Crassula sladenii

The most arid region of South Africa adds much of interest to the country’s “green” heritage. Climatic variables of temperature, humidity and wind count among the challenges to the plant species.

Succulence, hairy stems and deep or swollen roots are some of the solutions developed by those successfully adapted to live here under the blaze of the sun. So are leaf size, shape, colour and hairiness.

This plant, Crassula sladenii, is a leaf succulent that lives in the Richtersveld. Whether it still thrives is a matter of speculation. Close to the west coast where it grows, the little rain received falls in winter. Coastal Richtersveld also gets moisture from occasional fog. This may not sound like much, but it carries many plants through hard times. How taxing climate change will become remains to be seen. When every micro-drop counts, living organisms craving life seize their tiniest opportunities (Smith, et al, 2017; iNaturalist; www.sanparks.org).