Orostachys

Orostachys is a genus of perennial herbaceous plants in the family Crassulaceae. These plants are native to Asia, primarily found in the Himalayas, China, and Japan. The genus is characterized by its rosette-forming leaves and its distinctive inflorescence. Orostachys species typically grow in rocky or gravelly areas, often at high altitudes.

The leaves of Orostachys are usually fleshy and succulent, adapted to arid conditions. They can vary in shape and color depending on the species, often forming tight basal rosettes. During the flowering season, a tall, slender stalk emerges from the center of the rosette, bearing a dense spike of small flowers. The flowers are typically star-shaped and can be white, pink, or yellowish.

A notable characteristic of many Orostachys species is their mode of reproduction. After flowering, the main rosette often dies back, but it produces numerous offsets or bulbils at the base or along the flowering stem. These offsets then grow into new plants, ensuring the propagation of the species. Some species also reproduce through seeds.

Orostachys plants are often cultivated as ornamental succulents, appreciated for their unique form and adaptability to rock gardens and dry environments. Their hardiness and low maintenance requirements make them popular among succulent enthusiasts. Common names for plants in this genus can vary, but they are generally referred to by their scientific name or closely related common names associated with other Sedum or Sempervivum species due to their similar appearance and growth habits.