A low-growing succulent shrub which bears masses of pale pink flowers in winter.
FLOWER COLOUR:  
AVERAGE SIZE (H) x (W): 1m x 1m
MAXIMUM HEIGHT: 3m
FLOWERING TIME:   J F M A M J J A S O N D
FRUITING TIME:   J F M A M J J A S O N D

A rounded and compact, rounded, evergreen shrub 1-3 m tall.  Branches are succulent, grey-green in colour and in older specimens the bark peels in horizontal brownish strips.  The succulent leaves are grey-green and often have a red margin. The bush is bears masses of sweetly scented, pale-pink, star-shaped flowers in tight rounded bunches during winter.  This plant is grown throughout the world and has several common names, including – friendship tree, lucky plant or money tree.

ECOLOGICAL BENEFITS:
The flowers attract bees, wasps, flies, beetles and butterflies.

MAINTENANCE:
Low maintenance.


WATER REQUIREMENTS:
This water-wise plant prefers to have some dry periods between waterings. The plant needs water when its lower leaves become soft and in an extreme case become wrinkled.

GARDEN THEMES:
Desert, rockery, succulent

LANDSCAPING USES:
Crassula ovata makes a lovely addition to a rockery. It can also be used to create a low-maintenance hedge for a dry area or as a showy specimen in a large pot.
FLOWERS:
Flowers have a feint perfume-like scent.
FOLIAGE:
The oval-shaped leaves are 30 -90 mm long and 18 - 40 mm wide and often have a red margin. They are clustered towards the ends of the branches and occur in opposite pairs, the one pair arranged at right angles to the next.
BARK:
The old-looking stem is stout and gnarled, and has short and stubby branches.

FRUIT:
The flowers develop into small capsules, each holding many tiny seeds.

SEED:
The fine dust-like seed is dispersed by the wind.

WILDLIFE GALLERY:
CULTIVATION:
Easily propagated from stem cuttings. Allow the cut end to dry off for a few weeks to avoid fungal infections.
Plant in damp soil and avoid over-watering. Roots will develop in approximately 4 weeks.

FULL GALLERY:
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