A few hybrids have been created between the Crassulaceous genera Graptopetalum and Cremnophila. Three of these are listed on the International Crassulaceae Network website, one of which is tentatively attributed to Charles Uhl (1918 – 2010). Uhl’s research at Cornell into the cytology of the Crassulaceae involved creating numerous hybrids to reveal interfertility and information about chromosome numbers. A majority of the chromosome numbers known for the family are derived from Uhl’s work. An added benefit was the creation of many new succulent hybrids worthy of cultivation. While it is uncertain whether the plant offered here is in fact an Uhl hybrid, we know that he was friends with Jerry Barad from whom we received this plant in July, 2000. Its parentage was recorded as Graptopetalum amethystinum × Echeveria linguifolia, the latter a synonym of Cremnophila linguifolia. It forms chunky rosettes of 14 to 30 leaves so thick as to be reminiscent of that favorite Girl Scout cookie, the thin mint. However, these obovate leaves are broadly pointed to obtuse at the apex and are frosted with a waxy cuticle, and, in good light, blush a lovely pinkish-purple color. At full size these can be 6 cm (2 and 3/8 in) long, 4 cm (1 ½ in) wide and 1 cm (3/8 in) thick! Inflorescences are pendent to 60 cm (2 ft) long, the distal half being a long chain of flowers and buds. Each flower sits in a cup of very succulent sepals. The carpels and basal two-thirds of the petals are chartreuse while the distal thirds are reddish with paler speckling and lines. We offer rooted cuttings of HBG 89180. $10.
Published in the Cactus and Succulent Journal, Vol. 95 (2), Summer 2023