Crassula alata facts for kids

Crassula alata is a small, interesting plant that grows in parts of Australia. It's a type of herb that belongs to the Crassulaceae family, which is known for its succulent plants. Succulent plants are those that have thick, fleshy parts, usually to store water.

What is Crassula alata?

This plant is an annual herb, meaning it lives for only one growing season. It's quite small, usually growing to about 5 centimeters (about 2 inches) tall.

A Tiny Plant with White Flowers

Crassula alata produces tiny white flowers. These flowers bloom in the springtime. In the southern hemisphere, where it grows, this means between August and October.

How Was It Named?

The plant was first officially described as Crassula alata by a botanist named Alwin Berger. He did this in 1930. It was part of a big book about plants called Die Naturlichen Pflanzenfamilien. Other names have been used for this plant over time, but Crassula alata is the one used today.

Where Does It Grow?

Crassula alata is found in southern Australia. It is considered an "alien species" in Western Australia. This means it wasn't originally from there. However, it has become "naturalised" in many areas. This means it now grows and reproduces successfully in the wild, even though it wasn't native.

You can often find this plant in lawns and around carparks. It grows in the South West, Peel, and Wheatbelt regions of Western Australia. It also grows in coastal areas of other states, including South Australia and Victoria.