommodating the shapes of surrounding vegetation and rocks (Manning, 2007; http://pza.sanbi.org).