Crassula sladenii in panoramic abode

Compare the Real Estate section of tonight’s paper: “A perch with panoramic view among the rocks!” What a spectacular spot this well developed Crassula sladenii shrub has for its desert life! That is if bare rock is your thing. Quality of the lodgings is only a perception? For being one up on the Joneses of Eksteenfontein in the Richtersveld, where this dude lives, isn’t much if one is a C. coccinea on the high rainfall fynbos crags above Kirstenbosch.

Value ascribed to living quarters pervades people’s common cliches. Plants do the best they can without a thought or hesitation, whatever “the hand they’re dealt”. Committed to a physical environment means just that… one immutable station for life! Being immobile is a limitation to a plant in the category of “what you don’t know doesn’t hurt you”. And “upmarket digs” don’t cause jealousy or unhappiness with their lot.

So, every plant lives as best it can, without regard for council requirements. Should a neighbour put out a branch, taking your sun, you retaliate by next year, you suffer in silence or you accept and enjoy the shade. No legal proceedings ensue. Quality of life varies for everyone, also for plants. Acceptance is a reaction contributing to a satisfying life.