Aichryson pygmaeum (C.Sm. ex Link) Webb & Berthel.
Dwarf aichryson
One of the smallest Aichryson (pygmaeum = dwarf), endemic to La Gomera and La Palma. Grows in moist rock crevices and the dense laurel forest understorey, where light competition is high. The tiny sticky-leaved rosettes barely exceed 10–12 cm in height. Its reduced size and extremely restricted distribution make it one of the Aichryson with the highest conservation value.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Genus | Aichryson |
| Growth Habit | Tiny annual or biennial rosette, very low habit, caespitose |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable; endemic to two islands with very limited habitat surface |
| pH Target | 5.0–6.5 |
| Type | Heath soil with sphagnum, highly organic and moist |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Tiny, spatulate, 0.5–1.5 cm long, densely glandular and sticky; medium to dark green in forest shade.
ecoVery short, 3–12 cm tall, erect or slightly decumbent; may form low cushions of several stems.
ecoSmall flowers with 6–7 bright yellow petals; reduced terminal cymes but showy in proportion to the plant size.
ecoVery fine and short roots, adapted to narrow rock crevices with accumulations of humus and moss.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Heath soil with sphagnum, highly organic and moist
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Use fresh seeds; viability decreases rapidly after collection.
- 2 Sow on moistened sphagnum moss in a closed container to maintain 90% humidity.
- 3 Keep at 14–18 °C in full shade; germination may take 3–5 weeks.
- 4 Transplant with maximum care to avoid damaging the tiny roots.
- 1 Carefully separate rooted stems from the central cushion using a scalpel.
- 2 Plant immediately in moist sphagnum substrate to prevent desiccation.
- 3 Keep at high humidity (80–90%) and full shade during establishment.
- 4 Gradually reduce ambient humidity after 3–4 weeks.
Preferably grow in a closed or semi-closed terrarium to maintain high humidity.
Allowing the substrate to dry out even briefly, which can kill the plant.
Only when strictly necessary; maximum every 2–3 years
Very diluted foliar fertilizer (1/8 dose) once every 6–8 weeks in spring–summer
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Not toxic.
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"A. pygmaeum has the most restricted distribution in the genus alongside A. radicescens; both species partially coexist in La Palma and are priorities for Canarian flora conservation plans."
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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.