Crassulaceae

Apart from the wall-pepper (Sedum acre, shown here), stonecrop species (genus Sedum) and the tropical Bryophyllum are belonging to the crassulaceae.

The plants have adapted specifically to dry, sunny stands. The thick, coarse leaves are well protected against desiccation. In addition, crassulaceae are reducing the loss of water by a peculiarity of their metabolism. Usually, plants have to take up carbon dioxide for photosynthesis during the day, loosing water by the open stomata of their leaves. Crassulaceae take up carbon dioxide during the night and are thus able to isolate the interior of their leaves from the environment on hot days.