Donkey tail Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Donkey tail

Scientific classification
Genus:	Sedum
Species:	morganianum

Sedum morganianum, the donkey tail or burro's tail, is a species of flowering plant in the family Crassulaceae, native to southern Mexico. It is a succulent perennial producing trailing stems up to 60 cm (24 in) long, with fleshy blue-green leaves and terminal pink to red flowers in summer. S. morganianum has been found wild in two ravines at Tenampa county, in central Veracruz, in eastern Mexico and on vertical cliffs of igneous rock in the Tropical Deciduous Forest zone. Due to its restricted geographic distribution, it should be regarded as a micro-endemic species.

Cultivation

With a minimum temperature of 5–7 °C (41–45 °F), in temperate regions S. morganianum is often cultivated as a houseplant in a suspended container, where the trailing stems hang vertically.

This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Sedum morganianum grows well outside or indoors, in very good light but not extreme heat. The plant is best grown in full sunlight for strong growth and to enhance leaf coloration. It requires regular, moderate watering all year, except in winter, when it should be infrequently watered. Excess water can damage the plant in a short time.

Even at high latitudes leaves will readily propagate in south facing light (Northern Hemisphere) or north facing light (Southern Hemisphere).

Plants are usually propagated by stem or leaf cuttings. The leaf attachment is quite delicate and leaves will readily break off the stem when manipulated. The leaves will stay alive for many days and roots will emerge after a few days, especially with local humidity. Individual leaves will produce inches-long plants.

This plant exhibits a clear and visible wax layer on its leaves and/or stems.