<tc>Rare succulents</tc>: mutations, crestations, and unique forms

Introduction

Rare succulents stand out due to mutations that alter the normal growth form of the plant.

These mutations can affect the structure of the leaves, the growth of the meristem, or the texture of the leaf surface. The result is plants with shapes very different from the original botanical species.

Within the world of this type of succulents many of these forms appear spontaneously as somatic mutations or as variations arising during hybridization processes.

These genetic alterations generate deformed leaves, crested growths, or leaf structures very different from the original plants.

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Somatic mutations in rare succulents

Many rare succulents arise from somatic mutations.

A somatic mutation is a genetic alteration that appears in a specific part of the plant during its growth. If that mutation stabilizes and reproduces vegetatively, it can lead to a new cultivated variety.

Two well-known examples within the Echeveria genus are:

Echeveria ‘Crispate Beauty’

Echeveria ‘Crispate Beauty’ is a somatic mutation of Echeveria lilacina.

It was discovered and stabilized in Brazil by the grower Gerardus Olsthoorn around the year 2018.

This mutation produces very wavy and deformed leaves that completely break the typical symmetry of the original species.

Within the world of rare succulents, this plant has become one of the most well-known references.

Additionally, Crispate Beauty is viable as a pollinator plant, so it is likely that numerous hybrids derived from this line will appear in the coming years.

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Echeveria ‘Super Bowl’

Echeveria ‘Super Bowl’ is another well-known somatic mutation.

In this case, it is a sport mutation of Echeveria ‘Black Prince’, hybrid of Echeveria affinis × Echeveria shaviana.

The mutation completely alters the structure of the leaves, generating folds and deformations that produce a rosette very different from that of the original hybrid.

This type of mutation is one of the reasons why many of these types of succulents exhibit such surprising shapes.

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Development of the mutation in young plants

When these succulents  reproduce by leaf, the behavior can vary.

Young plants usually grow initially with relatively normal leaves.

As the plant matures, the mutation begins to manifest more intensely and the characteristic undulations or deformations appear.

For this reason, many of these varieties take some time to fully show their definitive shape.

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Hybrids that generate new rare succulents

In addition to spontaneous mutations, many of these succulents appear through hybridization processes.

Some hybrids inherit or amplify mutations present in their parents.

An interesting example is Echeveria ‘Bill Gates’, a hybrid known for its deformed and very characteristic leaf structure.

Another case is Echeveria ‘Queen Crown’, a hybrid derived from Echeveria ‘Crispate Beauty’, that retains and amplifies the undulations of the leaves.

This type of hybridization demonstrates how many of the most sought-after succulents today arise from the combination of natural mutations and cultivation selection.

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Crestations in rare succulents

Another of the most spectacular forms within special succulents is the crestation.

Crestation occurs when the apical meristem changes its growth pattern.

Instead of growing from a single point, the meristem expands forming a line of growth.

As a result, the plant develops elongated and wavy structures that resemble a fan or a crest.

This type of growth can appear in many genera of succulents.

Crested plants are usually propagated by cuttings taken directly from the crested part to maintain the same growth pattern.

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Monstrous forms in rare succulents

Within the world of anomalous succulents there are also the so-called monstrous forms.

In these plants, mutation causes irregular growth that completely alters the structure of the plant.

Some well-known examples include:

• Echeveria ‘Marble’, a monstrous form derived from Echeveria lilacina
• Pachyphytum ‘Botox’, a mutation of Pachyphytum oviferum

These plants exhibit deformed leaves, irregular structures, or shapes very different from the original species.

Although they may seem strange at first glance, they are highly valued by collectors of rare succulents due to their uniqueness.

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Caruncles and textures on leaves

Another interesting feature within some of these succulents  is the caruncles.

Caruncles are small bumps or reliefs that appear on the surface of the leaves.

This type of texture can be observed in certain hybrids of Echeveria, Pachyphytum, or Graptopetalum.

Although caruncles do not usually appear in variegated succulents, they do represent another form of morphological mutation that contributes to the diversity within the world of succulents.

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Why rare succulents attract so much attention from collectors

These plants combine several factors that make them especially attractive:

• uncommon mutations
• unique growth forms
• great morphological diversity

Each mutation represents a variation within the genetics of these plants.

That is why many people enjoy watching how these forms evolve over time.

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Conclusion

These succulents are the result of mutations that alter the normal growth of the plants.

Somatic mutations, cresting, monstrous forms, or unusual leaf textures generate some of the most surprising plants in the world of succulents.

Understanding how these mutations occur allows for a better appreciation of the enormous diversity that exists within this group of plants.

If you want to expand your collection and propagate variegated succulents, you can explore our variegated succulents, as well as variegated aeoniums, rare succulents, and classic variegated selections for collectors.

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