About Crassula atropurpurea (Haw.) D.Dietr.
Crassula atropurpurea (Haw.) D.Dietr. is an extremely variable species. It is typically a small shrubby perennial that grows up to 60 cm tall, with erect, branching stems. Its leaves grow erect or only slightly twisted across the stem, are sessile, and packed evenly along the stems. Each leaf is typically linear-obovate, though leaf shape varies greatly, and has a slightly waxy surface. During periods of drought or high sun exposure, the leaves can develop a purple color. This species produces slender spike-like inflorescences that bear pale yellow-white flowers. The key feature that distinguishes this species from others is its roughly canaliculate dorsal petal appendage. C. atropurpurea is very common and widely distributed in rocky areas across the western half of southern Africa. Its range extends from southern Namibia in the north, through the Namaqualand and western Karoo regions of South Africa's Western Cape Province. It is common in the Little Karoo, where it grows between rocks and under bushes, from Worcester in the west, eastward as far as Oudtshoorn.
