Crassula aquatica

Crassula aquatica
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Core eudicots
Order:	Saxifragales
Family:	Crassulaceae
Genus:	Crassula
Species:	C. aquatica
Binomial name
Crassula aquatica (L.) Schönl.
Synonyms
Bulliarda aquatica Hydrophylla aquatica Tillaea angustifolia Tillaea aquatica Tillaea ascendens Tillaeastrum aquaticum

Crassula aquatica is a succulent plant known by the common names water pygmyweed and common pygmyweed. It is an annual plant of salt marshes, vernal pools, wetlands, and other fresh to brackish water bodies. It is at least partially aquatic, living in areas which are submersed much of the time. It also lives along muddy banks and in tidally-active areas of estuaries.

Description

Crassula aquatica is a small plant forming thin mats or small patches on mud and sand, and growing more erect when exposed to open air for longer periods. The flesh of the plant is greenish-yellow to bright red or purplish. The tiny fleshy pointed leaves are only a few millimeters long.

A flower grows on a short stalk from the intersection of each oppositely-arranged pair of leaves. The flower is only about two millimeters long and wide. The fruit is a minute follicle containing several seeds. This plant is widespread across North America and Eurasia.

External links

• Jepson Manual Treatment - Crassula aquatica
• USDA Plants Profile: Crassula aquatica
• Crassula aquatica - U.C. Photo gallery