Taxonomy classification

Graptosedum "Verra Higgins" is a hybrid species between Graptopetalum and Sedum, the plant's taxonomy classification is as following:

Kingdom: Plantae

Phylum: Tracheophyta

Class: Magnoliopsida

Order: Saxifragales

Family: Crassulaceae

Genus: x Graptosedum

Species: x Graptosedum "Vera Higgins"

Habitat

Graptosedum 'Vera Higgins' is a cultivated hybrid and not a naturally occurring species, it does not have a native habitat in the wild. However, the parent plant, Graptopetalum and Sedum, originate from regions with arid climates, especially Mexico. The hybrid 'Vera Higgins' resulted in a succulent well-suited to warm, dry environments with plenty of sunlight. Tolerating a 20 to 29ºC temperature during day, and 14 to 24ºC at night. It is commonly grown in rock gardens in regions with a Mediterranean climate. It prefers sunny, well-drained environments. There is an average rainfall of 10-20 inches in their habitat, needs well-draining soils, sandy or rocky. Found in low to moderate altitutes (about 1,500 meters above sea level). Found to share habitat with cacti, other suculent species, bees, lizards and birds.

Ecologic role

Like all plants, "Vera Higgins" contributes to its ecosystem as a primary producer. And provides a habitat for various microorganisms in the soil such as insects and spiders, contributing to soil health and ecosystem functioning. It also contributes to oxygen production and carbon dioxide absorption, enhancing air quality.

Energy Production

Graptosedum "Vera Higgins" makes its own energy through celular respiration. Celular respiration is the process in which oxygen and glucose is broken down in order to create co2, energy and and water. After that comes cellular respiration, which occurs in the mitochondria, an organelle found in cells. In this process, both plants and animals break down simple sugars (made by plants during photosynthesis) into CO2 and water, later releasing the energy in the form of ATP.

Cellular respiration: Glucose + Oxygen ➡️ Co2 + H2O + energy

Ecological Importance

These type of plants have a big importance due to their leaves, which can store water, allowing it to survive in drought conditions and contribute to water retention in the soil. Additionally, it provides shelter and food for a variety of small organisms, such as insects and

spiders.

Conservation

The species x Graptosedum "Vera Higgins" is a common plant in arid and dry areas of México, it is not endagered. Multiple common species face challenges such as habitat destruction, climate change, and invasive species competition in their habitats. Conservation strategies include sustainable cultivation practices and educational programs to teach importantce of this native species in México. As a popular plant ensuring sustainable sourcing and cultivation methods is a great way to conserve this species.

Economic Value

"Vera Higgins" 's economical value is mostly from purchases for ornamental purposes, to decorate lawns, rooms, or in this case the gardens at the American School Foundation. Thanks to its aesthetic characteristics and beutiful color is has become a plant with high value, as many people buy this plant.

Cultural Value

As this species is relatively new, it has no big cultural importance in ethnic groups and has no special meaning in other languages. Although Graptosedum "Vera Higgins" does not have any specific ethnic-botanical uses, succulents, in general, have been widely used throughout history for various cultural practices, from traditional medicine to religious rituals, and more important and still noticed now in days, ornamentation.

Uniqueness to Green Roof

This plant is unique in oir botanical gardens for its bronze red color, which adds aesthetic value to the gardens with its attractive foliage and easy maintenance, it can survive in hot and dry climates, meaning that there is no need for a lot of water to be used. Its succulent nature, and attractive leaves make it a popular choice for rock gardens, such as the schools.

Special Traits and Survival Advantages

"Vera Higgins" has many special traits that helps it survive in the warm and dry enviorment of México, as said before, it has thick, fleshy leaves which store water, allowing the plant to survive when there is infrequent rainfall. The pattern which the plant shows, also known as "rosette" growth pattern has the ability to reduces water loss by minimizing the surface area that is exposed to the sun and wind. It also can keep open its stomata at night, reducing water loss while still taking in carbon dioxide for photosynthesis.

Close Relatives

Graptosedum 'Vera Higgins' is a hybrid of Graptopetalum and Sedum, which are its closest relatives showing divergent evolution, some close ancestors can be other species of Graptosedum, or just Graptopetalum and Sedum. Both plants share a common ancestor but have evolved distinct characteristics to adapt to their specific environments. One way we can see this is through the succulent leave structures which adapted for water storage.

Evolutionary Timeline

Unfortunatly, there is no evolution time line, as it is not evolution but a hybrid of two different species, Graptopetalum and Sedum. This is a modern species and the lineage is often complex and relies of specific evidence, which is quite rare for this types of hybrids.

SOURCES

Issac, Marry. “Graptosedum ‘Alpenglow.’” SuccuCare, 18 Nov. 2023, succucare.com/graptosedum-alpenglow/. Accessed 18 May 2024.

“Graptosedum ‘Vera Higgins’, , Succulent, [Graptosedum ‘Bronze’, Sedum ‘Coffee’, Hort.].” San Marcos Growers Wholesale Nursery, Santa Barbara, California, www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=2141. Accessed 21 May 2024.

Moya, Eduardo. “Graptosedum Bronze.” 🌱 Suculentas - Th Suculentas, 4 May 2024, todoparatuhuerta.com/suculentas/graptosedum-bronze/. Accessed 21 May 2024.

Idea guardada 56 veces La valoración media de 112 personas es: Excelente. “La Suculenta Considerada Como Una de Las Más Resistentes Del Mundo.” Plantas, 15 Feb. 2017, cg.facilisimo.com/dsk/2109016.html?fba. Accessed 21 May 2024.