botany Botany, also called , plant biology or phytology, is the science of plant life and a branch of biology. A botanist, plant scientist or phytologist is a scientist who specialises in this field. The term "botany" comes from the Ancient Greek w ...

, succulent plants, also known as succulents, are

plant Plants are predominantly photosynthetic eukaryotes of the kingdom Plantae. Historically, the plant kingdom encompassed all living things that were not animals, and included algae and fungi; however, all current definitions of Plantae exclud ...

s with parts that are thickened, fleshy, and engorged, usually to retain water in

arid A region is arid when it severely lacks available water, to the extent of hindering or preventing the growth and development of plant and animal life. Regions with arid climates tend to lack vegetation and are called xeric or desertic. Most ar ...

climates or

soil Soil, also commonly referred to as earth or dirt, is a mixture of organic matter, minerals, gases, liquids, and organisms that together support life. Some scientific definitions distinguish ''dirt'' from ''soil'' by restricting the former te ...

conditions. The word ''succulent'' comes from the Latin word ''sucus'', meaning "juice" or "sap". Succulent plants may store water in various structures, such as

leaves A leaf (plural, : leaves) is any of the principal appendages of a vascular plant plant stem, stem, usually borne laterally aboveground and specialized for photosynthesis. Leaves are collectively called foliage, as in "autumn foliage", wh ...

and stems. The water content of some succulent organs can get up to 90–95%, such as '' Glottiphyllum semicyllindricum'' and '' Mesembryanthemum barkleyii''. Some definitions also include

root In vascular plants, the roots are the organs of a plant that are modified to provide anchorage for the plant and take in water and nutrients into the plant body, which allows plants to grow taller and faster. They are most often below the su ...

s, thus

geophyte A storage organ is a part of a plant specifically modified for storage of energy (generally in the form of carbohydrates) or water. Storage organs often grow underground, where they are better protected from attack by herbivores. Plants that have ...

s that survive unfavorable periods by dying back to underground storage organs may be regarded as succulents. The habitats of these water-preserving plants are often in areas with high temperatures and low rainfall, such as

desert A desert is a barren area of landscape where little precipitation occurs and, consequently, living conditions are hostile for plant and animal life. The lack of vegetation exposes the unprotected surface of the ground to denudation. About on ...

s, but succulents may be found even in

alpine Alpine may refer to any mountainous region. It may also refer to: Places Europe * Alps, a European mountain range ** Alpine states, which overlap with the European range Australia * Alpine, New South Wales, a Northern Village * Alpine National Pa ...

ecosystems growing in rocky soil. Succulents are characterized by their ability to thrive on limited water sources, such as mist and dew, which makes them equipped to survive in an

ecosystem An ecosystem (or ecological system) consists of all the organisms and the physical environment with which they interact. These biotic and abiotic components are linked together through nutrient cycles and energy flows. Energy enters the syste ...

that contains scarce water sources. Succulents are not a taxonomic category, since the term describes only the attributes of a particular species; some species in a genus or family may be succulent, whereas others are less so or not at all. Many plant families have multiple succulent species found within them (more than 25 plant families). In some families, such as

Aizoaceae The Aizoaceae, or fig-marigold family, is a large family of dicotyledonous flowering plant Flowering plants are plants that bear flowers and fruits, and form the clade Angiospermae (), commonly called angiosperms. The term "angiosperm" is d ...

Cactaceae A cactus (, or less commonly, cactus) is a member of the plant family Cactaceae, a family comprising about 127 genera with some 1750 known species of the order Caryophyllales. The word ''cactus'' derives, through Latin, from the Ancient Gree ...

, and

Crassulaceae The Crassulaceae (from Latin ''crassus'', thick), also known as the stonecrop family or the orpine family, are a diverse family of dicotyledon flowering plants characterized by succulent leaves and a unique form of photosynthesis, known as Crass ...

, most species are succulents. In

horticultural Horticulture is the branch of agriculture that deals with the art, science, technology, and business of plant cultivation. It includes the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, herbs, sprouts, mushrooms, algae, flowers, seaweeds and no ...

use, the term is sometimes used in a way that excludes plants that

botanists This is a list of botanists who have Wikipedia articles, in alphabetical order by surname. The List of botanists by author abbreviation is mostly a list of plant taxonomists because an author receives a standard abbreviation only when that auth ...

would regard as succulents, such as

cacti A cactus (, or less commonly, cactus) is a member of the plant family Cactaceae, a family comprising about 127 genera with some 1750 known species of the order Caryophyllales. The word ''cactus'' derives, through Latin, from the Ancient Greek ...

. Succulents are often grown as

ornamental plant Ornamental plants or garden plants are plants that are primarily grown for their beauty but also for qualities such as scent or how they shape physical space. Many flowering plants and garden varieties tend to be specially bred cultivars that i ...

s because of their striking and unusual appearance, as well as their ability to thrive with relatively minimal care.

Definition

By definition, succulent plants are

drought A drought is defined as drier than normal conditions.Douville, H., K. Raghavan, J. Renwick, R.P. Allan, P.A. Arias, M. Barlow, R. Cerezo-Mota, A. Cherchi, T.Y. Gan, J. Gergis, D. Jiang, A. Khan, W. Pokam Mba, D. Rosenfeld, J. Tierney, an ...

-resistant plants in which the leaves, stem, or roots have become more than usually fleshy by the development of water-storing tissue. Other sources exclude roots as in the definition "a plant with thick, fleshy and swollen stems and/or leaves, adapted to dry environments". The difference affects the relationship between succulents and "

geophytes A storage organ is a part of a plant specifically modified for storage of energy (generally in the form of carbohydrates) or water. Storage organs often grow underground, where they are better protected from attack by herbivores. Plants that have ...

"–plants that survive unfavorable seasons as a resting bud on an underground organ. The underground organs, such as bulbs,

corm A corm, bulbo-tuber, or bulbotuber is a short, vertical, swollen underground plant stem that serves as a storage organ that some plants use to survive winter or other adverse conditions such as summer drought and heat (perennation). The word ' ...

s, and

tuber Tubers are a type of enlarged structure used as storage organs for nutrients in some plants. They are used for the plant's perennation (survival of the winter or dry months), to provide energy and nutrients for regrowth during the next growin ...

s, are often fleshy with water-storing tissues. Thus if roots are included in the definition, many geophytes would be classed as succulents. Plants adapted to living in dry environments such as succulents, are termed ''

xerophyte A xerophyte (from Ancient Greek language, Greek ξηρός ''xeros'' 'dry' + φυτόν ''phuton'' 'plant') is a species of plant that has adaptations to survive in an environment with little liquid water, such as a desert such as the Sahara or pl ...

s''. However, not all xerophytes are succulents, since there are other ways of adapting to a shortage of water, e.g., by developing small leaves which may roll up or having leathery rather than succulent leaves. Nor are all succulents xerophytes, as plants such as ''

Crassula helmsii ''Crassula helmsii'', known as swamp stonecrop or New Zealand pigmyweed, is an aquatic or semiterrestrial species of succulent plant in the family Crassulaceae The Crassulaceae (from Latin ''crassus'', thick), also known as the stonecrop fam ...

'' are both succulent and aquatic. Succulent in San Francisco

Some who grow succulents as a hobby may use the term in a different way from botanists. In

use, the term ''succulent'' regularly excludes cacti. For example, Jacobsen's three volume ''Handbook of Succulent Plants'' does not include cacti. Many books covering the cultivation of these plants include "cacti and succulents" as the title or part of the title. However, in botanical terminology, cacti are succulents, but not the reverse as many succulent plants are not cacti. Cacti form a

monophyletic In cladistics for a group of organisms, monophyly is the condition of being a clade—that is, a group of taxa composed only of a common ancestor (or more precisely an ancestral population) and all of its lineal descendants. Monophyletic gro ...

group and apart from one species are native only to the New World (the

Americas The Americas, which are sometimes collectively called America, are a landmass comprising the totality of North and South America. The Americas make up most of the land in Earth's Western Hemisphere and comprise the New World. Along with th ...

), but through

parallel evolution Parallel evolution is the similar development of a trait in distinct species that are not closely related, but share a similar original trait in response to similar evolutionary pressure.Zhang, J. and Kumar, S. 1997Detection of convergent and paral ...

similar looking plants in completely different families like the

Apocynaceae Apocynaceae (from ''Apocynum'', Greek for "dog-away") is a family of flowering plants that includes trees, shrubs, herbs, stem succulents, and vines, commonly known as the dogbane family, because some taxa were used as dog poison Members of ...

evolved in the Old World. A further difficulty for general identification is that plant families are neither ''succulent'' nor ''non-succulent'' and can contain both. In many genera and families, there is a continuous gradation from plants with thin leaves and normal stems to those with very clearly thickened and fleshy leaves or stems. The ''succulent'' characteristic becomes meaningless for dividing plants into genera and families. Different sources may classify the same species differently. Horticulturists often follow commercial conventions and may exclude other groups of plants such as

bromeliads The Bromeliaceae (the bromeliads) are a family of monocot flowering plants of about 80 genera and 3700 known species, native mainly to the tropical Americas, with several species found in the American subtropics and one in tropical west Africa, ...

, that scientifically are considered succulents. A practical horticultural definition has become "a succulent plant is any desert plant that a succulent plant collector wishes to grow", without any consideration of scientific classifications. Commercial presentations of "succulent" plants will present those that customers commonly identify as such. Plants offered commercially then as "succulents" (such as

hen and chicks Hen and chicks (also known as hen-and-chickens, or hen-widdies in the southern United States) is a common name for a group of small succulent plants, a term that indicates a plant that possesses enlarged parts to store water. It belongs to t ...

), will less often include geophytes (in which the swollen storage organ is wholly underground), but will include plants with a caudex, that is a swollen above-ground organ at soil level, formed from a stem, a root, or both.

Appearance

The storage of water often gives succulent plants a more swollen or fleshy appearance than other plants, a characteristic known as succulence. In addition to succulence, succulent plants variously have other water-saving features. These may include: *

crassulacean acid metabolism Crassulacean acid metabolism, also known as CAM photosynthesis, is a carbon fixation pathway that evolved in some plants as an adaptation to arid conditions that allows a plant to photosynthesize during the day, but only exchange gases at night. ...

(CAM) to minimize water loss * absent, reduced, or cylindrical-to-spherical leaves * reduction in the number of stomata * stems as the main site of

photosynthesis Photosynthesis is a process used by plants and other organisms to convert light energy into chemical energy that, through cellular respiration, can later be released to fuel the organism's activities. Some of this chemical energy is stored i ...

, rather than leaves * compact, reduced, cushion-like, columnar, or spherical growth form * ribs enabling rapid increases in plant volume and decreasing surface area exposed to the sun * waxy, hairy, or spiny outer surface to create a humid micro-habitat around the plant, which reduces air movement near the surface of the plant, and thereby reduces water loss and may create shade * roots very near the surface of the soil, so they are able to take up moisture from very small showers or even from heavy

dew Dew is water in the form of droplets that appears on thin, exposed objects in the morning or evening due to condensation. As the exposed surface cools by radiating its heat, atmospheric moisture condenses at a rate greater than that at wh ...

* ability to remain plump and full of water even with high internal temperatures (e.g., ) * very impervious outer cuticle (skin) *fast wound sealing and healing * mucilaginous substances, which retain water abundantly

Habitat

Other than in

Antarctica Antarctica () is Earth's southernmost and least-populated continent. Situated almost entirely south of the Antarctic Circle and surrounded by the Southern Ocean, it contains the geographic South Pole. Antarctica is the fifth-largest contine ...

, succulents can be found within each continent. According to the

World Wildlife Fund The World Wide Fund for Nature Inc. (WWF) is an international non-governmental organization founded in 1961 that works in the field of wilderness preservation and the reduction of human impact on the environment. It was formerly named the Wo ...

South Africa South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa (RSA), is the southernmost country in Africa. It is bounded to the south by of coastline that stretch along the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans; to the north by the neighbouring countri ...

is home to around a third of all succulent species. While it is often thought that most succulents come from dry areas such as

steppe In physical geography, a steppe () is an ecoregion characterized by grassland plains without trees apart from those near rivers and lakes. Steppe biomes may include: * the montane grasslands and shrublands biome * the temperate grasslands, ...

s, semi-desert, and

, the world's driest areas do not make for proper succulent habitats, mainly due to the difficulty such low growing plants or seedlings would have to thrive in environments where they could easily be covered by sand. Australia, the world's driest inhabited continent, hosts very few native succulents due to the frequent and prolonged droughts. Even Africa, the continent with the most native succulents, does not host many of the plants in its most dry regions. However, while succulents are unable to grow in these harshest of conditions, they are able to grow in conditions that are uninhabitable by other plants. In fact, many succulents are able to thrive in dry conditions, and some are able to last up to two years without water depending on their surroundings and adaptations. Occasionally, succulents may occur as epiphytes, growing on other plants with limited or no contact with the ground, and being dependent on their ability to store water and gaining nutrients by other means; it is seen in ''

Tillandsia ''Tillandsia'' is a genus of around 650 species of evergreen, perennial flowering plants in the family Bromeliaceae, native to the forests, mountains and deserts of northern Mexico and south-eastern United States, Mesoamerica and the Caribbean to ...

''. Succulents also occur as inhabitants of

sea The sea, connected as the world ocean or simply the ocean, is the body of salty water that covers approximately 71% of the Earth's surface. The word sea is also used to denote second-order sections of the sea, such as the Mediterranean Sea, ...

coast The coast, also known as the coastline or seashore, is defined as the area where land meets the ocean, or as a line that forms the boundary between the land and the coastline. The Earth has around of coastline. Coasts are important zones in n ...

s and dry lakes, which are exposed to high levels of dissolved minerals that are deadly to many other plant species. California is home to close to hundred succulent species that are native to the state, many of them live in coastal environments. Potted succulents are able to grow in most indoor environments with minimal care.

Conservation

In South Africa, several species have been threatened with extinction due to poaching from the wild for the black market and mining related activities. The plants are mainly sold to collectors in Asian countries, where there has been a high demand for them. It is illegal since 1974 to be in possession of protected succulents such as the ''

Conophytum ''Conophytum'' is a genus of South African and Namibian succulent plants that belong to the family Aizoaceae. The name is derived from the Latin ''conus'' (cone) and Greek ''phytum'' (plant). The plants are also known as knopies (buttons in ...

'' without authorisation in the

Western Cape The Western Cape is a province of South Africa, situated on the south-western coast of the country. It is the fourth largest of the nine provinces with an area of , and the third most populous, with an estimated 7 million inhabitants in 2020 ...

and Northern Cape, the two South African provinces where they grow.

Families and genera

Flickr - brewbooks - Kalanchoe longiflora var

There are approximately sixty different plant families that contain succulents. Plant orders, families, and genera in which succulent species occur are listed below. Order

Alismatales The Alismatales (alismatids) are an order of flowering plants including about 4,500 species. Plants assigned to this order are mostly Tropical vegetation, tropical or Aquatic plant, aquatic. Some grow in fresh water, some in marine habitats. ...

Araceae The Araceae are a family of monocotyledonous flowering plants in which flowers are borne on a type of inflorescence called a spadix. The spadix is usually accompanied by, and sometimes partially enclosed in, a spathe (or leaf-like bract). Also ...

: '' Zamioculcas'' Order

Apiales The Apiales are an order of flowering plants. The families are those recognized in the APG III system. This is typical of the newer classifications, though there is some slight variation and in particular, the Torriceliaceae may also be divide ...

Apiaceae Apiaceae or Umbelliferae is a family of mostly aromatic flowering plants named after the type genus ''Apium'' and commonly known as the celery, carrot or parsley family, or simply as umbellifers. It is the 16th-largest family of flowering plants ...

: '' Azorella,

Crithmum ''Crithmum'' is a monospecific genus of flowering plant in the carrot family Apiaceae, with the sole species ''Crithmum maritimum'', known as rock samphire, sea fennel or samphire. The name "samphire" is also used for several other unrela ...

'' *

Araliaceae The Araliaceae are a family of flowering plants composed of about 43 genera and around 1500 species consisting of primarily woody plants and some herbaceous plants. The morphology of Araliaceae varies widely, but it is predominantly distinguish ...

: ''

Cussonia ''Cussonia'' is a genus of plants of the family Araliaceae, which is native to the Afrotropics. It originated in Africa and has its center of distribution in South Africa and the Mascarene Islands. Due to their striking habit, they are a consp ...

'' Order

Arecales Arecales is an order of flowering plants. The order has been widely recognised only for the past few decades; until then, the accepted name for the order including these plants was Principes. Taxonomy The APG IV system of 2016 places Dasypogo ...

(also called Principes) *

Arecaceae The Arecaceae is a family of perennial flowering plants in the monocot order Arecales. Their growth form can be climbers, shrubs, tree-like and stemless plants, all commonly known as palms. Those having a tree-like form are called palm trees ...

(also called Palmae) ''

Jubaea ''Jubaea'' is a genus of palms with one species, ''Jubaea chilensis'' or ''Jubaea spectabilis'', commonly known in English as the Chilean wine palm or Chile cocopalm, and palma chilena in Spanish. It is native to southwestern South America and i ...

'' Order

Asparagales Asparagales (asparagoid lilies) is an order of plants in modern classification systems such as the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group (APG) and the Angiosperm Phylogeny Web. The order takes its name from the type family Asparagaceae and is placed in t ...

Amaryllidaceae The Amaryllidaceae are a family of herbaceous, mainly perennial and bulbous (rarely rhizomatous) flowering plants in the monocot order Asparagales. The family takes its name from the genus ''Amaryllis'' and is commonly known as the amaryllis fa ...

(geophytes): ''

Amaryllis ''Amaryllis'' () is the only genus in the subtribe Amaryllidinae (tribe Amaryllideae). It is a small genus of flowering bulbs, with two species. The better known of the two, ''Amaryllis belladonna'', is a native of the Western Cape region of ...

'', ''

Boophone ''Boophone'' is a small genus of herbaceous, perennial and bulbous plants in the Amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae, subfamily Amaryllidoideae.) It consists of two confirmed species distributed across South Africa to Kenya and Uganda. It is closel ...

'', ''

Clivia ''Clivia'' is a genus of monocot flowering plants native to southern Africa. They are from the family Amaryllidaceae, subfamily Amaryllidoideae. Common names are Natal lily or bush lily. They are herbaceous or evergreen perennial plants, with g ...

,'' ''

Crinum ''Crinum'' is a genus of about 180 species of perennial plants that have large showy flowers on leafless stems, and develop from bulbs. They are found in seasonally moist areas, including marshes, swamps, depressions and along the sides of strea ...

Cryptostephanus ''Cryptostephanus'' is a genus of African plants in the Amaryllis family, native to Kenya, Tanzania, Angola, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Its closest relative is '' Clivia'', with which it shares some characters, including thick, fleshy roo ...

'', '' Cyrtanthus'', ''

Haemanthus ''Haemanthus'' is a Southern African genus of flowering plants in the family Amaryllidaceae, subfamily Amaryllidoideae. Members of the genus are known as blood lily and paintbrush lily. There are some 22 known species, native to South Africa, B ...

'', ''

Rauhia ''Rauhia'' is a genus of Peruvian plants in the Amaryllidaceae, Amaryllis family. ;Species *''Rauhia decora'' Ravenna - Perú (Amazonas Region, Amazonas) *''Rauhia multiflora'' (Kunth) Ravenna - Perú (Cajamarca Region, Cajamarca) *''Rauhia occi ...

'', ''

Scadoxus ''Scadoxus'' is a genus of African and Arabian plants in the Amaryllidaceae, Amaryllis family, subfamily Amaryllidoideae. The English names blood lily or blood flower are used for some of the species. The genus has close affinities with ''Haemant ...

'', '' Stenomesson'' * Asparagaceae **

Agavoideae Agavoideae is a subfamily of monocot flowering plants in the family Asparagaceae, order Asparagales. It has previously been treated as a separate family, Agavaceae. The group includes many well-known desert and dry-zone types, such as the agaves ...

: ''

Agave ''Agave'' (; ; ) is a genus of monocots native to the hot and arid regions of the Americas and the Caribbean, although some ''Agave'' species are also native to tropical areas of North America, such as Mexico. The genus is primarily known for ...

'', ''

Beschorneria Beschorneria is a genus of succulent plants belonging to the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Agavoideae, native to semi-arid areas of Mexico and Central America. They are generally large evergreen perennials forming clumps of grey-green leaves, w ...

'', ''

Furcraea ''Furcraea'' is a genus of succulent plants belonging to the family Asparagaceae, native to tropical regions of Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and northern South America. Some species are also naturalized in parts of Africa, the United S ...

'', ''

Hesperaloe ''Hesperaloe'' (false yucca) is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Agavoideae. It contains perennial yucca-like plants with long, narrow leaves produced in a basal rosette and flowers borne on long panicles or race ...

'', ''

Hesperoyucca ''Hesperoyucca'' is a small genus of two recognized species of flowering plants closely related to, and recently split from, ''Yucca'', which is in the century plant subfamily within the asparagus family. Description ''Hesperoyucca'' is distin ...

'', ''

Manfreda ''Manfreda'' was a genus of flowering plants in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Agavoideae. Along with '' Polianthes'', members are commonly called tuberoses. The generic name honours 14th-century Italian writer Manfredus de Monte Imperiale. ...

Polianthes ''Polianthes'' ''Sunset Western Garden Book,'' 1995:606–607 is a formerly recognized genus of plants in family (biology), family Asparagaceae, subfamily Agavoideae. Molecular phylogenetics, molecular phylogenetic studies showed that ''Polianthes ...

,'' ''

Yucca ''Yucca'' is a genus of perennial plant, perennial shrubs and trees in the family (biology), family Asparagaceae, subfamily Agavoideae. Its 40–50 species are notable for their Rosette (botany), rosettes of evergreen, tough, sword-shaped Leaf, ...

'' **

Lomandroideae Lomandroideae is a subfamily of monocot flowering plants in the family Asparagaceae, order Asparagales, according to the APG III system of 2009. The subfamily name is derived from the generic name of the type genus, '' Lomandra''. The group ...

: ''

Cordyline ''Cordyline'' is a genus of about 15 species of woody monocotyledonous flowering plants in family Asparagaceae, subfamily Lomandroideae. The subfamily has previously been treated as a separate family Laxmanniaceae, or Lomandraceae. Other authors ...

'' **

Nolinoideae Nolinoideae is a monocot subfamily of the family Asparagaceae in the APG III system of 2009. It used to be treated as a separate family, Ruscaceae s.l. The family name is derived from the generic name of the type genus, ''Nolina''. The subfam ...

: ''

Beaucarnea ''Beaucarnea'' is a genus of flowering plants native to Mexico and Central America. In the APG III classification system, it is placed in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Nolinoideae (formerly the family Ruscaceae). ''Beaucarnea'' is sometime ...

'', ''

Calibanus ''Calibanus'' is a genus of two species of flowering plants, both evergreen succulents from dry areas of northeastern Mexico. The APG III classification system places it in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Nolinoideae (formerly the family Ru ...

'', ''

Dasylirion ''Dasylirion'' is a genus of North American plants in the asparagus family, all native to Mexico, with the ranges of three species also extending into the south-western United States. In the APG III classification system, it is placed in the fa ...

'', '' Dracaena'', ''

Nolina ''Nolina'' is a genus of tropical xerophytic flowering plants, with the principal distribution being in Mexico and extending into the southern United States. They are large, dioecious plants. Some botanists have included the genus '' Beaucarne ...

'' ** Scilloideae (Hyacinthaceae): ''

Albuca ''Albuca'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Scilloideae. The genus is distributed mainly in southern and eastern Africa, with some species occurring in northern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Plants of the g ...

'', ''

Bowiea ''Bowiea'' is a genus of bulbous, perennial, succulent plants which thrive in dry and desert regions of eastern and southern Africa. It is native to a region stretching from Kenya to Cape Province. The genus contains a single species, ''Bowiea v ...

'', ''

Daubenya ''Daubenya'' is a genus of bulbous flowering plants in the family (biology), family Asparagaceae, subfamily Scilloideae (also treated as the family Hyacinthaceae).Stevens, P.F. (2001 onwards),Asparagales: Scilloideae, ''Angiosperm Phylogeny Websi ...

'', ''

Drimia ''Drimia'' is a genus of flowering plants. In the APG IV classification system, it is placed in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Scilloideae (formerly the family Hyacinthaceae). When broadly circumscribed, the genus includes a number of other ...

'', ''

Eucomis ''Eucomis'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Scilloideae, native to southern Africa. Most species of this genus are commonly referred to as pineapple flowers or pineapple lilies. They are bulbous perennials wit ...

'', ''

Lachenalia ''Lachenalia'' is a genus of bulbous perennial plants in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Scilloideae, which are usually found in Namibia and South Africa. Most of them have a dormancy period, but new roots will always grow every year. ''Lache ...

'', ''

Ledebouria ''Ledebouria'' is a genus of African bulbous perennial herbs in the Asparagus family, Asparagaceae, subfamily Scilloideae. Most members were previously part of the genus ''Scilla''. A number of species are grown by cacti and succulent enthusi ...

'', ''

Massonia ''Massonia'' is a genus of bulbous perennial flowering plants in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Scilloideae (also treated as the family Hyacinthaceae). It is native to southern Africa, and is found in localities such as Namaqualand with ho ...

'', ''

Ornithogalum ''Ornithogalum'' is a genus of perennial plants mostly native to southern Europe and southern Africa belonging to the family Asparagaceae. Some species are native to other areas such as the Caucasus. Growing from a bulb, species have linear bas ...

'', ''

Scilla ''Scilla'' () is a genus of about 30 to 80 species of bulb-forming perennial herbaceous plants in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Scilloideae. Sometimes called the squills in English, they are native to woodlands, subalpine meadows, and sea ...

'', '' Urginea,'' ''

Veltheimia ''Veltheimia'' is a genus of perennial plants native to the Cape Provinces of South Africa in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Scilloideae Scilloideae (named after the genus '' Scilla'', "squill") is a subfamily of bulbous plants within the ...

'' *

Doryanthaceae ''Doryanthes'' is the sole genus in the flowering plant family Doryanthaceae. The genus consists of two species, '' D. excelsa'' (gymea lily) and '' D. palmeri'' (giant spear lily), both endemic natives of the coast of Eastern Australia., p. 312 ...

: '' Doryanthes'' *

Orchidaceae Orchids are plants that belong to the family Orchidaceae (), a diverse and widespread group of flowering plants with blooms that are often colourful and fragrant. Along with the Asteraceae, they are one of the two largest families of flowering ...

: ''

Acampe ''Acampe'', abbreviated as Acp in horticultural trade, is a genus of monopodial, epiphytic vandaceous species of orchids, distributed from tropical Asia from India, eastwards to China and southwards to Malaysia, and the Philippines as well as f ...

'', ''

Aerangis ''Aerangis'', abbreviated as Aergs in horticultural trade, is a genus of the Orchid family (Orchidaceae). The name of this genus has been derived from the Greek words 'aer' (air) and 'angos' (urn), referring to the form of the lip. It is the type ...

'', '' Ansellia'', '' Bolusiella'', ''

Bulbophyllum ''Bulbophyllum'' is a genus of mostly epiphytic and lithophytic orchids in the family Orchidaceae. It is the largest genus in the orchid family and one of the largest genera of flowering plants with more than 2,000 species, exceeded in number o ...

'', ''

Cirrhopetalum ''Bulbophyllum'' sect. ''Cirrhopetalum'' is a Section (biology), section of the genus ''Bulbophyllum''. The taxon name comes from Latin ''cirrus'' (''fringe'') and Greek language, Greek ''petalon'' (''petal''), hence meaning ''fringed-petaled'' ...

,'' '' Calanthe'', '' Cyrtorchis'', '' Dendrobium cucumerinum'', ''

Eulophia ''Eulophia'', commonly known as corduroy orchids, is a genus of about two hundred species of flowering plants in the orchid family, Orchidaceae. Most ''Eulophia'' orchids are terrestrial but some are deciduous while others are evergreen. They ei ...

'', '' Liparis'', '' Oberonia'', '' Oeceoclades'', '' Polystachya'', '' Tridactyle'', ''

Vanilla Vanilla is a spice derived from orchids of the genus ''Vanilla (genus), Vanilla'', primarily obtained from pods of the Mexican species, flat-leaved vanilla (''Vanilla planifolia, V. planifolia''). Pollination is required to make the p ...

'' *

Asphodelaceae Asphodelaceae is a family of flowering plants in the order Asparagales. Such a family has been recognized by most taxonomists, but the circumscription has varied widely. In its current circumscription in the APG IV system, it includes about 4 ...

** subfamily

Asphodeloideae Asphodeloideae is a subfamily of the monocot family Asphodelaceae in the order Asparagales. It has previously been treated as a separate family, Asphodelaceae ''sensu stricto''. The family Asphodelaceae has now been proposed to be a nomen conserv ...

: '' Aloe'' (succulents and succulent geophytes), '' Astroloba'', ''

Tulista ''Tulista'' is a small genus of succulent plants endemic to South Africa. They were formerly included within the genus ''Haworthia''. Characteristics The genus is characterised by a large size (relative to other haworthias), by their stemless ro ...

'', '' × Astrolista'', ''

Bulbine ''Bulbine'' is a genus of plants in the family Asphodelaceae and subfamily Asphodeloideae, named for the bulb-shaped tuber of many species. It was formerly placed in the Liliaceae. It is found chiefly in Southern Africa, with a few species extend ...

'' (succulent geophytes, succulents, and geophytes), '' Bulbinella'' (geophyte), '' Chortolirion'' (succulent geophytes), ''

Gasteria ''Gasteria'' is a genus of succulent plants, native to South Africa (and the far south-west corner of Namibia). Naming The genus is named for its stomach-shaped flowers (''"gaster"'' is Latin for "stomach") that result from the swollen base on t ...

'', ''

Gonialoe ''Gonialoe'' (the partridge aloes) is a small genus of three succulent plant species, indigenous to South Africa, Namibia and Angola. They were formerly included within the related genus ''Aloe''. The three species are '' Gonialoe variegata, Gon ...

'', ''

Haworthia ''Haworthia'' is a large genus of small succulent plants endemic to Southern Africa ( Mozambique, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini and South Africa). Like the aloes, they are members of the subfamily Asphodeloideae and they generally resemble ...

'', ''

Trachyandra ''Trachyandra'' is a genus of plant in the family Asphodelaceae, subfamily Asphodeloideae,Stevens, P.F. (2001 onwards)"Asphodeloideae" ''Angiosperm Phylogeny Website'', retrieved 2016-06-10 first described as a genus in 1843. It is native to eas ...

'' (succulent geophytes and succulents), ** subfamily Xanothorrhoeoidae: ''

Xanthorrhoea ''Xanthorrhoea'' () is a genus of about 30 species of flowering plants endemic to Australia. Species are known by the name grass tree. Description All are perennials and have a secondary thickening meristem in the stem. Many, but not all, ...

'' Order

Asterales Asterales () is an order of dicotyledonous flowering plants that includes the large family Asteraceae (or Compositae) known for composite flowers made of florets, and ten families related to the Asteraceae. While asterids in general are charact ...

Asteraceae The family Asteraceae, alternatively Compositae, consists of over 32,000 known species of flowering plants in over 1,900 genera within the order Asterales. Commonly referred to as the aster, daisy, composite, or sunflower family, Compositae w ...

: '' Arctotheca'', '' Baeriopsis'', ''

Chrysanthemoides ''Chrysanthemoides'' is one of eight genera of the Calenduleae, with a centre of diversity in South Africa. The genus contains only two species, but is known for the invasive "Bitou Bush" '' Chrysanthemoides monilifera''. Studies of this genus h ...

'', '' Coulterella'', ''

Crassocephalum ''Crassocephalum'' is a genus the common names of whose members include ragleaf, thickhead, and bologi. Several species are raised as leaf vegetables and used for medicine, especially in West Africa. Similar to Senecio, but differing in never h ...

'', ''

Curio Curio may refer to: Objects *Bric-à-brac, lesser objets d'art for display * Cabinet of curiosities, a room-sized collection or exhibit of curios or curiosities *Collectables *Curio cabinet, a cabinet constructed for the display of curios People ...

'', ''

Delairea ''Delairea'' is a plant genus within the family Asteraceae that is native to South Africa. Classified within the tribe Senecioneae, it contains only one species, ''Delairea odorata'', which was previously included in the genus ''Senecio'' as ''Se ...

'', ''

Didelta ''Didelta'' is a genus of shrubs of up to 1 or 2 meter high, with two known species in the daisy family. Like in almost all Asteraceae, the individual flowers are 5-merous, small and clustered in typical heads, and are surrounded by an involucr ...

'', ''

Emilia Emilia may refer to: People * Emilia (given name), list of people with this name Places * Emilia (region), a historical region of Italy. Reggio, Emilia * Emilia-Romagna, an administrative region in Italy, including the historical regions of Emi ...

'', '' Eremothamnus'', ''

Gymnodiscus ''Gymnodiscus'' is a genus of South Africa, South African flowering plants in the Asteraceae, sunflower family.Gynura ''Gynura'' is a genus of flowering plants in the daisy family Asteraceae The family Asteraceae, alternatively Compositae, consists of over 32,000 known species of flowering plants in over 1,900 genera within the order Asterales. Commonly r ...

'', '' Hillardiella'' (geophyte), '' Lopholaena'', '' Monoculus'', ''

Nidorella ''Nidorella'' is a genus of African flowering plants in the tribe Astereae within the family Asteraceae The family Asteraceae, alternatively Compositae, consists of over 32,000 known species of flowering plants in over 1,900 genera within ...

'', ''

Osteospermum ''Osteospermum'' , is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the Calenduleae, one of the smaller tribes of the sunflower/daisy family Asteraceae. They are known as the daisybushes or African daisies. ''Osteospermum'' used to belong to the gen ...

'', '' Othonna'' (succulents and succulent geophytes), '' Phaneroglossa'', '' Poecilolepis'', '' Polyachyrus'', ''

Pteronia ''Pteronia'' ("resin daisies") is a genus of evergreen, woody perennial plants assigned to the family Asteraceae with currently 76 described species. Like in almost all Asteraceae, the individual flowers are 5-merous, small and clustered in typi ...

'', ''

Senecio ''Senecio'' is a genus of flowering plants in the daisy family (Asteraceae) that includes ragworts and groundsels. Variously circumscribed taxonomically, the genus ''Senecio'' is one of the largest genera of flowering plants. Description Mor ...

'', '' Solanecio'', '' Tripteris'' *

Campanulaceae The family Campanulaceae (also bellflower family), of the order Asterales, contains nearly 2400 species in 84 genera of herbaceous plants, shrubs, and rarely small trees, often with milky sap. Among them are several familiar garden plants belo ...

: ''

Brighamia The Hawaiian lobelioids are a group of flowering plants in the bellflower family, Campanulaceae, subfamily Lobelioideae, all of which are endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. This is the largest plant radiation in the Hawaiian Islands, and indeed t ...

'' Order

Brassicales The Brassicales (or Cruciales) are an order of flowering plants, belonging to the eurosids II group of dicotyledons under the APG II system. One character common to many members of the order is the production of glucosinolate (mustard oil) compo ...

Brassicaceae Brassicaceae () or (the older) Cruciferae () is a medium-sized and economically important family of flowering plants commonly known as the mustards, the crucifers, or the cabbage family. Most are herbaceous plants, while some are shrubs. The leav ...

: '' Heliophila'', ''

Lepidium ''Lepidium'' is a genus of plants in the mustard/cabbage family, Brassicaceae. The genus is widely distributed in the Americas, Africa, Asia, Europe, and Australia.Capparidaceae The Capparaceae (or Capparidaceae), commonly known as the caper family, are a family of plants in the order Brassicales. As currently circumscribed, the family contains 33 genera and about 700 species. The largest genera are '' Capparis'' (about ...

: '' Maerua'' * Caricaceae: ''

Carica ''Carica'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Caricaceae including the papaya (''C. papaya'' syn. ''C. peltata'', ''C. posoposa''), a widely cultivated fruit tree native to the American tropics. The genus was formerly treated as incl ...

'', '' Jacarathia'' *

Moringaceae ''Moringa'' is the sole genus in the plant family Moringaceae. It contains 13 species from tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Asia that range in size from tiny herbs to massive trees. ''Moringa'' species grow quickly in many types of ...

: '' Moringa'' Order

Caryophyllales Caryophyllales ( ) is a diverse and heterogeneous order of flowering plants that includes the cacti, carnations, amaranths, ice plants, beets, and many carnivorous plants. Many members are succulent, having fleshy stems or leaves. The betalai ...

: '' Corbichonia'', ''

Gisekia ''Gisekia'' is a genus of flowering plants. It is the only genus in the family Gisekiaceae. The family was recognized in the APG II system (2003) and assigned to the order Caryophyllales in the clade core eudicots. This represents a change from t ...

'', '' Herreanthus'', '' Limeum'', '' Ophthalmophyllum'', ''

Saphesia ''Saphesia'' is a monotypic genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Aizoaceae The Aizoaceae, or fig-marigold family, is a large family of dicotyledonous flowering plants containing 135 genera and about 1800 species. They are common ...

'' ** subfamily Aizooideae: '' Acrosanthes'', '' Aizoanthemum'', ''

Aizoon ''Aizoon'' or ''Aizoön'' is a genus of flowering plants in the iceplant family, Aizoaceae. Distribution Apart from A. canariense (which is native to Macaronesia, North Africa, Southern Africa, Horn of Africa and West Asia) all species are nat ...

'', '' Galenia'', '' Gunniopsis'', '' Plinthus'', ''

Tetragonia ''Tetragonia'' is a genus of about 85 species of flowering plants in the family Aizoaceae, native to temperate and subtropical regions mostly of the Southern Hemisphere, in New Zealand, Australia, southern Africa and South America. Descriptio ...

'' ** subfamily Mesembryanthemoideae (syn.

Mesembryanthemaceae The Aizoaceae, or fig-marigold family, is a large Family (biology), family of dicotyledonous flowering plants containing 135 genus, genera and about 1800 species. They are commonly known as ice plants or carpet weeds. They are often called vygies ...

): ''

Aptenia ''Aptenia'' is a small genus of flowering plants in the family Aizoaceae. They are native to southern Africa.Aridaria'', '' Aspazoma'', ''

Brownanthus ''Mesembryanthemum'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Aizoaceae; like many members of this family, it is characterized by long-lasting flower heads. Flowers of ''Mesembryanthemum'' protect their gametes from night-time dews or frosts ...

'', '' Calamophyllum'', '' Caulipsilon'', ''

'', '' Dactylopsis'', '' Erepsia'', '' Hameria'', '' Hartmanthus'', ''

Hymenogyne ''Hymenogyne'' is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Aizoaceae. It is native to South Africa. Species: *''Hymenogyne conica'' *''Hymenogyne glabra ''Hymenogyne'' is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Aizoace ...

'', '' Marlothistela'', ''

Mesembryanthemum ''Mesembryanthemum'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Aizoaceae; like many members of this family, it is characterized by long-lasting flower heads. Flowers of ''Mesembryanthemum'' protect their gametes from night-time dews or frosts ...

'', '' Phiambolia'', '' Phyllobolus'', '' Prenia'', '' Psilocaulon'', ''

Ruschiella ''Ruschiella'' is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Aizoaceae The Aizoaceae, or fig-marigold family, is a large family of dicotyledonous flowering plants containing 135 genera and about 1800 species. They are commonly known ...

'', '' Sarozona'', ''

Sceletium Sceletium tortuosum is a succulent plant commonly found in South Africa, which is also known as Kanna, Channa, Kougoed (Kauwgoed/ 'kougoed', prepared from 'fermenting' ''S. tortuosum'')—which literally means, 'chew(able) things' or 'somethin ...

'', '' Synaptophyllum'' ** subfamily Ruschioideae: *** tribe Apatesieae: '' Apatesia'', '' Carpanthea'', '' Caryotophora'', '' Conicosia'', ''

'', ''

'', '' Skiatophytum'' *** tribe

Dorotheantheae Dorotheantheae is a small tribe of annual succulents in the Aizoaceae subfamily Ruschioideae. Though it originally comprised three genera (''Aethephyllum'', '' Cleretum'', and ''Dorotheanthus),'' ''Cleretum'' remains as the only recognised gen ...

: ''

Aethephyllum ''Cleretum'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Aizoaceae, native to the Cape Provinces of South Africa. Taxonomy The genus ''Cleretum'' was erected by Nicholas Edward Brown in 1925. He published the name in a key, basing the diagnosis ...

'' ''

Cleretum ''Cleretum'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Aizoaceae, native to the Cape Provinces of South Africa. Taxonomy The genus ''Cleretum'' was erected by Nicholas Edward Brown in 1925. He published the name in a key, basing the diagnosis ...

'' '' Dorotheanthus'' *** tribe Ruschiae: ''

Acrodon ''Acrodon'' is a genus of ice plants from South Africa. It comprises 8 species, mostly endangered and all restricted to the southern Cape regions of the Western Cape and Eastern Cape Provinces, South Africa. Description Species of ''Acrodon'' f ...

'', '' Aloinopsis'', ''

Amphibolia ''Amphibolia'' is a genus of plant in family Aizoaceae. Species include: * ''Amphibolia obscura ''Amphibolia obscura'' is a species of plant in the family Aizoaceae. It is endemic to Namibia. Its natural habitat is rocky areas. It is threat ...

'', '' Antegibbaeum'', '' Antimima'', '' Arenifera'', '' Argyroderma'', '' Astridia'', ''

Bergeranthus ''Bergeranthus'' is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Aizoaceae. Its native range is South African Republic. Species: *''Bergeranthus albomarginatus'' *''Bergeranthus concavus'' *''Bergeranthus longisepalus'' *''Bergeranth ...

'', '' Bijlia'', '' Braunsia'', '' Brianhuntleya'', '' Carpobrotus'', '' Carruanthus'', ''

Cephalophyllum ''Cephalophyllum'' is a genus of plants in the family Aizoaceae. Species * '' Cephalophyllum alstonii'' Marloth ex L.Bolus * '' Cephalophyllum brevifolium'' L. Bolus * '' Cephalophyllum caespitosum'' H.Hartmann * '' Cephalophyllum compressum ...

'', '' Cerochlamys'', ''

Chasmatophyllum ''Chasmatophyllum'' is a genus of succulent plants native to the Karoo mountains of South Africa. The genus contains eight accepted species: *''Chasmatophyllum braunsii'' *''Chasmatophyllum maninum'' *''Chasmatophyllum musculinum'' *''Chasmatoph ...

'', '' Cheiridopsis'', '' Circandra'', ''

'', '' Corpuscularia'', ''

Cylindrophyllum ''Cylindrophyllum'' is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Aizoaceae. Its native range is South African Republic. Species: *''Cylindrophyllum calamiforme'' *''Cylindrophyllum comptonii'' *''Cylindrophyllum hallii'' *''Cylind ...

'', ''

Delosperma ''Delosperma'' ('delos'=evident, 'sperma'=seed) is a genus of around 170 species of succulent plants, formerly included in ''Mesembryanthemum'' in the family Aizoaceae. It was defined by English botanist N. E. Brown in 1925. The genus is common ...

'', '' Dicrocaulon'', '' Didymaotus'', ''

Dinteranthus ''Dinteranthus'' is a genus of plants in the family Aizoaceae. It occurs in the arid northwestern parts of the Northern Cape Province, South Africa and the south-eastern parts of Namibia. Description and taxonomy The plants are mesembs, and res ...

'', '' Diplosoma'', ''

Disphyma ''Disphyma'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Aizoaceae that are native to New Zealand, Australia and southern Africa. Plants in this genus are prostrate, annual or short-lived perennial shrubs with succulent leaves and daisy-like flo ...

'', '' Dracophilus'', '' Drosanthemum'', '' Eberlanzia'', '' Ebracteola'', '' Enarganthe'', '' Erepsia'', '' Esterhuysenia'', '' Faucaria'', ''

Fenestraria ''Fenestraria'' (known as babies' toes or window plant) is a (possibly monotypic) genus of succulent plants in the family Aizoaceae, native to the Namaqualand in Namibia. Description The only species currently recognised in this genus is '' ...

'', ''

Frithia ''Frithia'' is a genus of succulent plants in the family Aizoaceae, indigenous to several small rocky areas in the vicinity of Gauteng Province, South Africa. Description Like several of its close relatives (e.g. ''Fenestraria'') and other plant ...

'', ''

Gibbaeum ''Gibbaeum'' is a genus of about 21 species of small succulent plants of the family Aizoaceae, indigenous to the Little Karoo region of South Africa. The name "Gibbaeum" comes from the Latin ''gibbosus'' (hunchback) Description These dwarf su ...

'', ''

Glottiphyllum ''Glottiphyllum'' is a genus of about 57 species of succulent subtropical plants of the family Aizoaceae. It is closely related to the ''Gibbaeum'' and '' Faucaria'' genera. The name comes from ancient Greek γλωττίς ''glottis'' "tongue" an ...

'', '' Hallianthus'', '' Hereroa'', '' Ihlenfeldtia'', '' Imitaria'', ''

Jacobsenia ''Jacobsenia'' is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Aizoaceae. It is native to the Cape Provinces in the South African Republic. The genus name of ''Jacobsenia'' is in honour of Hermann Jacobsen (1898–1978), a German gardener ...

'', '' Jensenobotrya'', ''

Jordaaniella ''Jordaaniella'' is a genus of plants in the family Aizoaceae The Aizoaceae, or fig-marigold family, is a large family of dicotyledonous flowering plants containing 135 genera and about 1800 species. They are commonly known as ice plants or ...

'', ''

Juttadinteria ''Juttadinteria'' is a genus of plants in the family Aizoaceae The Aizoaceae, or fig-marigold family, is a large family of dicotyledonous flowering plants containing 135 genera and about 1800 species. They are commonly known as ice plants or ...

'', '' Khadia'', ''

Lampranthus ''Lampranthus'' is a genus of succulent plants in the family Aizoaceae, indigenous to southern Africa. Description The genus name ''"Lampranthus"'' means ''"shining-flowers"'' in Greek, and the species of this genus have unusually large, bright ...

'', ''

Lapidaria (plant) ''Lapidaria'' is a monotypic genus of dwarf succulent plants in the family Aizoaceae. The only species it contains is ''Lapidaria margaretae'', also known as the Karoo rose. Description ''Lapidaria margaretae'' resembles those genera within the ...

'', '' Leipoldtia'', ''

Lithops ''Lithops'' is a genus of succulent plants in the ice plant family, Aizoaceae. Members of the genus are native to southern Africa. The name is derived from the Ancient Greek words () 'stone' and () 'face', referring to the stone-like appearanc ...

'', '' Machairophyllum'', ''

Malephora ''Malephora'' is a genus of succulent plants in the ice plant family. There are 13 to 17 species in the genus, many of which are known commonly as mesembs. They are native to Africa. During the apartheid era, South African scientists have used ...

'', ''

Mestoklema ''Mestoklema'' is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Aizoaceae. Its native range is Southern Africa. Species Species: *''Mestoklema albanicum'' *''Mestoklema arboriforme'' *''Mestoklema copiosum'' *''Mestoklema elatum'' *'' ...

'', '' Meyerophytum'', '' Mitrophyllum'', ''

Monilaria ''Monilaria'' is a genus of plants in the Family (biology), family ''Aizoaceae''. List of species * ''Monilaria brevifolia'' L.Bolus * ''Monilaria chrysoleuca'' Schwantes * ''Monilaria globosa'' (L.Bolus) L.Bolus * ''Monilaria luckhoffii'' L.Bo ...

'', ''

Mossia ''Mossia'' is a monotypic genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Aizoaceae. It only contains one known species, ''Mossia intervallaris''. Its native range is Lesotho and South Africa and it is found in the provinces of the Cape Provi ...

'', '' Muiria'', '' Namaquanthus'', ''

Namibia Namibia (, ), officially the Republic of Namibia, is a country in Southern Africa. Its western border is the Atlantic Ocean. It shares land borders with Zambia and Angola to the north, Botswana to the east and South Africa to the south and ea ...

'', '' Nananthus'', ''

Nelia Nelia or Neleia ( grc, Νηλία or Νήλεια) was a town of Magnesia in ancient Thessaly; Demetrias was situated between it and Iolcus. Strabo reports that when Demetrios Poliorketes Demetrius I (; grc, Δημήτριος; 337–283 BC), ...

'', '' Neohenricia'', '' Octopoma'', '' Odontophorus'', '' Oophytum'', '' Ophthalmophyllum'', ''

Orthopterum ''Orthopterum'' is a genus of succulent plant in the family Aizoaceae The Aizoaceae, or fig-marigold family, is a large family of dicotyledonous flowering plants containing 135 genera and about 1800 species. They are commonly known as ice p ...

'', '' Oscularia'', ''

Ottosonderia ''Ottosonderia'' is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Aizoaceae. Its native range is the Cape Provinces in South Africa. The genus name of ''Ottosonderia'' is in honour of Otto Wilhelm Sonder Otto Wilhelm Sonder (18 June 1 ...

'', ''

Pleiospilos ''Pleiospilos'' is a genus of succulent flowering plants of the family Aizoaceae, native to South Africa. The name is derived from the Greek ''pleios'' "many" and ''spìlos'' "spot". The plants are also known as ''kwaggavy'' ("Quagga The ...

'', '' Polymita'', ''

Psammophora ''Psammophora'' is a genus of plant in the family Aizoaceae. It contains the following species: * '' Psammophora longifolia'',L. Bolus * '' Psammophora modesta'' (Dinter & A. Berger) Dinter & Schwantes * '' Psammophora nissenii'' (Dinter) Dinte ...

'', '' Rabiea'', '' Rhinephyllum'', '' Rhombophyllum'', ''

Ruschia ''Ruschia'' is a genus of succulent plant, in the family Aizoaceae, indigenous to the dryer parts of southern Africa. Description Typical features of the genus include grey or blue-green succulent leaves, that are 3-sided or triangular in cross- ...

'', '' Ruschianthemum'', ''

Ruschianthus ''Ruschianthus falcatus'' is a species of plant in the family Aizoaceae. It is endemic to Namibia. Its natural habitat In ecology, the term habitat summarises the array of resources, physical and biotic factors that are present in an ar ...

'', '' Schlechteranthus'', ''

Schwantesia ''Schwantesia'' is a genus of plant in the family Aizoaceae. It is named in honor of the German botanist and archaeologist Gustav Schwantes (1881 - 1960).Genaust, Helmut (1976). ''Etymologisches Wörterbuch der botanischen Pflanzennamen'' ''Sc ...

'', '' Scopelogena'', '' Smicrostigma'', ''

Stayneria ''Stayneria'' (or 'white-flowered mesemb') is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Aizoaceae. It contains a single species, ''Stayneria neilii''. It is in the subfamily Ruschioideae and the tribe Ruschieae. It is native to the Cap ...

'', '' Stoeberia'', ''

Stomatium ''Stomatium'' is a genus of succulent plants in the ice plant family, Aizoaceae. Members of the genus are native to southern Africa Southern Africa is the southernmost subregion of the African continent, south of the Congo and Tanzania. T ...

'' '' Tanquana'' ''

Titanopsis ''Titanopsis'' is a genus of about 10 species of succulent plants of the family Aizoaceae, indigenous to the arid regions of South Africa and Namibia. The name ''Titanopsis'' is derived from the Greek (god), '' Titan'', the sun, and ''opsis'', ...

'', '' Trichodiadema'', ''

Vanheerdea ''Vanheerdea'' is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Aizoaceae The Aizoaceae, or fig-marigold family, is a large family of dicotyledonous flowering plants containing 135 genera and about 1800 species. They are commonly known ...

'', '' Vanzijlia'', ''

Vlokia ''Vlokia'' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Aizoaceae The Aizoaceae, or fig-marigold family, is a large family of dicotyledonous flowering plants containing 135 genera and about 1800 species. They are commonly known as ice plant ...

'', '' Wooleya'', '' Zeuktophyllum'' ** subfamily Sesuvioideae: '' Cypselea'', ''

Sesuvium ''Sesuvium'' is a genus of flowering plants in the ice plant family, Aizoaceae. The roughly eight species it contains are commonly known as sea-purslanes. Selected species * '' Sesuvium crithmoides'' Welw. – Tropical sea-purslane * '' Ses ...

'', ''

Trianthema ''Trianthema'' is a genus of flowering plants in the ice plant family, Aizoaceae. Members of the genus are annuals or perennials generally characterized by fleshy, opposite, unequal, smooth-margined leaves, a prostrate growth form, flowers with ...

'', ''

Tribulocarpus ''Tribulocarpus'' is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Aizoaceae. Its native range is Ethiopia to Southern Africa. Species: * ''Tribulocarpus dimorphanthus'' (Pax) S.Moore * ''Tribulocarpus retusus'' (Thulin) Thulin & Liede ...

'', '' Zaleya'' *

Amaranthaceae Amaranthaceae is a family of flowering plants commonly known as the amaranth family, in reference to its type genus ''Amaranthus''. It includes the former goosefoot family Chenopodiaceae and contains about 165 genera and 2,040 species, making it ...

: ** subfamily

Amaranthoideae The Amaranthoideae are a subfamily of the Amaranthaceae. The stamens have anthers with two lobes (locules) and four pollen sacs. The main distribution of the subfamily is in tropical Americas, America, in Tropical Africa, tropical and Southern A ...

: '' Arthraerva'' ** subfamily Chenopodioideae (family Chenopodiaceae):) '' Atriplex'', ''

Chenopodium ''Chenopodium'' is a genus of numerous species of perennial or annual herbaceous flowering plants known as the goosefoots, which occur almost anywhere in the world. It is placed in the family Amaranthaceae in the APG II system; older classifica ...

'', ''

Dissocarpus ''Dissocarpus'' is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Amaranthaceae. Its native range is Australia. Species: *''Dissocarpus biflorus'' *''Dissocarpus fontinalis'' *''Dissocarpus latifolius'' *''Dissocarpus paradoxus'' Refe ...

'', '' Einadia'', ''

Enchylaena ''Enchylaena'' is a genus of two species of small perennial shrubs endemic to Australia. Plants of this genus are commonly known as barrier saltbushes. The genus was published by Robert Brown in 1810, along with the species ''Enchylaena toment ...

'', '' Eremophea'', ''

Halopeplis ''Halopeplis'' is a genus in the family Amaranthaceae. The plants are halophytes with not articulated stems and fleshy stem-clasping leaves. There are three species, occurring from the Mediterranean basin and North Africa to Southwest Asia and Ce ...

'', ''

Maireana ''Maireana '' is a genus of around 57 species of perennial shrubs and herbs in the family Amaranthaceae which are endemic to Australia. Species in this genus were formerly classified within the genus ''Kochia''. The genus was described in 1840 ...

'', '' Malacocera'', '' Neobassia'', '' Osteocarpum'', ''

Rhagodia ''Chenopodium'' is a genus of numerous species of perennial or annual herbaceous flowering plants known as the goosefoots, which occur almost anywhere in the world. It is placed in the family Amaranthaceae in the APG II system; older classific ...

'', ''

Roycea ''Roycea'' is a genus of plants formerly in the family Chenopodiaceae, and now in the Amaranthaceae. The genus was first described in 1948 by Charles Austin Gardner, and the genus name honours Robert Dunlop Royce (a helper at the Perth Herbariu ...

'', '' Halosarcia'', ''

Salicornia ''Salicornia'' is a genus of succulent, halophytic (salt tolerant) flowering plants in the family Amaranthaceae that grow in salt marshes, on beaches, and among mangroves. ''Salicornia'' species are native to North America, Europe, Central Asia, ...

'', ''

Salsola ''Salsola'' is a genus of the subfamily Salsoloideae in the family Amaranthaceae. The genus ''sensu stricto'' is distributed in central and southwestern Asia, North Africa, and the Mediterranean. A common name of various members of this genus and ...

'', ''

Sarcocornia ''Sarcocornia'' is a formerly recognized genus of flowering plants in the amaranth family, Amaranthaceae. Species are known commonly as samphires, glassworts, or saltworts. Molecular phylogenetic studies have shown that when separated from ''Salic ...

'', '' Sclerochlamys'', '' Sclerolaena'', ''

Suaeda __NOTOC__ ''Suaeda'' is a genus of plants also known as seepweeds and sea-blites. Most species are confined to saline or alkaline soil habitats, such as coastal salt-flats and tidal wetlands. Many species have thick, succulent leaves, a character ...

'', ''

Tecticornia ''Tecticornia'' is a genus of succulent, salt tolerant plants largely endemic to Australia. Taxa in the genus are commonly referred to as samphires. In 2007, the genus ''Halosarcia'', along with three other Australian genera (''Pachycornia'', ...

'', '' Threlkeldia'' *

Basellaceae Basellaceae is a family of flowering plants in the order Caryophyllales, in the clade core eudicots, according to the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group. The family comprises 19 known species of herbaceous plants in four genera: * '' Anredera'' – 12 s ...

: '' Anredera'', '' Basella'' *

: ''Acanthocalycium'', ''Acanthocereus'', ''Ariocarpus'', ''Armatocereus'', ''Arrojadoa'', ''Arthrocereus'', ''Astrophytum'', ''Austrocactus'', ''Aztekium'', ''Bergerocactus'', ''Blossfeldia'', ''Brachycereus'', ''Browningia'', ''Brasilicereus'', ''Calymmanthium'', ''Carnegiea'', ''Cephalocereus'', ''Cephalocleistocactus'', ''Cereus (plant), Cereus'', ''Cintia'', ''Cipocereus'', ''Cleistocactus'', ''Coleocephalocereus'', ''Copiapoa'', ''Corryocactus'', ''Coryphantha'', ''Dendrocereus'', ''Denmoza'', ''Discocactus'', ''Disocactus'', ''Echinocactus'', ''Echinocereus'', ''Echinopsis'', ''Epiphyllum'', ''Epithelantha'', ''Eriosyce'', ''Escobaria'', ''Escontria'', ''Espostoa'', ''Espostoopsis'', ''Eulychnia'', ''Facheiroa'', ''Ferocactus'', ''Frailea'', ''Geohintonia'', ''Gymnocalycium'', ''Haageocereus'', ''Harrisia (plant), Harrisia'', ''Hatiora'', ''Hylocereus'', ''Jasminocereus'', ''Lasiocereus'', ''Leocereus'', ''Lepismium'', ''Leptocereus'', ''Leuchtenbergia'', ''Lophophora'', ''Maihuenia'', ''Malacocarpus'', ''Mammillaria'', ''Mammilloydia'', ''Matucana'', ''Melocactus'', ''Micranthocereus'', ''Mila (plant), Mila'', ''Monvillea'', ''Myrtillocactus'', ''Neobuxbaumia'', ''Neoraimondia'', ''Neowerdermannia'', ''Obregonia'', ''Opuntia'', ''Cylindropuntia'', ''Oreocereus'', ''Oroya'', ''Ortegocactus'', ''Pachycereus'', ''Parodia'', ''Pediocactus'', ''Pelecyphora'', ''Peniocereus'', ''Pereskia'', ''Pereskiopsis'', ''Pilosocereus'', ''Polaskia'', ''Praecereus'', ''Pseudoacanthocereus'', ''Pseudorhipsalis'', ''Pterocactus'', ''Pygmaeocereus'', ''Quiabentia'', ''Rauhocereus'', ''Rebutia'', ''Rhipsalis'', ''Samaipaticereus'', ''Schlumbergera'', ''Sclerocactus'', ''Selenicereus'', ''Stenocactus'', ''Stenocereus'', ''Stephanocereus'', ''Stetsonia (plant), Stetsonia'', ''Strombocactus'', ''Tacinga'', ''Thelocactus'', ''Trichocereus'' ''Turbinicarpus'', ''Uebelmannia'', ''Weberbauerocereus'', ''Weberocereus'', ''Yungasocereus'' * Didiereaceae: ''Alluaudia'', ''Alluaudiopsis'', ''Decaria'', ''Didierea'' * Molluginaceae: ''Hypertelis'' * Phytolaccaceae: ''Phytolacca'' * Portulacaceae: ''Amphipetalum'', ''Anacampseros'', ''Avonia (plant), Avonia'', ''Calyptrotheca'', ''Ceraria'', ''Cistanthe'', ''Calandrinia'', ''Dendroportulaca'', ''Grahamia (plant), Grahamia'', ''Lewisia'', ''Parakeelya'', ''Portulaca'', ''Portulacaria'', ''Schreiteria (plant), Schreiteria'', ''Talinella'', ''Talinum'' Order Commelinales * Commelinaceae: ''Aneilema'', ''Callisia'', ''Cyanotis'', ''Tradescantia'', ''Tripogandra'' Order Cornales * Loasaceae: ''Schismocarpus'' Order Cucurbitales * Begoniaceae: ''Begonia'' * Cucurbitaceae: ''Acanthosicyos'', ''Apodanthera'', ''Brandegea'', ''Cephalopentandra'', ''Ceratosanthes'', ''Citrullus'', ''Coccinia'', ''Corallocarpus'', ''Cucumis, Cucumella'', ''Cucumis'', ''Cucurbita'', ''Cyclantheropsis'', ''Dactyliandra'', ''Dendrosicyos'', ''Doyera'', ''Eureindra'', ''Fevillea'', ''Gerrandanthus'', ''Gynostemma'', ''Halosicyos'', ''Ibervilla'', ''Kedostris'', ''Lagenaria'', ''Marah (plant), Marah'', ''Momordica'', ''Neoalsomitra'', ''Odosicyos'', ''Parasicyos'', ''Syrigia'', ''Telfairia'', ''Trochomeria'', ''Trochomeriopsis'', ''Tumamoca'', ''Xerosicyos'', ''Zehneria'', ''Zygosicyos'' Order Dioscoreales * Dioscoreaceae: ''Dioscorea'' Order Ericales * Balsaminaceae: ''Impatiens'' * Ericaceae: ''Sphyrospermum'' * Fouquieriaceae: ''Fouquieria'' Order Fabales * Fabaceae: ''Delonix'', ''Dolichos (plant), Dolichos'', ''Erythrina'', ''Lotononis'', ''Lupinus'', ''Neorautanenia'', ''Pachyrhizus'', ''Tylosema'' Order Filicales *Polypodiaceae ''Drymoglossum niphoboloides'', ''Lecanopteris carnosa'' Order Gentianales *

: ''Adenium'', ''Mandevilla'', ''Pachypodium'', ''Plumeria'' ** subfamily Asclepiadoideae (syn. Asclepiadaceae): ''Absolmsia'', ''Australluma'', ''Aspidoglossum'', ''Aspidonepsis'', ''Baynesia'', ''Brachystelma'', ''Ceropegia'', ''Chlorocyathus'', ''Cibirhiza'', ''Cordylogyne'', ''Cynanchum'', ''Dischidia'', ''Dischidiopsis'', ''Duvaliandra'', ''Eustegia'', ''Fanninia'', ''Fockea'', ''Glossostelma'', ''Hoya (plant), Hoya'', ''Ischnolepis'', ''Lavrania'', ''Marsdenia'', ''Miraglossum'', ''Odontostelma'', ''Ophionella'', ''Orbeanthus'', ''Pachycarpus'', ''Parapodium (plant), Parapodium'', ''Periglossum'', ''Petopentia'', ''Raphionacme'', ''Riocreuxia'', ''Sarcorrhiza'', ''Schizoglossum'', ''Schlechterella'', ''Stathmostelma'', ''Stenostelma'', ''Stomatostemma'', ''Trachycalymma'', ''Trichocaulon'', ''Tylophora'', ''Woodia'', ''Xysmalobium'' *** tribe Asclepiadeae: **** subtribe Asclepiadne: ''Asclepias'', **** subtribe Cynanchinae: ''Sarcostemma'', **** subtribe Gonolobinae: ''Matelea'', *** tribe Maxillarieae: **** subtribe Lycastinae: ''Rudolfiella'' *** tribe Stapelieae: ''Angolluma'', ''Caralluma'', ''Desmidorchis'', ''Duvalia'', ''Echidnopsis'', ''Edithcolea'', ''Frerea'', ''Hoodia'', ''Huernia'', ''Huerniopsis'', ''Larryleachia'', ''Notechidnopsis'', ''Orbea (plant)'', ''Orbeopsis'', ''Piaranthus'', ''Pachycymbium'', ''Pectinaria (plant), Pectinaria'', ''Pseudolithos'', ''Pseudopectinaria'', ''Quaqua'', ''Rhytidocaulon'', ''Stapelia'', ''Stapelianthus'', ''Stapeliopsis'', ''Tavaresia'', ''Tridentea'', ''Tromotriche'', ''Whitesloanea'' ** subfamily Periplocoideae: *** tribe Cryptolepideae: ''Cryptolepis (plant), Cryptolepis'' * Rubiaceae: ''Anthorrhiza'', ''Anthospermum'', ''Hydnophytum'', ''Hydrophylax'', ''Myrmecodia'', ''Myrmephytum'', ''Phylohydrax'', ''Squamellaria'' Order Geraniales * Geraniaceae: ''Monsonia'', ''Pelargonium'' (succulents and geophytes), ''Sarcocaulon'' Order Lamiales * Gesneriaceae: ''Aeschynanthus'', ''Alsobia'', ''Chirita'', ''Codonanthe'', ''Columnea'', ''Nematanthus'', ''Sinningia'', ''Streptocarpus'' * Lamiaceae: ''Aeollanthus'', ''Dauphinea'', ''Perrierastrum'', ''Plectranthus'', ''Rotheca'', ''Solenostemon'', ''Tetradenia'', ''Thorncroftia'' * Lentibulariaceae * Pedaliaceae: ''Holubia (plant), Holubia'', ''Pterodiscus (plant), Pterodiscus'', ''Sesamothamnus'', ''Uncarina'' Order Malpighiales * Euphorbiaceae: ''Cnidoscolus'', ''Euphorbia'', ''Jatropha'', ''Monadenium'', ''Pedilanthus'', ''Phyllanthus'', ''Synadenium'' * Passifloraceae: ''Adenia'' * Phyllanthaceae: ''Phyllanthus'' Order Malvales * Cochlospermaceae * Malvaceae: ''Adansonia'', ''Cavanillesia'', ''Ceiba'', ''Pseudobombax'' ** subgroup Sterculiaceae: ''Brachychiton'', ''Sterculia'' Order Myrtales * Melastomataceae: ''Medinilla'' Order Oxalidales * Oxalidaceae (geophytes): ''Oxalis'' Order Piperales * Piperaceae: ''Peperomia'' Order Poales * Bromeliaceae: ''Abromeitiella'', ''Aechmea'', ''Ananas'', ''Catopsis'', ''Connellia'', ''Dyckia'', ''Hechtia'', ''Neoregelia'', ''Puya (genus), Puya'', ''

'', ''Vriesea'' * Poaceae: ''Dregeochloa'', ''Laobambos'' Order Ranunculales * Menispermaceae: ''Chasmanthera'', ''Stephania'', ''Tinospora'' Order Rosales * Moraceae: ''Dorstenia'', ''Ficus'' * Urticaceae: ''Laportea'', ''Obetia'', ''Pilea'', ''Pouzolzia'', ''Sarcopilea'' Order Santalales * Loranthaceae: ''Actinanthella'', ''Agelanthus'', ''Erianthemum'', ''Helixanthera'', ''Moquiniella'', ''Oncocalyx'', ''Pedistylis'', ''Plicosepalus'', ''Septulina'', ''Tapinanthus'', ''Vanwykia'' * Viscaceae (syn. Santalaceae): ''Viscum'' Order Sapindales * Anacardiaceae: ''Operculicaria'', ''Pachycormus (plant), Pachycormus'' * Burseraceae: ''Boswellia'', ''Bursera'', ''Commiphora'' * Meliaceae: ''Entandrophragma'' * Sapindaceae: ''Erythrophysa'' Order Saxifragales *

: ''Adromischus'', ''Aeonium'', ''Aichryson'', ''Cotyledon (genus), Cotyledon'', ''Crassula'', ''Cremnophila (plant), Cremnophila'', ''Dudleya'', ''Echeveria'', ''Graptopetalum'', ''Greenovia'', ''Hylotelephium'', ''Kalanchoe'', ''Kungia'', ''Lenophyllum'', ''Meterostachys'', ''Monanthes'', ''Mucizonia'', ''Orostachys'', ''Pachyphytum'', ''Perrierosedum'', ''Petrosedum'', ''Phedimus'', ''Pistorinia'', ''Prometheum'', ''Pseudosedum'', ''Rhodiola'', ''Rosularia'', ''Sedella (plant), Sedella'', ''Sedum'', ''Sempervivum'', ''Sinocrassula'', ''Thompsonella'', ''Tylecodon'', ''Umbilicus (plant), Umbilicus'', ''Villadia'' * Saxifragaceae: ''Micranthes'', ''Saxifraga'' Order Solanales * Convolvulaceae: ''Ipomoea'', ''Merremia'', ''Stictocardia'', ''Turbina (plant)'' * Solanaceae: ''Nolana'' Order Vitales * Vitaceae: ''Cissus'', ''Cyphostemma'' Order Zygophyllales * Zygophyllaceae: ''Augea'', ''Seetzenia'', ''Zygophyllum'' (unplaced order)* Boraginaceae: ''Heliotropium'' (unplaced order)* Icacinaceae: ''Pyrenacantha'' (geophyte) There also were some succulent gymnosperms (but extinct since the end of the Cretaceous): Order Pinales * Cheirolepidiaceae: ''Frenelopsis'', ''Pseudofrenelopsis'', ''Suturovagina'', ''Glenrosa'' For some families and subfamilies, most members are succulent; for example the

, and

. The table below shows the number of succulent species found in some families and their native habitat:

Cultivation

Succulents are favored as houseplants for their attractiveness and ease of care. They have been cultivated as houseplants since at least the 17th century. If properly potted, succulents require little maintenance to survive indoors. Succulents are very adaptable houseplants and will thrive in a range of indoor conditions. For most plant owners, over-watering and associated infections are the main cause of death in succulents. Succulents can be propagated by different means. The most common is vegetative propagation; this includes ''cuttings'' where several inches of stem with leaves are cut and after healing, produce a callus. After a week or so, roots may grow. A second method is ''division'' consisting of uprooting an overgrown clump and pulling the stems and roots apart. A third method is propagation by leaf by allowing the formation of a callus. During this method, a bottom leaf is fully removed from the plant often by twisting or cutting. The leaf then dries out and a callus forms preventing the leaf from absorbing too much moisture and thus rotting. This method typically takes up to a few weeks to produce healthy roots that would eventually create new plants. The vegetative propagation can be different according to the species.

References

Bibliography

* * * (publication date also given as 1930s or 1940s) * * * * * *

External links

Succulent Plants of the World - an iNaturalist Project
{{Authority control Succulent plants, Plant common names Plant morphology Drought-tolerant plants Garden plants

Definition

Appearance

Habitat

Conservation

Families and genera

Cultivation

See also

References

Bibliography

External links