Genus: Succulents

Cotyledonoideae

Adromischus

Adromischus is a genus of small perennial succulents native to southern Africa, distinguished by their striking, often spotted, blotched, or unusually textured succulent leaves that vary enormously between species, from smooth and shiny to tuberculate or papillose surfaces. Plants form small clumps of short, branching stems bearing generally obovate, spatulate, or tubular leaves frequently decorated with distinctive dark markings unique to each taxon. Their tubular, whitish-green to pinkish flowers appear on erect spikes during the summer months. The remarkable morphological variability among its 29 accepted species has made Adromischus an active subject of taxonomic study and a favourite among specialist succulent collectors.

23 species

Aeonium

Genus comprising approximately 35 accepted species, mostly endemic to the Canary Islands, with some in Morocco, East Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula. They form terminal rosettes on woody stems and are distinguished from other Crassulaceae genera by their monocarpic rosettes (the rosette dies after flowering, but the plant persists through branching).

67 species

Agavoideae

Agave

Agave is a genus of monocarpic succulent plants native primarily to Mexico and the southwestern United States, with some species extending into Central America and the Caribbean. Their fleshy, fibrous leaves—often armed with terminal and marginal spines—form dense rosettes that may take 10 to 30 years to flower; after producing a towering inflorescence, the mother plant dies, leaving behind offsets (pups). The genus comprises approximately 270 recognized species and holds immense cultural and economic importance: it provides fibers (sisal, henequen), alcoholic beverages (tequila, mezcal, pulque), and is widely used as an ornamental plant.

204 species

Aichryson

Genus of annual and biennial succulent plants endemic to Macaronesia, principally the Canary Islands, with some species in Madeira, the Azores, and Cape Verde. They form rosettes of small, fleshy, hairy leaves ranging from green to reddish, with yellow star-shaped flowers. They grow in humid, shaded areas of ravines, laurel forests, and rocky volcanic slopes.

Aizoon

Small genus of annual and perennial succulent plants in the family Aizoaceae, native to the Mediterranean region, Macaronesia, and North Africa. Plants form prostrate or erect stems with fleshy leaves and small flowers with numerous stamens. They inhabit arid coastal zones, beaches, and saline soils.

11 spp.

Alluaudia

Genus of columnar succulent plants endemic to Madagascar, belonging to the Didiereaceae family. Alluaudias produce erect stems with small, deciduous oval leaves and long spines emerging in pairs from tubercles. They can reach several meters in height and are iconic elements of Madagascar's southern spiny forest.

11 species

Aloe

Genus comprising over 500 accepted species, with a diversity center in southern and eastern Africa. Species range from small stemless rosettes to trees exceeding 10 meters. Succulent leaves typically have toothed margins and contain a mucilaginous gel historically used in traditional medicine. Tubular flowers, usually orange or red, are arranged in erect racemes.

331 species

Aloiampelos

Genus of scrambling or procumbent aloes segregated from Aloe. Includes the scrambling aloe species originally classified as Aloe ciliaris, among others.

7 species

Aloidendron

Genus of large arborescent aloes segregated from Aloe; includes the world's largest aloe tree.

12 species

Aloinopsis

Genus of succulent plants belonging to the family Aizoaceae, comprising about 12–15 species endemic mainly to southern Africa (Karoo and Namaqualand). They are geophytic winter-growing plants forming compact rosettes with thick, fleshy leaves, often covered in tubercles. They produce large taproot systems to store water and nutrients. The daisy-like flowers are yellow or pink with darker stripes and open only in bright sunlight.

28 species

46 spp.

Anacampseros

Genus of small succulents in the family Anacampserotaceae, native to the arid regions of southern Africa. Characterized by fleshy leaves partially covered by silky filaments or axillary hairs, and ephemeral pink or white flowers that open for only a few hours per day. Highly sought by succulent collectors.

46 species

Angolluma

Genus of stapeliad succulents in the family Apocynaceae, segregated from Caralluma. Native to eastern and southern Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and southern Asia. Characterized by leafless angular succulent stems that photosynthesize directly. Their flowers have complex structures to attract pollinators through carrion-like odors.

8 species

Antegibbaeum

Monotypic genus of succulent plants in the family Aizoaceae, endemic to the Western Cape of South Africa. Forms small clumps of paired glaucous succulent leaves with a pronounced keel, producing diurnal pink flowers in winter.

Antimima

Genus of small succulents in the family Aizoaceae, native to the arid regions of South Africa and Namibia. Form small clumping shrublets with cylindrical or triquetrous succulent leaves, producing generally white or pink flowers. Segregated from Ruschia and related genera.

Aptenia

Genus of small trailing succulents in the family Aizoaceae, native to southern Africa and widely naturalized in the Mediterranean and coastal areas. Notable for their pendulous stems with fleshy heart-shaped leaves and abundant pink, red, or white flowers. Widely used as hanging plants and groundcovers.

Apteranthes

Genus of stapeliad succulents in the family Apocynaceae (tribe Ceropegieae), distributed from the Canary Islands and the Mediterranean to the Middle East and Central Asia. Characterized by angular leafless succulent stems and star-shaped colorful flowers with a frequent unpleasant odor to attract fly pollinators.

12 species

Argyroderma

Argyroderma is a genus of highly specialized mesembs in the Aizoaceae family, characterised by plant bodies consisting of one or two pairs of very succulent, semicircular-in-section leaves in silver-grey to grey-green tones that precisely mimic the semi-translucent quartz pebbles among which they grow. The generic name derives from the Greek argyros (silver) and derma (skin), referencing the striking metallic colouration of the leaves. The flowers emerging from the central fissure are violet-pink, magenta, or white depending on the species, and represent some of the most intense floral colours in the family. The genus is strictly restricted to the quartz fields of the Western Cape Province, an ecosystem of exceptional endemic richness.

46 species

Aridaria

Genus of succulent mesembs in the family Aizoaceae, endemic to the arid regions of the Cape of South Africa. Characterized by long-tubed flowers, opposite fleshy leaves, and adaptations to the quartz fields of Namaqualand. Segregated from related genera.

3 species

Aristaloe

Monotypic genus in the family Asphodelaceae, segregated from Aloe. Contains only Aristaloe aristata, the lace aloe, one of the world's most popular ornamental succulents thanks to its finely toothed leaves with white tubercles and tubular orange flowers. Native to South Africa and Lesotho, it is more cold-hardy than most aloes, tolerating down to −7 °C. The segregation from Aloe was proposed by Boatwright and Manning based on molecular phylogenetic analyses.

Sedoideae

Asterosedum

Genus of small succulents in the family Crassulaceae, segregated from Sedum. Includes mat-forming plants from mountainous areas of Europe and Asia, with star-shaped pink flowers and opposite or alternate fleshy leaves. The best-known species is Asterosedum spurium, widely grown as a groundcover.

Astridia

Genus of succulent shrubs in the family Aizoaceae, native to Namibia and northern South Africa. Form small shrubs with triquetrous succulent leaves and pink or white multi-petalled flowers. Grow in arid rocky and sandy habitats with coastal fog.

10 species

Astroloba

Genus of small succulents in the family Asphodelaceae, endemic to the south-western Cape of South Africa. Form compact rosettes with rigid triangular leaves arranged in 5 spiral rows. Morphologically similar to Haworthiopsis, with tubular white or cream flowers. Very popular among collectors for their elegant spiral symmetry.

23 species

Baynesia

Monotypic genus of stapeliad succulents in the family Apocynaceae, endemic to Namibia. The single species, Baynesia lophophora, produces leafless cylindrical succulent stems and small flowers with a complex corona. Grows on quartzite rock outcrops under conditions of extreme aridity.

Bergeranthus

Genus of succulent mesembs in the family Aizoaceae, endemic to the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Form rosettes of triangular or semicylindrical fleshy leaves, producing many-petalled diurnal yellow flowers. Distinguished from related genera by their characteristic fruits. Named in honour of German botanist Alwin Berger.

24 species

Bijlia

Genus of succulent mesembs in the family Aizoaceae, endemic to south-western South Africa. Form small clumps of glaucous triquetrous fleshy leaves and produce bright yellow flowers. Adapted to sandy soils and extreme drought conditions.

Boucerosia

Historical genus of succulents in the family Apocynaceae, subfamily Asclepiadoideae, now largely considered synonymous with genera such as Caralluma, Orbea and Quaqua. The included species are spineless cactiform plants with fleshy 4–6-ribbed stems and fetid-smelling flowers to attract fly pollinators. Native to Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, the Mediterranean and India.

Brachystelma

Genus of geophytes and small succulents in the family Apocynaceae, subfamily Asclepiadoideae, with about 100 species native mainly to southern and eastern Africa, with a few in India and Australia. They develop a subterranean tuber or caudex from which thin annual stems emerge bearing structurally complex flowers that are often fetid to attract insect pollinators. They are seasonal plants that disappear completely in the dry season.

20 species

Braunsia

Small genus of mesemb succulents in the family Aizoaceae, subfamily Ruschioideae, endemic to the Western Cape of South Africa. They form small creeping shrublets with very fleshy, fusiform, glaucous green leaves and bright pink to magenta flowers. Typical of the Fynbos and Succulent Karoo.

Kalanchoideae

Bryophyllum

Genus of succulents in the family Crassulaceae, subfamily Kalanchoideae, now largely included within the genus Kalanchoe. The species are native mainly to Madagascar and southern Africa, although several are invasive plants in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Their most notable feature is the production of adventitious plantlets (propagules) on leaf margins, giving them common names such as "good luck plant", "mother of thousands" or "miracle leaf". Several are potentially invasive and toxic to livestock.

23 species

Bulbine

Genus of succulent and semi-succulent plants in the family Asphodelaceae, subfamily Asphodeloideae, with about 70 species native mainly to South Africa, Namibia and Australia. They form rosettes or clumps of fleshy lanceolate or cylindrical leaves and produce spikes of small six-petalled yellow or orange flowers with hairy stamens. B. frutescens is the most widely cultivated species, popularly known as "bulbine" and used in xeriscaping and as a medicinal plant.

27 species

Crassuloideae

Bulliarda

Small historical genus of the family Crassulaceae, now considered synonymous with Crassula. It included small aquatic and semi-aquatic herbs of temperate and subtropical regions. The name was proposed by Augustin Pyramus de Candolle in honour of botanist Pierre Bulliard. Species are distributed in Europe, southern Africa and temperate regions of the southern hemisphere.

Byrnesia

Small genus of succulents in the family Crassulaceae, native to Mexico. The species form rosettes of fleshy leaves and have been reclassified several times among genera such as Dudleya, Echeveria and Graptopetalum. The genus was established by Nathan Lord Britton and Joseph Nelson Rose.

33 spp.

Cacalia

Cacalia is a historical genus of the family Asteraceae, now largely obsolete in modern taxonomy. Species formerly classified under Cacalia have been redistributed mainly to the genera Kleinia, Curio, Caputia, and Senecio following molecular and morphological revisions. Historically it included succulent plants with articulated stems, glaucous or woolly foliage, and yellow to orange capitulate flowers. Species are native to Africa, the Canary Islands, and North Africa.

33 species

6 spp.

Calandrinia

Genus of perennial and annual succulents of the Montiaceae family, distributed mainly in North and South America and Australia. Characterized by fleshy leaves and magenta, red, or deep pink petals, opening only during sunny hours.

6 species

Cameraria

A genus of shrubs and small trees in the family Apocynaceae, native to the Caribbean and Central America. Characterized by toxic milky latex. The best-known species is Cameraria latifolia, the poison dogwood or beach manchineel of the Caribbean.

8 spp.

Caputia

A genus of succulents in the family Asteraceae, recently segregated from Senecio. Caputia species are succulent shrubs from southern Africa with silver, bluish or grey-green leaves covered in waxy trichomes. Formerly known as "silver Senecio", they are highly prized in Mediterranean and xerophytic gardening.

8 species

119 spp.

Caralluma

Genus of succulent plants in the family Apocynaceae (subfamily Asclepiadoideae). Distinguished by their angled, fleshy, branching stems and 5-lobed star-shaped flowers that typically emit a carrion odor to attract fly pollinators. Historically included over 100 species, many of which have since been reclassified into segregate genera such as Boucerosia, Desmidorchis and Tromotriche.

119 species

16 spp.

Carpobrotus

Genus of creeping succulents in the family Aizoaceae, native mainly to South Africa. Known as "Hottentot fig" or "ice plant", their very fleshy triangular leaves and large showy flowers make them instantly recognisable. Several species are highly invasive on Mediterranean, Californian and Australian coastlines.

3 spp.

Carruanthus

3 species

6 spp.

Caruncularia

6 species

72 spp.

Catevala

Historical genus created by Otto Kuntze (1891) as a replacement name for Haworthia Duval. All taxa are heterotypic synonyms of Haworthia species. Plants are rosulate succulents belonging to subfamily Asphodeloideae, native to South Africa and endemic mainly to the Cape region.

72 species

4 spp.

Centrostemma

Genus of tropical vines in the family Apocynaceae (subfamily Asclepiadoideae) native to Southeast Asia and Malesia. Hemi-epiphytic or terrestrial plants with fleshy leaves and star-shaped flowers grouped in axillary umbels. Treated by some authors as a synonym of Hoya, although recent work supports its generic distinction. Flowers bear a characteristic five-lobed central corona.

20 spp.

Cephalophyllum

Genus of succulent plants in the Aizoaceae family, endemic to SW South Africa and Namibia. They form dense mats of fleshy triangular or cylindrical leaves and produce showy daisy-like flowers in red, pink, yellow or white hues.

20 species

Ceradia

Monotypic genus of succulent shrubs in the Asteraceae family, endemic to the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa. Distinguished by its highly characteristic dichotomous branching and typical yellow Asteraceae capitula.

Ceramanthus

Genus of succulent geophytes in the Apocynaceae family distributed across southern South America (Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay). They possess thickened tuberous roots and slender twining stems. Some authorities treat it as a synonym of or closely allied to Cynanchum.

5 spp.

Ceraria

Genus of small xerophytic succulent shrubs belonging to the family Portulacaceae (or Talinaceae according to recent authors). Its species are distributed across the arid and semi-arid zones of south-western Africa, mainly in Namaqualand (South Africa) and southern Namibia.

5 species

Cerochlamys

Monotypic genus of succulents belonging to the Aizoaceae family, endemic to the Cape region of South Africa. The name derives from the Greek "keros" (wax) and "chlamys" (cloak), alluding to the waxy texture and characteristic protuberances of its thickened leaves. Currently it recognises a single valid species, Cerochlamys pachyphylla, although additional varieties have historically been described. Plants of this genus are low-growing succulents with very thick, fleshy leaves adapted to arid Mediterranean climates of south-western Africa.

63 spp.

Ceropegia

Genus of succulent climbing or geophytic plants in the Apocynaceae (Asclepiadoideae). Known for their lantern- or pipe-shaped flowers that temporarily trap insect pollinators via an oil-slick slide trap mechanism. Distributed across Africa, Madagascar, Arabia, India and SE Asia.

63 species

18 spp.

Chamaesyce

Genus of succulent or semi-succulent plants of the Euphorbiaceae family, currently considered by many authors as a section of the genus Euphorbia (APG IV). Its species are characterized by milky latex, cyathia (reduced inflorescences) and habits ranging from annual herbs to succulent shrubs. Especially diverse in the Hawaiian Islands, where several species are endemic and have adapted to arid to semi-dry habitats. Many Hawaiian species have small, coriaceous leaves on branched stems — a growth form adapted to aridity. The genus was separated from Euphorbia by Rafinesque and recognized by some botanists until the 21st century, although most recent treatments place it as Euphorbia section Chamaesyce.

18 species

Chasmatophyllum

Small genus of succulent plants of the Aizoaceae family, endemic to the arid Cape regions of South Africa and Namibia. Species form compact cushions of thick succulent leaves with toothed or smooth margins. Flowers are large and showy relative to plant size, yellow to orange. Related to Dinteranthus and Lithops. The name derives from Greek chásma (opening) and phýllon (leaf), for the way the leaves separate with age.

114 spp.

Cheiridopsis

Genus of succulent plants of the Aizoaceae family, endemic to the arid Karoo and Namaqualand regions of South Africa and Namibia. Species form plants of one to several pairs of very thick, fleshy succulent leaves, generally in unequal pairs. Leaves are greyish-green, frequently with a basal sheath that encloses the developing new leaf (hence the Greek name cheiris = glove/sheath). Flowers are large, showy, yellow, white, pink or orange. The genus was described by N.E. Brown and comprises over 80 recognised species, all from very arid, stony habitats.

114 species

26 spp.

Chondrosea

Genus of succulent or semi-succulent plants of the Saxifragaceae family, corresponding to section Aizoon of Saxifraga in most modern treatments (APG IV). Species form compact rosettes of coriaceous or fleshy leaves frequently with calcareous incrustations on the margins. Distributed across European mountains (Alps, Pyrenees, Apennines, Carpathians) and Mediterranean regions. Most grow in limestone rock crevices. The name Chondrosea was established by Haworth. Many species were described by Jordan & Fourreau in the mid-19th century.

26 species

Chrysodracon

Genus of monocotyledonous plants of the Asparagaceae family, endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. Comprises small rosette trees or shrubs forming the so-called 'Hawaiian dragon tree'. Previously included in Dracaena. Species grow in dry and semi-arid forests of the Hawaiian islands and are threatened by habitat loss.

Chymocormus

Monotypic genus of the Apocynaceae family, considered by most authors as a synonym of Fockea. Its only species, C. edulis, is a highly succulent caudiciform plant native to South Africa and Namibia, with a large underground or partially exposed tuber.

Cibirhiza

Small genus of the Apocynaceae family, related to Brachystelma and Ceropegia. Species are succulent geophytes with thickened tubers. Distributed in Arabia and East Africa.

Cineraria

Genus of the Asteraceae family, related to Senecio. Comprises herbs and subshrubs of temperate and tropical regions. Some species are semi-succulent or grow in dry habitats. Distributed mainly in southern Africa and the Canary Islands.

42 spp.

Cissus

Large genus of the Vitaceae family with numerous succulent and caudiciform species. Succulent species have succulent stems, massive tubers or caudices that store water. Distributed mainly in sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar, tropical America and Asia. Caudiciform species are highly prized in succulent collections for their unusual architecture.

42 species

6 spp.

Conophytum

Genus of dwarf succulent plants native to southern Africa, with over 100 accepted species. Related to Lithops, it forms tiny bodies (1–5 cm) composed of pairs of fused leaves in spherical, conical, or bilobed shapes. Unlike Lithops, many species form dense clusters. They are winter-growing plants that enter summer dormancy, when the dried cover from the previous season protects new leaves.

Cotyledonoideae

Cotyledon

Cotyledon is a genus of succulent shrubs and subshrubs native to southern Africa and parts of the Arabian Peninsula, characterised by thick leaves arranged spirally or in opposite pairs, frequently pruinose, felted, or papillose. Their tubular, pendant flowers in vivid orange, red, and yellow emerge on tall floral stems in spring and summer. The genus occupies arid and subtropical habitats from the Karoo to East African coastal slopes, growing primarily on rocky outcrops and quartzite soils with excellent drainage. Several species are widely popular in horticulture for their ornamental forms and drought tolerance.

21 species

Crassuloideae

Crassula

Crassula is the second-largest genus in the family Crassulaceae, encompassing annual, biennial, and perennial succulents ranging from tiny creeping herbs to multi-branched shrubs, all united by fleshy leaves in opposite pairs and often connate at the base. Flowers are small — typically white, pink, or red — gathered in cymes or panicles and usually consisting of five petals. The genus name derives from the Latin crassus (thick), referring to the water-storing leaf tissue that allows these plants to endure prolonged drought. Most species inhabit succulent scrublands, fynbos, rocky outcrops, and semi-arid landscapes of the Cape region, where free-draining, nutrient-poor soils predominate.

79 species

Drosanthemopsis

Drosanthemopsis is a small genus of succulent plants in the family Aizoaceae, described by Rauschert in 1982 to accommodate species previously included in Drosanthemum. It differs from Drosanthemum mainly in floral and leaf characteristics: more linear, channeled leaves with prominent papillae, and smaller flowers. Species in this genus are native to the arid regions of southwestern South Africa and southern Namibia (karoo and namaqualand zones). They are creeping or small suffruticose plants highly prized in succulent collections for their showy flowers in pink, lilac, or white tones.

4 spp.

Drosanthemum

Drosanthemum is a genus of succulent plants in the family Aizoaceae, with approximately 95–110 species native primarily to southwestern South Africa and southern Namibia. The genus name derives from the Greek 'drósos' (dew) and 'ánthemon' (flower), referring to the shiny papillae covering the plant that reflect sunlight like drops of dew. They are succulent subshrubs or herbs producing showy daisy-like flowers in white, pink, lilac, yellow, or orange tones. Many species are widely cultivated as ground covers in Mediterranean gardens, and some have naturalized in regions of similar climate worldwide.

Dudleya

Dudleya is a genus of perennial rosette-forming succulents native to the Pacific coastline from southwestern Oregon to Baja California, Mexico, with the greatest diversity concentrated in California. Their rosettes bear lanceolate or spatulate leaves ranging from matte green to silver-grey or chalky white with a heavy pruinose coating, producing star-shaped flowers in yellow, pink, or red on branching floral stems. Species typically inhabit coastal cliffs, rocky outcrops, and stony chaparral slopes, tolerating salt-laden winds, prolonged drought, and extremely poor soils. Their ornamental appeal and high valuation in the Asian succulent market have made them the primary target of illegal poaching, prompting the passage of California law AB-223 (2021) to protect wild populations.

50 species

Duvalia

Duvalia is a genus of succulents in the family Apocynaceae (subfamily Asclepiadoideae), closely related to Stapelia and Orbea. It comprises 15–20 species of low-growing, angular, leafless fleshy-stemmed plants native to southern Africa — primarily South Africa and Namibia, with some species extending to Somalia. Their small, star-shaped flowers are often foul-smelling, mimicking carrion to attract fly pollinators. The elaborate annular central corona is the genus's hallmark, particularly striking in D. elegans. In cultivation they are prized by stapeliad enthusiasts for their exotic flowers and easy care.

47 species

Duvaliandra

Duvaliandra is a monotypic genus of succulents in the family Apocynaceae, subfamily Asclepiadoideae, represented by a single species: Duvaliandra dioscoridis. The genus was established by M.G.Gilbert to accommodate this unusual stapeliad endemic to Socotra Island (Yemen), whose floral and vegetative morphology clearly separates it from related genera. The fleshy, compact, angular stems are typical of stapeliads, but the floral structure shows unique adaptations to the xerophytic insular environment of Socotra.

Ebracteola

Ebracteola is a small genus of succulent plants belonging to the family Aizoaceae (Mesembryanthemaceae in the broad sense), described by N. E. Brown and later revised by H. E. K. Hartmann. The genus name refers to the absence ("e-") of bracts ("bracteola") in its flowers, a character that distinguishes it from related genera such as Delosperma. Its species are compact succulents with fleshy triangular or semi-cylindrical leaves, solitary flowers with numerous linear petals in shades of pink to magenta, and hygrochastic dehiscent capsule fruits. They inhabit the arid and semi-arid regions of south-western South Africa and Namibia, mainly in the Karoo and Namaqualand, where they grow in sandy or stony soils with high sun exposure.

Echeveria

Genus of succulents native to Mexico and Central America, with approximately 150 accepted species. They form compact, symmetrical rosettes with thick, waxy leaves in shades of green, blue, pink, and purple. Their lateral inflorescences bear bell-shaped, brightly colored flowers. They are slow-growing plants that thrive in well-drained soils and bright indirect light.

295 species

Echidnopsis

Echidnopsis is a genus of stem-succulent plants in subfamily Asclepiadoideae (family Apocynaceae), formerly placed in Asclepiadaceae. Plants are creeping or prostrate, leafless, with cylindrical to slightly angled stems densely covered in small spirally or longitudinally arranged tubercles. Flowers are small, star-shaped or tubular, typically in dark shades — brown, purple, burgundy or yellow — often with spotted or striped patterns. The genus was described by Joseph Dalton Hooker in 1871 and currently contains approximately 25–30 species. Commonly called "hedgehog stapeliads" for their cactus-like appearance and characteristic stapeliad flower structure. In cultivation they require bright light, sharply draining substrate, and infrequent watering; they are sensitive to root rot.

35 species

Echinus

Small mesemb succulent genus in the Aizoaceae family, endemic to the Western Cape of South Africa. Forms low, compact shrubs with branch tips ending in sharp spines, a feature that gives the genus its name (from Greek echinos, hedgehog). The leaves are fleshy, small, and cylindrical to triangular in cross-section, densely arranged on branchlets. Flowers are solitary, with numerous narrow petals in white to pale pink, typical of the Ruschioideae subfamily. Belongs to tribe Ruschieae and is related to genera such as Ruschia and Lampranthus.

Edithcolea

Monotypic or ditypic genus of stapelioid succulents in the Apocynaceae family, subfamily Asclepiadoideae, tribe Stapelieae, belonging to the informal "huernioid" group. Described by N. E. Brown in 1895 in honor of Edith Cole, an English naturalist and collector who gathered specimens in Somalia in the late 19th century. Plants are succulent stem succulents with pentagonal to hexagonal angled stems bearing toothed tubercles along the angles, without true leaves. Distributed across the arid deserts and thorn scrublands of the Horn of Africa (Somalia, northern Kenya, eastern Ethiopia, southern Yemen and southern Arabia) at elevations of 0 to 1,500 m. The genus is best known for Edithcolea grandis, one of the largest and most spectacular flowers in the entire Apocynaceae family, with corollas up to 15 cm in diameter densely mottled red-brown on a yellow-cream background.

Euphorbioideae

Elaeophorbia

Genus of arborescent succulent plants in the family Euphorbiaceae, subfamily Euphorbioideae. Species are large succulent trees or shrubs with highly caustic white latex and characteristic cyathia. Closely related to Euphorbia, distinguished by their fleshy drupaceous fruits and imposing tree habit.

Erepsia

Genus of succulent plants in the family Aizoaceae, subfamily Ruschioideae, endemic to the Cape region of South Africa. Species are small succulent shrubs with triangular or semi-cylindrical leaves and showy flowers in purple, pink or white tones, similar to those of other mesembs. The genus was revised by L. Bolus in the early 20th century from material originally described by Haworth.

Euphorbioideae

Esula

Subgenus or segregated genus of Euphorbia (Euphorbiaceae), recognised in some modern classification systems. Groups herbaceous and subshrubby Euphorbiaceae from the Mediterranean, Europe and temperate Asia, characterised by cyathia with lunulate or trapezoidal glands and entire alternate leaves. The most notable species is Esula dendroides (synonym: Euphorbia dendroides), the so-called Mediterranean tree spurge.

Euphorbioideae

Euphorbia

The world's most diverse plant genus with over 2 000 species, including succulent euphorbias with cactiform morphology, spiny shrubs, and candelabra trees. The white latex of all species is toxic. Note: E. abdelkuri is endemic to Abdelkuri (Abd al-Kuri) island, part of the Socotra Archipelago (Yemen).

514 species

Faucaria

Faucaria is a genus of small mat-forming or clump-forming succulents in the Aizoaceae family, immediately recognisable by their triangular, fleshy leaves in basal rosettes with toothed or soft-ciliate margins resembling open jaws — the source of the generic name from the Latin fauces (throat, jaws). The flowers are a deep golden yellow, relatively large for the plant's size, and bloom primarily in autumn. A recent taxonomic revision reduced the accepted species count through synonymisation of several previously recognised taxa. All species are endemic to the subtropical shrublands of South Africa's Cape Province.

49 species

4 spp.

Fenestraria

Monotypic genus or with two forms (F. rhopalophylla) native to Namibia and South Africa. Cylindrical leaves grow partially buried with only the translucent tip ("window") exposed, allowing photosynthesis while protecting tissues from excess solar radiation. Flowers are large, white or yellow, daisy-like.

16 spp.

Fouquieria

Genus of xerophytic plants in the family Fouquieriaceae; includes the boojum tree (F. columnaris) and ocotillo (F. splendens); all endemic to Mexico or southwestern USA.

Frerea

Monotypic genus of the family Apocynaceae (Asclepiadoideae); shrubby succulent endemic to the Western Ghats of India; single species: F. indica.

Frithia

Genus of the family Aizoaceae with two species of small window succulents from Transvaal, South Africa; cylindrical leaves with translucent apex buried in quartzite sand.

37 spp.

Furcraea

Genus of large succulent plants of the family Asparagaceae, closely related to Agave; giant rosettes with long fleshy leaves; native to tropical America; some produce commercial fibers (sisal, fique).

37 species

Gasteria

Genus of succulents endemic to South Africa, with about 23 accepted species. They are characterized by thick leaves, distichous (arranged in two rows) or rosulate, frequently with rough texture and white spots. The tubular, curved flowers with an inflated base resemble a stomach, giving the genus its name (from Latin "gaster"). They tolerate partial shade better than most succulents.

152 species

Dracaenoideae

Geaya

Monospecific genus of family Asparagaceae, native to dry forests of southern Madagascar. A large succulent tree with thickened trunk.

Gibbaeum

Genus of mesemb succulents in the family Aizoaceae, endemic to the Karoo of South Africa. Characterized by very unequal pairs of leaves forming compact bodies, often fused at the base. They bloom in winter producing white, pink, or mauve flowers.

51 species

Crassuloideae

Globulea

Genus of family Crassulaceae, often treated as a section or synonym of Crassula. Herbaceous or subshrubby succulents native to southern Africa, with opposite decussate leaves and small flowers in cymes.

15 species

Glottiphyllum

Genus of mesemb succulents in the family Aizoaceae, endemic to the arid Karoo regions of South Africa. Characterized by very fleshy tongue-shaped leaves, bright to grey-green, arranged in 2 rows.

55 species

Gonostemon

Genus of succulents in the family Apocynaceae (subfamily Asclepiadoideae), created by P.V.Heath to group stapeliad species related to Caralluma and related genera. Succulent plants with angled stems and intricate flowers.

54 species

Sedoideae

Gormania

Genus of family Crassulaceae, native to northwestern North America. Herbaceous to subshrubby succulents related to Sedum and Dudleya.

Grahamia

Monotypic or small genus of family Anacampserotaceae, native to Argentina. Caudiciform plant with thickened taproot and small pink flowers.

Echeverioideae

Graptopetalum

Genus of succulents in family Crassulaceae, primarily native to Mexico and southern Arizona (USA). Fleshy rosettes with star-shaped flowers often spotted or painted. The name refers to the painted markings on petals.

43 species

Graptopetalum

Genus of succulents native to Mexico and Arizona (USA), with approximately 19 accepted species. They form rosettes with thick leaves in grey, pink, and lavender tones. They are phylogenetically close to Echeveria and frequently produce intergeneric hybrids (× Graptoveria). Flowers are star-shaped with red or purple-spotted petals.

Greenovia

Genus of succulents in family Crassulaceae, endemic to the Canary Islands. Form dense rosettes with glaucous leaves that close in summer (summer dormancy). Previously treated as part of Aeonium by some authors.

14 species

Guillauminia

Genus of succulents in family Asphodelaceae, endemic to Madagascar. Plants with dense aloe-like rosettes, often small-sized. P.V. Heath's 1994 treatment; modern flora (Plants of the World Online) synonymises most into Aloe.

12 species

Hammeria

Small genus of succulents in family Aizoaceae, native to southern Africa. Prostrate plants with showy flowers in subfamily Ruschioideae.

Hartmanthus

Monotypic genus of succulents in family Aizoaceae, native to southern Africa.