Crassulas clinging to a cliff

Two specimens of Crassula, thought to belong to C. arborescens and C. rupestris respectively, have made this exposed Little Karoo rock face their home. Out of some harms way, but confronted by others.  Extremes of more than sun and wind occasionally test their fortitude here, slowing their growth.

Plants like this may have been sitting on (or hanging from) their rock anchored perches for a surprisingly large number of years, belied by their size.

The rupestris is dangling from white woody stems that will be tested more severely once the bulky foliage that has been accumulated sinks lower than the flat section of the rock. Hanging free, away from the rock, will give the wind more grip. If it only breaks and not pulls the roots from their stronghold, new leaves and branches may grow on shorter stems again. If parts fall down, who knows, a spoonful of soil and timeous moisture where it lands may allow new plants to take root.

The absence of a brain removes the choice of giving up: life will go on inexorably as long as the smallest possible viable set of resources remains.