succulent

Succulent plants are a diverse group of species that have adapted to store water in fleshy tissues. This adaptation enables them to survive in arid or drought-prone environments. Succulents are defined by morphology rather than a single taxonomic group and occur in many families and genera, including Crassulaceae (Crassula, Echeveria, Sedum), Aloe (Asphodelaceae), Cactaceae (cacti), and Euphorbiaceae (Euphorbia).

Growth forms vary from rosette-forming leaf succulents to columnar stems and sprawling shrubs. Common features include a thick cuticle, sunken stomata, and, in many species, CAM photosynthesis, as well as shallow, extensive root systems adapted to capture surface moisture.

Distribution and ecology: native to a wide range of habitats, particularly deserts and rocky terrains in the Americas, Africa, and parts of Asia.

Horticulture and uses: widely cultivated as ornamental plants and houseplants due to drought tolerance and striking foliage. Propagation is typically by leaf or stem cuttings, offsets, or seeds.

Care notes: provide bright light and well-draining soil; water sparingly and allow the soil to dry between waterings. Overwatering is a common cause of root rot. In temperate regions, many succulents require protection from frost.

Notable examples include Aloe vera, Opuntia (prickly pear), Echeveria, Haworthia, Sedum, and Crassula.