Fauna
Plant

Crassula falcata

Crassula falcata

Also known as Propeller Plant, Airplane Plant, Sickle Crassula, Scarlet Paintbrush

Sickle-shaped, grey-green leaves arrange in overlapping opposite pairs resembling spinning airplane propellers. Dense, flattened clusters of vibrant scarlet flowers erupt above the foliage in mid-to-late summer, releasing a subtle sweet scent that attracts butterflies. Adapted to semi-arid climes, this drought-resilient succulent relies on Crassulacean Acid Metabolism to open its stomata exclusively at night, conserving vital moisture under intense sun.

SucculentDrought-TolerantFlowering
Crassula falcata reference
Groogle / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
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—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preySunlight, Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide, Soil Minerals
Predators
  • Garden Snails
  • Mealybugs
  • Browsing Antelopes
ThreatsPoaching for horticulture, habitat clearance, and invasive weeds
HabitatsRocky outcrops, succulent thickets, and arid scrublands
Life span15–30 years
Classification
  1. OrderSaxifragales
  2. FamilyCrassulaceae
  3. GenusCrassula
  4. SpeciesCrassula falcata
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Sun Exposure: Provide bright, direct sunlight to encourage tight leaf growth and vivid red blooms.
  • Watering Moderation: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings to prevent root rot.
  • Bloom Watching: Check developing flower clusters in midsummer for visits from native butterflies.
Related species
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