ISI 2015-21. Crassula capitella subsp. thyrsiflora ‘Tsurue Scarlet Coral’

This species is prized for the four-ranked symmetry of its leaves and sometimes vivid coloration as in C. capitella ‘Campfire’. The potential existed for forms with even more striking color than usual and this is exactly what Stefan Uyehara has selected at his nursery, Maui Succulents, in Kula, on the island of Maui, Hawaii. Under his conditions the species readily sets seed, which grows well in the balmy climate. Successive selection has resulted in the even more fiery red clone here published in this Journal for the first time. The color is most intense in winter while in full summer growth the plant greens up a bit. The autumn flowers result in the elongation of rosettes into a spike-like thyrse to 30 cm (1') high, bearing white flowers with a musty, sweet scent. New offsets form at the base of the inflorescence to perpetuate the plant. The cultivar name is in honor of Stefan’s mother whose name is Tsurue. Divisions of HBG 104804. $10.