Pachyphytum

Pachyphytum is a small genus of succulents in the stonecrop family, Crassulaceae, native to Mexico, where species can be found growing at elevations from above sea level. The generic name comes from the ancient Greek pachys ('thick') and phyton ('plant'), a reference of the succulent nature of the leaves.

==Description == The member species of the genus Pachyphytum are perennial succulent plants, which grow as hairless rosettes on ever-lengthening, somewhat delicate stems. The upright plants grow up to 70 cm when young, and develop into a prostrate growth habit over time (to over 1 meter in length, in some cases). The simple, occasionally basally-branching, shoots can reach a diameter of up to 3.5 cm. The rosettes have a diameter of 6 to 20 cm and are made up of roughly 10 leaves; larger specimens may contain 40, rarely up to 80, clearly separated leaves that are often intensely blue-, teal- or lavender-frosted. Towards the tip, the newer leaves are much tighter and more crowded-together. The youngest leaves are, more or less, erect, later spreading and flattening slightly; the older foliage often curls-back. Leaves are obovate to spatulate or elliptical-oblong to lanceolate and usually end blunted to slightly pointed.