Siberian pygmyweed (Crassula sieberiana, Rep. Bot. Soc. Exch. Club Brit. Isles 1916: 485 (1917))

Family: Crassulaceae

Author: (Schult. & Schult.f.) Druce

Bibliography: Rep. Bot. Soc. Exch. Club Brit. Isles 1916: 485 (1917)

Year: 1917

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Crassula

Vegetable: False

Observations: Australia, Lord Howe I., New Zealand

Description

Siberian Pygmyweed (Crassula sieberiana)

The Siberian Pygmyweed, scientifically known as Crassula sieberiana, is a remarkable member of the Crassulaceae family. This resilient plant is native to various regions within the Australasian realm, thriving in the diverse landscapes of Australia, the lush environments of Lord Howe Island, and amidst the unique ecosystems of New Zealand.

Crassula sieberiana has garnered attention not only from botanists but also from plant enthusiasts due to its distinctive features and adaptability. The plant exhibits a low-growing habit, making it an ideal ground cover, and is identified by its compact, succulent leaves that form a dense, mat-like appearance. These leaves are typically small, fleshy, and resilient, enabling the plant to conserve water and survive in a variety of climatic conditions.

One of the most commendable aspects of Siberian Pygmyweed is its versatility in different settings. It can be found thriving in rocky crevices, on cliff faces, and in native gardens where it contributes to the biodiversity and aesthetics of the habitat. Its presence on Lord Howe Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, highlights its ecological importance and the role it plays in maintaining the environmental balance.

The plant’s significance has been duly noted in botanical literature, with a notable mention in the ‘Rep. Bot. Soc. Exch. Club Brit. Isles 1916: 485 (1917)’ by authors Schult. & Schult.f., later attributed in classification by Druce. This documentation underscores the historical and scientific interest in Crassula sieberiana, capturing its place within botanical studies and plant taxonomy.

In summary, Crassula sieberiana or Siberian Pygmyweed is a fascinating and durable plant rooted in the Crassulaceae family. Its widespread occurrence from Australia to New Zealand and Lord Howe Island, coupled with its ability to flourish in diverse environments, makes it a noteworthy subject of study and admiration in the botanical world.

Common Names

Eng: siberian pygmyweed, australian pigmyweed
En: Siberian pygmyweed, Australian Pigmyweed

Synonyms

• Tillaea sieberiana (Schult. & Schult.f.)

Distribution

• New South Wales (native)
• New Zealand North (native)
• New Zealand South (native)
• Norfolk Is. (native)
• Northern Territory (native)
• Queensland (native)
• South Australia (native)
• Tasmania (native)
• Victoria (native)
• Western Australia (native)
• Hawaii (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Oct 17, 2019 by that’s someguy (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5362057)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:273494-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Crassula sieberiana (Schult. & Schult.f.) Druce)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth