This species is said to be variable, like the related C. rupestris and C. brevifolia. That variation seems to express itself in stature (from 1 m shrubs to low plants with prostrate stems) while its relatives, being more uniformly diminutive, seem to vary more in leaf characteristics. C. macowaniana has larger and fleshier leaves, 25 – 60 mm long by 3 – 15 mm wide, flattened on top and very convex below, usually curved upwards, pointed and glabrous. In good light these can be grayish with purplish tinged apex and margins, but in the clone offered here they are exceptionally succulent, light green with a white, waxy cuticle speckled with fine glandular spots. The plants bear rounded thyrses of white flowers, suggesting butterfly pollination, though flies, ants and other insects undoubtedly visit as with many crassulas. We offer rooted cuts of HBG 107241, Karoo BG632/92, without further data. $8.
Published in the Cactus and Succulent Journal, Vol. 90 (2), Summer 2018