Aeonium aizoon (Kunth) Webb & Berthel.
Spatula aeonium
Aeonium aizoon, known in older literature as Aeonium spathulatum, is one of the smallest species in the genus: it forms compact rosettes of 5–12 cm in diameter on short or nearly stemless stems, and can grow in dense multi-rosette mats up to 30–40 cm tall. Its spatulate deep-green leaves contrast with the bright yellow flowers that produce striking pyramidal panicles in winter-spring. Endemic to Tenerife and La Gomera, it colonizes cliffs, dry-stone walls, and rocky slopes at medium to high elevations, being especially common in the laurel forest zone. It is a typical winter grower, with pronounced summer dormancy.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Genus | Aeonium |
| Growth Habit | Herbaceous to sub-shrubby succulent, forming low-growing multi-rosette mats; winter grower with pronounced summer dormancy |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (LC) — although endemic to Tenerife and La Gomera, it has relatively abundant populations in well-preserved habitats; no severe negative population trend is recorded |
| pH Target | 5.5 – 7.0 |
| Type | Rocky, acid to neutral; laurel forest soils (volcanic with superficial humus layer) |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Spatulate, 2–6 cm long and 1–2 cm wide, bright green, with a small terminal mucro. Margins finely ciliate; surface lustrous under optimal conditions.
ecoStar-shaped, bright yellow, with 7–9 petals, grouped in dense pyramidal panicles of 5–15 cm. Flowering from December to March; each rosette is monocarpic.
ecoShort, subterranean or semi-erect, 5–15 mm in diameter; strongly branched at the base generating numerous lateral rosettes. Visible and persistent leaf scars.
ecoFibrous, short and shallow; adapted to rock crevices and skeletal soils. Excellent anchoring capacity on vertical surfaces.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Rocky, acid to neutral; laurel forest soils (volcanic with superficial humus layer)
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Remove the whole plant from the pot at the start of autumn
- 2 Carefully separate rosette clusters, ensuring roots are present in each section
- 3 Allow cuts to dry for 1–2 days before replanting
- 4 Plant in fresh well-drained substrate and water lightly after 3–4 days
- 1 Cut lateral rosettes with 2–4 cm of stem
- 2 Allow the cut to dry for 2–3 days in a shaded spot
- 3 Rest on moist mineral substrate without burying the stem
- 4 Water when first roots are confirmed (gently tug the rosette)
Ideal for rockeries and dry-stone walls with north or east exposure — mimics natural habitat
Watering in summer: summer dormancy is mandatory and watering at this time causes rot
Every 2–3 years at the start of autumn; fully renew substrate at each repotting
Single application at the start of autumn with succulent fertilizer diluted to 30%; do not fertilize at any other time
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
No toxicity documented for humans or domestic animals. Harmless species.
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Plant Health
Root rot (Pythium, Phytophthora) from summer watering — main risk in cultivation; suspend watering June-September
Mealybugs (Pseudococcus longispinus) — detected by white fluff at leaf bases; treat with isopropyl alcohol or neem
Green aphid (Macrosiphum euphorbiae) — may colonize developing inflorescences
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"The synonymy with Aeonium spathulatum (Hornem.) Praeger causes confusion in horticultural literature. The correct name in modern floras is A. aizoon, following the revision by Bañares (2002) for the Canarian vascular flora. The species shows notable morphological variability between populations from Tenerife and La Gomera, suggesting possible incipient differentiation."
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Scientific Integrity
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Sources
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Discussion
Disclaimer
This species record is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Jardín Roca Negra does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data. Content is community-curated and may be subject to revision; it should not replace advice from a qualified botanist. This species may be toxic, invasive, or subject to legal restrictions — verify before handling or cultivating. Jardín Roca Negra accepts no liability for any harm arising from reliance on this information. Images are reproduced under Creative Commons or equivalent free licenses; credits are noted below each image.