Crassulaceae
- Diverse Family: Crassulaceae, also known as the stonecrop or orpine family, is a diverse family of dicotyledon flowering plants characterized by succulent leaves and a unique form of photosynthesis called Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM).
- Succulent Features: Members of this family are known for their thick, succulent leaves, which are an adaptation to dry and/or cold areas where water may be scarce.
- Global Distribution: While they are found worldwide, Crassulaceae species are predominantly located in the Northern Hemisphere and southern Africa.
- Variety of Growth Forms: The family includes approximately 1,400 species across 34–35 genera. These plants vary in form, including herbaceous plants, subshrubs, and a few treelike or aquatic species.
- Economic Importance: Many Crassulaceae species are valued as garden plants due to their hardiness and unique appearances.
- Common Genera: Familiar genera include Crassula (e.g., jade plant), Kalanchoe, Sempervivum (houseleek), and Echeveria.
- Floral Characteristics: Flowers in this family generally have five parts and exhibit a range of colors including red, yellow, and white.
- Reproductive Adaptations: The inflorescence of Crassulaceae plants is diverse, ranging from terminal to lateral arrangements with many-flowered clusters.
- Vegetative Propagation: These plants often easily form new plants from vegetative parts that fall off the parent plant.
- Chromosome Diversity: The family shows a high variability in chromosome numbers, indicating a complex evolutionary history with instances of polyploidy.
- Photosynthesis Pathway: Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) is a distinctive feature of this family, allowing efficient water use in arid conditions.
- Taxonomic Challenges: Classification within the family is complex due to hybridization, morphological diversity, and geographical spread.
- Evolutionary History: The family is believed to have evolved around 100–60 million years ago in southern Africa, with subsequent dispersal and diversification.
- Biogeographical Spread: There are distinct centers of speciation in Macaronesia, Mexico, and southeastern Asia, with the Northern Hemisphere hosting the greatest diversity.
- Morphological Diversity: The family exhibits a wide range of morphological features, including variations in leaf shape, flower structure, and growth habits.
Species in the Family
Here is a list of some famous plants in the Crassulaceae family