Crassula barklyi Section Columnaris N.E. Br.
Crassulacaea
a.k.a C. teres

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Locality:   This plant was photographed at Vygie Kop.

Description:  Similar to C. columnaris  but this species forms finger-like clumps and does not die after flowering.  The tight-clasping fleshy leaves form a column around the stem (50mm-90mm in length).  Leaves are brown in colour and are dotted with dark brown markings.  Leaf margins are membranous.  C. barklyi's stem is longer and thinner than those of C.columnaris.

Flower:  Numerous tubular flowers form a small head of flowers (capitulum).  Flowers are sweetly scented.

Common Names:  Bandaged finger, referring to the tightly clasping leaves.

Propagation:  Seeds and cuttings.  Sow seeds in autumn.  Plants root easily from cuttings, place cuttings in clean river sand, mist every three to four days, roots should appear with 2-3 weeks.

Cultivation:  Full sun, protect against frost, water every two weeks from autumn to spring (careful watering required in winter).  Plants grow well in a well-drained mineral soil.  Feed plants every second or third watering.

Distribution:  Found on the western hills of Namaqualand from Vanrhynsdorp to Port Nolloth.  Crassula barklyi occurs in the winter rainfall region that has an annual rainfall of between 100mm and 300mm per year.

Photographer: Philip Desmet - Institute for Plant Conservation, Department of Botany, UCT.

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