There is something about Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’ that makes me smile every time I stumble upon it in our garden.  Maybe it is the texture, those crazy odd shaped leaves, or the dance of color between lime green and red…

The specimen above, wedged between some beach stones,  is no more than the size of an apple.  It is a winter bloomer, and loves those winter rains on the West Coast.  Common Names for this gem include “Gollum Jade”, “Trumpet Jade”,  and my personal fave…”ET’s Fingers.”  Speaking of names, seems that the Botanical name for this species is now ovata, but you still see it listed as Crassula argentea, and Crassula portulacea.  Ahh…I love trying to keep up with the names changes for plants.  LOL

This is the largest of our C. o ‘Gollum’ (above).  We started with one plant and keep breaking off bits to keep expanding its presence.  Ours has not flowered yet, but Plants are the Strangest People has a nice detail what they would look like (not exact species…but the flowers will be the same).

– Matti Far Out Flora