Crassule tétragonale

Floral Morphology: Crassula tetragona

Crassula tetragona produces small, star-shaped white to pale pink flowers, often grouped in terminal clusters along the tips of the stems.

The flowers are delicate but numerous, appearing in late spring to summer, and attract bees and other pollinators.

The leaves are tiny, narrow, and triangular, arranged oppositely along the stems, giving the plant a pine-like or coniferous appearance.

Reproductive Biology

This species reproduces both sexually via seeds and vegetatively via stem cuttings. The hermaphroditic flowers can be pollinated by insects, but propagation is commonly done vegetatively because cuttings root easily and grow quickly, preserving the plant’s upright form.

Over time, Crassula tetragona can form dense, shrub-like structures that maintain their architectural interest.

Ecology & Adaptations

Native to arid and semi-arid South African regions, Crassula tetragona is adapted to dry, sunny environments:

• Succulent leaves store water to survive periods of drought.
  
• The upright columnar stems reduce leaf overlap and maximize sunlight capture.
  
• Prefers well-drained sandy or rocky soils to prevent root rot.
  
• Tolerates full sun and mild frost, but prolonged cold or excessive humidity can damage foliage.

Learn how to care for your Crassula tetragona:

• FR: Entretien de Crassula tetragona
  
  ENG: Growing 'Mini Pine Tree' Crassula