Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, South Africa

Common name: Tylecodon

Family: Crassulaceae (Sedum)

Synonym: Cotyledon viridiflorus

Distribution: Northern Cape

Habitat: Crevices in schist outcrops and under bushes on slopes

IUCN Red list: Not evaluated

National red list: Vulnerable

Life form: Succulent plant

Comments: This is a highly range-restricted and localised habitat specialist. It only occurs in the central mountain ranges of the Richtersveld where it grows on steep slopes and in rock crevices. The overstocking of livestock in the area has been harmful to this species for more than one reason. It has led to plants getting trampled, but it has also caused habitat degradation as overgrazing is leading to erosion and loss of vegetation cover. As a result, this species is considered vulnerable. Fortunately it is not palatable for livestock and therefore not likely to be browsed, which offers it some protection.