Crassulaceæ

Crassulaceæ, an order of calycifloral dicotyledons, allied to the Saxifragæ, are herbaceous or sometimes shrubby plants, always more or less succulent. About 400 species are known in the genera, chiefly from warm and temperate countries and in dry, sunny situations. South Africa and Mexico are peculiarly rich in species. Sedum (stone-crop) and Sempervivum (house-leek) are the most familiar genera. These and allied forms, such as Echeveria, are largely used for bedding-out purposes, grown on rockwork, or cultivated in the 'succulent-house.' Crassula coccinea, which, like nearly all its very numerous (150) congeners comes from the Cape, is in general cultivation on account of the beauty of its flowers. See SUCCULENT PLANTS.