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aeonium
Scientific Name: Aeonium
Family: Crassulaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Aeonium: An Intriguing Succulent
Aeonium, often called tree houseleek, is a genus of succulent plants celebrated for their rosette-shaped leaves and architectural presence. Their diverse colors and shapes make them a favorite among plant enthusiasts.
Considerations for Pets
- Aeoniums are fleshy-leaved succulents that store water in their leaves.
- One reference notes that Aeoniums are fine as tortoise food in moderation.
Considerations for Children
- Aeoniums are often grown in pots and containers.
- Some species, like Aeonium arboreum, can grow into subshrubs up to 1.5m tall.
Scientific Classification
- Scientific Name: Aeonium
- Common Name: Tree Houseleek
- Family: Crassulaceae
- Kingdom: (Implied: Plantae, based on being a plant genus)
Nomenclature
- The name Aeonium originates from ancient Greek.
- Synonyms or alternative names were not explicitly provided, but several cultivars are mentioned such as 'Zwartkop'/'Schwarzkopf', 'Atropurpureum', 'Sunburst', 'Ice Warrior', and 'Cornish Tribute'.
Distribution and Habitat
- Aeoniums are native to the Canary Islands, North Africa, and Madeira.
- They also originate from around the Mediterranean.
- Aeonium Zwartkop is recognizable in mild coastal gardens of West Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Aeoniums are succulents, growing in rosettes of various colors.
- Leaves are often waxy.
- Many develop woody stems at the base.
- Some species, like Aeonium arboreum, can grow into sparsely branched succulent subshrubs up to 1.5m.
- Aeonium tabuliforme forms a flattened geometric rosette of overlapping soft-green leaves with delicate white markings.
- Some varieties, like Aeonium 'Zwartkop', produce magnificent, almost black-purple, succulent leaf rosettes at the ends of their branches.
- Some species have stalklike stems topped with rosettes of burgundy-black leaves.
- Flowers are often bright yellow and appear in winter, contrasting with the dark foliage.
Cultivars
- Several cultivars are mentioned, including:
- 'Zwartkop' / 'Schwarzkopf' (dark purple/black foliage)
- 'Atropurpureum' (purple-flushed rosettes)
- 'Sunburst' (variegated with green, yellow, and pink tips)
- 'Ice Warrior'
- 'Cornish Tribute' (a hybrid)