Crassulaceae

Annual or perennial herbs, sometimes small shrubs, with vegetative organs and often floral parts ± succulent, often reproducing by offsets or rhizomes. Stems prostrate to erect, sometimes with bulbils formed on them. Lvs opposite or alternate, usually simple, occasionally pinnate; stipules 0. Infl. usually variously cymose, often with many branches, sometimes paniculate; bracts usually ± persistent, sometimes caducous; fls actinomorphic, usually ☿, rarely unisexual (spp. dioecious), (3)–4–20–(32)-merous, often secund. Sepals equal or unequal, free or connate, sometimes forming a tube. Petals free or connate, occasionally forming a tube. Stamens somewhat perigynous, as many as or twice as many as the petals, if twice petals then outer whorl antipetalous; anthers 2-locular, dehiscing longitudinally. Ovary superior; carpels free, as many as petals, 1-locular; ovules usually many, rarely few; styles free, usually prominent. Nectary scales usually present at base of carpels, sometimes 0. Fr. usually a group of follicles, sometimes a capsule, membranous or coriaceous, often surrounded by the persistent corolla. Seeds very small; endosperm usually present, sometimes 0.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]