Crassula setulosa var. rubra

Crassula setulosa var. rubra is a low-growing leaf succulent that sometimes forms cushions from closely branched leaf rosettes neatly arranged on the ground.

The plant in picture has a short stem covered in decussate, fleshy leaf pairs that clasp the stem. The leaves are red with a hint of translucence and short white hairs along their margins. The variety name, rubra, is derived from the Latin word ruber meaning red, referring to the leaf colour.

A branched, yet compact cluster of many white, five-petalled flowers tops a striking contrast to the grassy surroundings.

The plant grows at least in the KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg, probably more widely ranged.

The habitat is high altitude, rocky grassland subject to summer thunder storms and winter snow. The habitat population of the species is of least concern early in the twenty first century, that of the variety unknown (Smith, et al, 2017; iNaturalist; http://redlist.sanbi.org).