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Cape Province pygmyweed

Scientific Name: Crassula multicava

Family: Crassulaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Crassula multicava

Also known as Cape Province Pygmyweed, Crassula multicava is a fascinating plant with several common names and interesting characteristics.

Common Names

  • Cape Province Pygmyweed
  • Pitted Crassula
  • Mosquito Flower
  • London Pride
  • Fairy Crassula

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Crassula multicava Lem.
  • Family: Crassulaceae (Stonecrop family)
  • Rank: Species

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to South Africa, specifically the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces.
  • Also found in Mpumalanga, South Africa.
  • It has been introduced to locations such as the Azores (Portugal), including Santa Maria Island and Sao Miguel.

Ecological Role

  • In some regions, such as Hawaii, Crassula multicava is considered a weed due to its invasive tendencies.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Habit: Forb/Herb or Shrub/Subshrub
  • Duration: Perennial
  • Plant Type: Evergreen soft-wooded perennial or succulent
  • Grown habit: Subshrub, Forb/herb
  • Hardiness Zones: 9b-11

Cultivation

  • Sunlight: Thrives in hot, overhead sun.
  • Soil Moisture: Tolerates dry conditions and extended periods without moisture.

Quirky Facts

  • One source refers to "Cape Province Pygmyweed" as a "coined, stupid USDA name", suggesting differing opinions on the appropriateness of this common name.

Further Information

  • USDA PLANTS Database: Provides information and references for Crassula multicava.
  • Discover Life: Offers a page dedicated to the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Crassula multicava.
  • CalPhotos: Features images of Crassula multicava.