SUCCULENTS & CRASSULAS:
THE ART OF RESILIENCE
The animal and plant kingdom will always be a source of inspiration for me. Since I was a child I loved to look after plants, see them grow and even tried to have my own garden. Now, for the past 2 years or so, I have been collecting and growing succulents and crassulas at home. Since then, I have been fascinated not only by their rich colours and varied shapes, but for their innate traits and abilities to thrive as a unique plant species. They have awakened my observation skills, fascination and -needless to say- my creativity. The following paragraphs describe my conclusions on the matter.
First to say, succulents are slow growers compared to other plants and most of them do not require much space, soil or water for their growing. These plants take the adaptation skill to another level by making the most out of inhospitable environments. Don´t get me wrong, it is not as if they do not like or will not adapt to much easier surroundings, but they are perfectly capable to withstand harsh ones. Fuzzy swollen leaves and branches work as an inner water supply for the plants during dry seasons. Native plants of succulents and crassulas may be found on different continents, such as Africa, America and practically all over the world. In a more poetic sense, it is as if the earth kept spurring them on populating its surface.
Another wondrous aspect is how they change colours. A ‘well stressed’ crassula may vary from green to rosy-pink, purplish, flamboyant orange or red. High temperatures, extended direct exposure to sunlight and scarcity on water will cause these effects on leaves. The natural advantage on this colour-changing pattern is not so obvious. Perhaps, it is a way to become more appealing to pollinators and other insects during dry seasons.
The last and probably the most difficult characteristic to spot, is their special ability to spread by applying a fearless strategy: they grow until part of the plant falls on the ground, apparently letting itself die. This is just an illusion, for from the remainders of the plant a new replica with the exact ADN composition as the original one rises and continues to spread. This behaviour ensures the species survival. Still, the most desirable way of spreading is by pollination, because it enables diversity among the individuals of the species.
There are more fantastic traits to be noticed on this beautiful and resilient plants, but for now I would just like to conclude that their magnificent skills and survival tactics are something worth admiring.
Note: the previous text is based mostly on my own observation on plants. I have not nor intended to give scientific data on the subject, plus I have mixed in a bit of creative writing.
JV
