Cape province pygmyweed (Crassula multicava, Ill. Hort. 9(Misc.): 40 (1861))

Family: Crassulaceae

Author: Lem.

Bibliography: Ill. Hort. 9(Misc.): 40 (1861)

Year: 1861

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Crassula

Vegetable: False

Observations: S. Cape Prov. to S. KwaZulu-Natal

Description

The Cape province pygmyweed, known scientifically as Crassula multicava, is a captivating member of the Crassulaceae family. This plant was first described in the seminal botanical literature Ill. Hort. 9(Misc.): 40 in 1861 by the renowned botanist Lem. Native to the southern regions of South Africa, particularly from the Southern Cape Province to Southern KwaZulu-Natal, it has been expertly adapted to thrive in these locales.

Crassula multicava is a perennial succulent that showcases a sprawling growth habit, making it an excellent ground cover for garden landscapes. Its compact rosette formation is characterized by glossy, green leaves that may exhibit a charming hint of reddish hues along their edges when exposed to sufficient sunlight.

One of the most enchanting features of the Cape province pygmyweed is its inflorescence. During its blooming period, the plant unveils clusters of petite, star-shaped flowers. These blossoms are typically white or pale pink, adding a touch of delicate beauty to the succulent’s robust foliage. The flowering season generally occurs during the cooler months, providing a delightful contrast to the typically bare garden beds of the season.

Adapted to the diverse weather conditions of its native habitat, Crassula multicava is a hardy plant that can withstand drought and thrives in well-drained soils. This resilience makes it an ideal candidate for low-maintenance gardening. Additionally, it is often employed in rock gardens, succulent arrangements, and as a decorative element in container gardens.

Despite its hardiness, the Cape province pygmyweed benefits from occasional watering during particularly dry spells and appreciates a sheltered spot that avoids extreme heat or frost. Its ability to propagate easily through leaf cuttings or offsets ensures that gardeners can enjoy lush expanses of this attractive succulent with little effort.

Whether admired for its lush, verdant leaves or its charming floral displays, Crassula multicava remains a beloved plant among succulent enthusiasts and garden aficionados alike. Its adaptability, ease of care, and ornamental appeal underscore its enduring popularity and botanical significance.

Common Names

Eng: cape province pygmyweed
Spa: crasula rosada, crásula
Deu: rosarotes dickblatt
Swe: spädgrisöron
En: Cape Province pygmyweed
Af: Skadu plakkie
Fi: Pikkupaunikko
De: Rosarotes Dickblatt
Es: Crasula rosada, Crásula
Sv: Spädgrisöron
: Cape province pygmyweed

Synonyms

• Crassula quadrifida (Baker)
• Septimia multicava ((Lem.) P.V.Heath)

Distribution

• Cape Provinces (native)
• KwaZulu-Natal (native)
• Azores (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Canary Is. (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Juan Fernández Is. (introduced)
• Madeira (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• New Zealand South (introduced)
• Norfolk Is. (introduced)
• Northern Provinces (introduced)
• Portugal (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Dec 27, 2020 by Andrea Schieber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 7, 2022 by Jean Burger (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 24, 2019 by cordoba florencia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 9, 2020 by musova ana (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 6, 2021 by Barbara Termine (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 21, 2020 by Gresel Arancibia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2020 by mike Sprague (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 25, 2020 by majdi majdi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 21, 2021 by yoyoy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 26, 2019 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Mar 30, 2022 by Cristóvão Cabral (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 29, 2019 by Gastiazoro Blettler Juliana (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 5, 2020 by Ayush Khadka (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 9, 2022 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 5, 2020 by torre giuseppe (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Mar 9, 2022 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 13, 2019 by De Giorgi Emma (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 14, 2022 by lopezlacasa (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 19, 2012 by EOL − Dean Wm. Taylor (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Feb 9, 2018 by Rachel Mullen (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Feb 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 4, 2021 by Barbara Ward (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 28, 2021 by Langa Sanz Eloísa (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 7, 2020 by Of Justice Pela (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 7, 2019 by Ellen Z (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Feb 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Feb 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Sep 21, 2020 by Bermal Sagış (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 11, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 11, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5362058)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:273315-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Crassula multicava Lem.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Growth