Graptopetalum pachyphyllum (Cacti of Mexico)

Graptopetalum pachyphyllum

Common name ²

Blue bean

Distribution ²

Widespread in the mountains of central mexico, from Zacatecas and San Luis Potosi to Hidalgo and Queretaro.

Altitude ²

Up to 2300m A.S.L.

Habitat ²

Hides in small groups in crevices or forms loose mats or clusters on rocks near the top of mountains.

Description ²

Graptopetalum pachyphyllum is a low growing perennial herb with sprawling stems to 20 cm long, branched at the base. The ovate glaucous blue leaves tipped with red are massed in small rosettes at the tip of each stem. This plant is much like a very dwarf Sedum pachyphyllum, with densely arranged leaves. Flowers are also beautiful, white-green banded in dark red.

Stems ²

2-8 mm thick, glaucous-green becoming tan, with short spreading or ascending branches.

Rosettes ²

Small often cespitose, 1.5-4.5 cm wide, of 15-50 crowded leaves or leaves more separated, especially below.

Leaves ²

Ovate, club-shaped, spatulate or narrowly obovate, obtuse to broadly acute, apiculate, mostly papillose at tip, (8-)10-18(-22) mm long, 4-7(-11) mm broad, 2-4(-6) mm thick, the margins rounded, the base to 2.5 mm wide. They are colourful bluish green or silver-grey that can become pink according to the season or sun exposure, commonly tipped with purplish red and covered with a greyish bloom.

Sources and Credits

More Info

iNat Map

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