Submitted by: Jim Tanner
Contents: Graptopetalum, Graptoveria, Pachyveria, LATIN LOOKUP
Graptopetalum is a small genus of the family Crassulaceae. They are perennial succulent plants and native to Mexico and Arizona. Their leaves vary in color from silver-gray to pink to waxy green and are often speckled. They all have thick leaves forming rosettes with star-shaped flowers from white to pink on long stems. All require lots of sunlight to look their best. They are similar looking to Echeverias, although they are generally considered closer to Sedums.
Graptoveria is a hybrid cross that originated from a combination of Echeveria and Graptopetalum succulent plants. Most exhibit a compact rosette 6 to 8 inches across. Some, such as ‘Moonglow,’ may reach 10 inches in width. Offsets develop readily, tightly filling out your display. Graptoveria maintains vivid colors when they are somewhat stressed, usually from limited watering or cool temperatures. The frosty pink cultivar ‘Debbi’ becomes a deeper pink and even more frosty when growing in a sunny spot while water is withheld.
Pachyveria is a hybrid cross between Pachyphytum and Echeveria. There are many varieties available, but most grow two to six inches tall and wide. The thick, chubby leaves are produced in colorful rosettes. These tough plants just need full sun and well-drained soil that is allowed to dry out completely between watering.
The meanings of latin plant names on this page – from http://davesgarden.com/guides/botanary/
- amethystinum [am-eth-ee-STEE-num]
Colour of amethyst. - Graptopetalum [grap-toh-PET-al-um]
From the Greek graptos (painted, marked) and petalon (petal); the petals are variegated. - macdougallii [mak-doo-GALL-ee-eye]
Named for Tom MacDougall, who discovered the species in the mid-20th century. - pachyphyllum [pak-ee-FIL-um]
Having thick or fat leaves.