Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jun 25, 2026

Aeonium tabuliforme

Aeonium tabuliforme, the flat-topped aeonium or saucer plant, is a species of succulent plant in the family Crassulaceae, native and endemic to Tenerife in the Canary Islands. It is low-growing, typically reaching about 5 cm high but up to 45 cm in diameter. It grows on moist, north-facing cliffs and ledges at low altitude. A mass of fleshy, hairy, bright green leaves in flat rosettes is produced on short unbranched stems, often on vertical surfaces. This species is short-lived and dies after flowering. Plants often take 3–4 years to flower, at which point they produce a tall (40–60 cm) raceme of yellow flowers.

Last revised
Jun 25, 2026
Read time
≈ 2 min
Length
371 w
Citations
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Source
Wikipedia ↗
Aeonium tabuliforme
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Embryophytes
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Spermatophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Saxifragales
Family: Crassulaceae
Genus: Aeonium
Species:
A. tabuliforme
Binomial name
Aeonium tabuliforme
Synonyms1
  • Aeonium berthelotianum Bolle
  • Aeonium macrolepum Webb ex Christ
  • Aeonium umbelliforme Knoche
  • Sempervivum complanatum A.DC.
  • Sempervivum tabuliforme Haw.

Aeonium tabuliforme, the flat-topped aeonium or saucer plant, is a species of succulent plant in the family Crassulaceae, native and endemic to Tenerife in the Canary Islands. It is low-growing, typically reaching about 5 cm high but up to 45 cm in diameter.2 It grows on moist, north-facing cliffs and ledges at low altitude.3: 163  A mass of fleshy, hairy, bright green leaves in flat rosettes is produced on short unbranched stems, often on vertical surfaces.45 This species is short-lived and dies after flowering.2 Plants often take 3–4 years to flower, at which point they produce a tall (40–60 cm) raceme of yellow flowers.6

The Latin specific epithet tabuliforme means "flat" (literally "table shaped").7

This plant, which may be either biennial or perennial, is grown under glass in temperate regions. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.89 It requires excellent drainage, and leaf color is best in full sun. It is relatively disease-free, but may be susceptible to aphids and mealybugs.10

The cultivar 'Variegata' features darker green leaves with white edges.11

  • Three specimens, two with flower spikes
    Three specimens, two with flower spikes
  • Flowers
    Flowers
References

References

  1. The Plant List: A Working List of All Plant Species, retrieved 30 July 2016
  2. "Aeonium tabuliforme". BBC Gardeners' World Magazine. Retrieved 2021-04-13.
  3. Bramwell, D.; Bramwell, Z. (2001). Wild flowers of the Canary Islands. Madrid, Spain: Editorial Rueda. ISBN 84-7207-129-4.
  4. Aeonium tabulaefoeme (tabulifoeme)
  5. RHS A-Z encyclopedia of garden plants. United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. 2008. p. 1136. ISBN 1405332964.
  6. "Aeonium tabuliforme". www.tropicalbritain.co.uk. Retrieved 2021-04-13.
  7. Harrison, Lorraine (2012). RHS Latin for gardeners. United Kingdom: Mitchell Beazley. p. 224. ISBN 9781845337315.
  8. "Aeonium tabuliforme". www.rhs.org. Royal Horticultural Society. Retrieved 27 February 2020.
  9. "AGM Plants - Ornamental" (PDF). www.rhs.org. Royal Horticultural Society. November 2018. p. 2. Retrieved 27 February 2020.
  10. Shoot. "Aeonium tabuliforme Flat-topped berthelotianum macrolepum Sempervivum complanatum Dinner plate Saucer plant Care Plant Varieties & Pruning Advice". www.shootgardening.co.uk. Retrieved 2021-04-13.
  11. "Aeonium tabuliforme". World of Succulents. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
External links