Skip to content
Up to 15% OFF Christmas stock
Contact
Talking of Plants Talking of Plants
Account
Search
Loading...
Cart
Contact
  • Shop
    • Christmas sale

      Christmas sale
    • Clothing

      Clothing
      • Women

        Women
      • Men

        Men
    • Home & garden

      Home & garden
      • String holders

        String holders
      • Decorations

        Decorations
      • Homeware

        Homeware
      • A4 Prints

        A4 Prints
    • Cards

      Cards
    • Giftwrap

      Giftwrap
    • Postcards

      Postcards
    • Delivery
  • Blog
    • Succulent care
    • Pest control
    • Terminology
    • Gardening by month
    • In the garden
    • Wildlife
    • Hacks
    • Extracurricular
  • Account
  • Home
  • / Plant Terminology
  • / Where does the botanical name for a Crassula and the species within this genus come from?

Where does the botanical name for a Crassula and the species within this genus come from?

Drawing of a Crassula ovata Gollum jade plant on a green background

A translation of the Latin names given to the Crassula plant.

Behind every Latin plant name, is a meaning (I discuss the way we name plants more here), and today I am going to examine the naming of Crassulas, in particular.

Crassula is a genus of succulent plants, which includes hundreds of species, including the popular jade plant - otherwise known as Crassula ovata (of which there are a number of named cultivars). In the UK, most of them are grown as houseplants, but in warmer countries, they can grow outside and some can get much bigger.

They are amazing plants, all quite fascinating and many look nothing alike. They're evergreen, low-maintenance and make great talking points.

 

Let’s start with the genus - Crassula

The name Crassula means “thick” or “fat” - this refers to the thick, fleshy nature of the plants in this genus.

  

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

 

Crassula species and their names

As I have mentioned, there are many species of the Crassula. Perhaps the most well known species is the Crassula ovata (the Jade Plant, Lucky Plant, Money Plant or Money Tree). In regards to this species ovata means “ovate” or “egg-shaped” - which refers to the shape of its leaves. The species or specific epithet often helps you to understand more about the species.

Let’s look at some of the other named species, and see what their names tell us about them:

  • Crassula arborescens - arboresens comes from the Latin “arbor” which means “tree” and refers to its similarity to a tree.
    • Common names: Silver Dollar Plant, Silver Jade Plant, Money Plant, Money Tree, Chinese Jade, Beestebul.
  • Crassula elegans - elegans means “elegant”.
    • Common name: Elegant Crassula.
  • Crassula orbicularis - orbicularis comes from the Latin “orbis” meaning “circle” or “disc” and refers to the shape of its leaves.
    • Common name: Stonecrop.
  • Crassula spathulata - spathulata comes from the Latin “spathulatus” which means “spatula-shaped” - refering to the shape of its leaves.
    • Common name: Spatula-leaf Crassula.
  • Crassula rupestris - rupestris means “rocky” or “found in/on rocks”, and refers to the environment it grows in.
    • Common names: Rosary Vine, Kebab Bush, Rock Crassula, Concertina Plant, Bead Vine, Buttons on a String.
  • Crassula pubescens - pubescens means “covered with downy hairs”, because it is!
    • Common name: Jersey Pigmyweed.
  • Crassula multicava - multicava means “many caves”, which refers to the tiny pores/pits on the leaves.
    • Common name: Fairy Crassula.
  • Crassula columnaris - columnaris means “column-like” which references the way it grows (upright, erect stem with a tapering body).
    • Common names: Khaki Button, Upright Crassula, Scent Bottle.
  • Crassula perforata - perforata means “perforated”, which references the ways the leaves are arranged along the stems with gaps, or perforations, between them.
    • Common names: String of Buttons, Necklace Vine.
  • Crassula muscosa - muscosa means “mossy”, which refers to its mossy look. It is also sometimes referred to as Crassula lycopodioides (because of its likeness to clubmoss/Lycopodium).
    • Common names: Watch Chain, Princess Pine, Clubmoss Crassula, Zipper Plant, Rattail Crassula.
  • Crassula pellucida - pellucida from the Latin “lucida” or “lucidus” which means “bright” referring to it’s bright colours (seen in cultivars such as ‘Calico Kitten’).
  • Crassula hirtipes - hirtipes comes from the Latin word “hirtus” which means “hairy” and “pes” which means “foot” - its got hairy feet (or stalks!).
    • Common name: Hedgehog Stonecrop.
  • Crassula ammophila - ammophila comes from the Greek word “ámmos” which means “sand” and “philos” which means “loving”. Sand-loving, refers to the growing environment it likes.
  • Crassula pyramidalis - pyramdalis means “pyramidal” which refers to its shape.
    • Common names: Pyramid Crassula, Pagoda Mini Jade.
  • Crassula corallina - corallina derives from the Latin “corrallium” which means “coral”, and means “coral-like” - which refers its coral-like appearance.
    • Common name: Coral Crassula.
  • Crassula mesembryanthoides - mesembryanthoides means “looking like a mesembryanthemum”, because it does!
    • Common name: Crassula Moon Glow.
  • Crassula capensis - capensis means “from the Cape” and refers to where it comes from.
    • Common name: Cape Snowdrop.

  

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

 


There are literally hundreds of species in this family. Have a think about the ones you have and research what their names mean too.

Let me know if you’d like to see any particular species or cultivars illustrating – I am so inspired by their names.

  

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

 

Take a look at my “how to” Crassula care guide here or buy my Crassula Identification Print from my shop.

 

 

Share
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Pin it

0 comments

Leave a comment

Previous

Green houseleek sempervivum succulent illustration closeup

What gives house leeks their botanical name – Sempervivum?

Next

Closeup of a purple echeveria lilacina succulent from above

An in-depth look at the naming of Echeveria plants and species within the genus

Pesky Pests

drawing of a white cat on a yellow background

How to deter cats from digg...

Cats can be a nuisance when they take to using your soil as a litterbox. Luckily, there are several ways to discourage them from fouling amongst your flowers. Read on to find out how.
Read more
illustration of a black mole coming through a mole hill mound of earth on a blue background

How to identify and control...

Learn how to prevent moles from ruining your lawn and garden, by identifying the symptoms to look for and the ways to control them.
Read more

Join my newsletter

Be the first to receive the latest Talking of Plants news, product releases and offers.

  • Gifts
    • Christmas sale
    • Garden
    • Homeware
    • Clothing
    • Cards
    • Gift card
  • About
    • Background
    • Eco Friendly Gifts
    • Sustainable Clothing
    • FAQs
    • Events
    • Become a Stockist
  • Policies
    • Delivery
    • Returns
    • Privacy Policy
    • Website Terms
  • Contact
    • Email/phone
    • Instagram
    • Facebook
Copyright © 2023 Talking of Plants. Powered by Shopify
American Express Apple Pay Diners Club Discover Google Pay Maestro Mastercard Shop Pay Visa