New zealand pigmyweed (Crassula helmsii, Trans. & Proc. New Zealand Inst. 39: 349 (1907))

Family: Crassulaceae

Author: (Kirk) Cockayne

Bibliography: Trans. & Proc. New Zealand Inst. 39: 349 (1907)

Year: 1907

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Crassula

Vegetable: False

Observations: Australia, New Zealand

Description

New Zealand pigmyweed, scientifically known as Crassula helmsii, is a fascinating aquatic and terrestrial plant belonging to the Crassulaceae family. First documented in the early 20th century, this species was described in the Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute in 1907, with the authoritative naming attributed to (Kirk) Cockayne.

Originating from the diverse habitats of Australia and New Zealand, Crassula helmsii showcases a remarkable adaptability to various environments. This hardy perennial can be found thriving in both fully submerged aquatic settings and moist terrestrial areas, reflecting its versatile nature.

The plant forms dense mats with its slender, succulent stems and petite, fleshy leaves that often appear in opposite pairs. These characteristics make it a notable feature in wetlands, ponds, and slow-moving water bodies, where it plays a significant role in the local ecosystem. Despite its modest appearance, the New Zealand pigmyweed is a resilient species capable of withstanding numerous environmental conditions, ranging from full sun exposure to partial shade.

While it serves an essential function within its native range, Crassula helmsii has also garnered attention as an invasive species in some regions beyond its natural distribution. Its robust growth habit and ability to outcompete local flora have raised concerns among ecologists and conservationists. Efforts are ongoing to manage its spread and mitigate its impact in non-native areas.

Overall, the New Zealand pigmyweed stands as a testament to the intricate balance of nature, highlighting both the beauty and potential challenges of plant species in varying ecosystems.

Common Names

Eng: australian swamp stonecrop, new zealand pigmyweed, swamp crassula, swamp-stonecrop, new zealand pygmyweed
Fra: crassule des étangs
Deu: nadelkraut, nadelkraut-dickblatt, zurückgekrümmtes dickblatt
Dan: new zealandsk korsarve
Nld: watercrassula
Swe: sydfyrling
Nno: skaftfirling
Nob: skaftfirling
Cym: corchwyn seland newydd
Gla: mion-luibh shealainn nuaidh
En: New Zealand pigmyweed, Swamp-stonecrop, Swamp crassula, Swamp stonecrop, Pygmyweed, Australian swamp stonecrop, New Zealand Pygmyweed, Australian Swamp-stonecrop
Da: New zealandsk korsarve
Nl: Watercrassula
Fi: Näkinpaunikko
Fr: Crassule des étangs, Crassule de Helms
De: Nadelkraut, Nadelkraut-Dickblatt, Zurückgekrümmtes Dickblatt
Nb: Skaftfirling
Nn: Skaftfirling
Gd: Mion-luibh Shealainn Nuaidh
Sv: Sydfyrling
Cy: Corchwyn Seland Newydd

Synonyms

• Crassula recurva ((Hook.f.) Ostenf.)
• Tillaea recurva (Hook.f.)
• Tillaea helmsii (Kirk)
• Bulliarda recurva (Hook.f.)

Distribution

• New South Wales (native)
• New Zealand South (native)
• South Australia (native)
• Tasmania (native)
• Victoria (native)
• Western Australia (native)
• Belgium (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Ireland (introduced)
• Netherlands (introduced)
• Tunisia (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Aug 6, 2022 by Ike Bylsma (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 26, 2021 by Marie-Claire Raoul (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2018 by Genghis Attenborough (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2022 by Tsuga Identification (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 25, 2021 by Richard Thomas (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Sep 5, 2021 by Marion Pach (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 8, 2022 by AURORA BUJOREANU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 3, 2022 by Raimondas Lapinskas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 3, 2022 by Raimondas Lapinskas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 2, 2022 by Rob N (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Sep 15, 2018 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Sep 20, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Stéphane DELPLANQUE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 11, 2004 by Genghis Attenborough (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Sep 15, 2018 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Sep 15, 2018 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Other

Taken Sep 15, 2018 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Sep 15, 2018 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Sep 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Sep 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2018 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5362054)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:105941-3)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Crassula helmsii (Kirk) Cockayne)

Specifications

Growth