Crassula sarmentosa
is one of a number of plant species which are presently being tested for their suitability to be grown as Green Roof plants in the Durban region that have initially shown good results. They all occur naturally within a radius of 50 km of the Durban city centre

These plants occur naturally in shallow soils in light shade on the rocky cliffs and in full sun in grassland in the greater Durban region

Growth habit
These plants are small to medium growing evergreen succulent scrambling herbs, the stems as well as the leaves are highly succulent. They reproduce both vegetatively as well as by seed.

Decorative value
These plants are extremely decorative groundcover or feature plants having light green succulent leaves and a neat growth habit. Under increasing water stress the leave change colour to become an ever increasingly orange colour with pink margins and stems. They produce large masses of small white flowers edged with pink over a very long period of time starting as early as December right through until the mid to late winter months.

Drought resistance
In their natural habitat they are able to withstand reasonable periods of drought due to their very succulent nature. From my experience of growing these plants I have found them to be fairly drought resistant.

Disease and pest resistance

These plants are generally disease resistant however they are sometimes fed upon by the larvae of butterflies they often in particular the flowers and flower stems become infested with mealy bug.

Suitability as Green Roof plants
From indications of the plants that are being tested under Green Roof conditions these plants certainly give the impression that they are going to be excellent Green Roof ground cover plants.

Biodiversity value in the Green Roof landscape
They create good habitat and protection for other green roof dwellers. They are frequently fed on by the larvae of butterflies, when in flower from December until mid to late winter they attract large numbers of pollinating insects in particular honey bees.

Cautions and precautions in the Green Roof application
None that I am aware of at the moment

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Ecoman Durban Indigenous Landscape Design Consultant

Bio-Diverse Indigenous Landscaping I design landscapes and gardens that are Bio-Diverse as well as being pleasing to the eye

Landscapes and Gardens that are Nature Friendly

I use my many years of landscape planning and design as well as landscape construction experience coupled to my vast knowledge of the requirements of nature to create habitat suitable for birds, butterflies and other creatures to live and breed in.

 

I always apply the basic principles of good landscape design to create an aesthetically pleasing garden that at the same time satisfies the living requirements of the target creatures that I would like to attract. My speciality is to attract birds, butterflies and solitary bees. I design and build Bio-Diverse Roof Gardens

 

So let Ecoman design and create a garden for you that will be a haven for wildlife such as birds, butterflies, frogs and lizards in the number of species comparable to Kruger National Park.

For all of your Green Roof requirements contact Michael Hickman Specialist in Green Roof Technology at +27 82 061 2593 or email at info@ecoman.co.za