Family: Crassulaceae — orpine family

Species in the Crassulaceae in our region are fleshy, succulent herbs with simple, entire or toothed leaves. Some species form a basal rosette of leaves from which the flowering stem grows. The flowers, usually arranged in branched inflorescences, are actinomorphic (radially symmetrical), usually have both pollen-bearing and ovule-bearing parts, and are 4- or 5-merous. Sepals, petals, and carpels are present in the same number, and stamens are present in either once (rarely) or twice (usually) the number of petals. The sepals are sometimes fused together at the base. The petals are usually distinct from one another, but may also be fused together basally. The sepals and petals attach below the ovary (i.e., the ovary is superior). The ovary matures into a fruit called a follicle.

This family’s genera in New England

• Aizopsis
• Crassula
• Hylotelephium
• Phedimus
• Rhodiola
• Sedum
• Sempervivum

Visit this family in the Dichotomous Key

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