Aichryson radicescens Webb & Berthel.
Rooting aichryson
Strict endemic of La Palma and the only Aichryson with a clearly developed stoloniferous habit. The epithet "radicescens" (= taking root) describes its colonisation strategy: prostrate stems root at nodes, forming low mats on the moist forest floor. This adaptation allows it to efficiently cover shaded slopes and mossy rocks. Its extremely restricted distribution makes it a conservation priority.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Genus | Aichryson |
| Growth Habit | Stoloniferous prostrate plant, biennial or perennialising under optimal conditions |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable; exclusive La Palma endemic with habitat threatened by forest fires |
| pH Target | 5.0–6.5 |
| Type | Sphagnum and leaf mould, always moist |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Spatulate, 1–2 cm long, succulent, sticky and deep green; arranged in loose rosettes at stolon tips.
ecoProstrate to decumbent, 5–20 cm long; roots spontaneously at nodes when touching moist soil, forming mat colonies.
ecoYellow flowers with 7–8 petals in short terminal cymes; less abundant than in other Aichryson given the energy investment in stolons.
ecoAdventitious along prostrate stems; form dense shallow networks in moist mossy substrate.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Sphagnum and leaf mould, always moist
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Identify stolons that have already produced adventitious roots at nodes.
- 2 Cut the stolon leaving 2–3 cm of stem with roots and leaves.
- 3 Plant directly in moist sphagnum substrate without a drying period.
- 4 Keep in shade and high humidity; the stolon establishes in 1–2 weeks.
- 1 Sow fresh seeds on live sphagnum moss in a sealed container.
- 2 Keep at 14–18 °C with very faint indirect light.
- 3 Await germination in 3–6 weeks, never letting the substrate dry.
- 4 Transplant seedlings with extreme care using fine tweezers.
Grow in a closed terrarium system or wardian case with high relative humidity (>80%).
Allowing any substrate desiccation, which is fatal for this species.
Rarely necessary; divide rather than repot when it outgrows the container
Ultra-diluted foliar fertilizer (1/10 of standard dose) monthly in spring
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Not toxic.
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"The stoloniferous habit of A. radicescens is unique in the Aichryson genus and can be interpreted as an adaptation to the high light competition on the La Palma laurel forest floor, where spreading horizontally is more efficient than growing upright."
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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.