Sedum and succulents are not the same, although there is some overlap between the two. Let me explain in detail the key differences between these two terms.
Firstly, it’s important to understand that Sedum is a specific genus of plants. It is a diverse group of flowering plants that belong to the family Crassulaceae. Sedums are characterized by their thick and fleshy leaves, which help them to store water and survive in arid conditions. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and are commonly used in gardens and landscaping due to their hardiness and low maintenance requirements.
On the other hand, the term “succulent” is not a specific genus or family of plants, but rather an adjective used to describe plants that have the ability to store water in their leaves, stems, or roots. Succulents come from various plant families, including but not limited to Crassulaceae (where Sedum belongs), Aizoaceae, Cactaceae, and Euphorbiaceae. This means that Sedum is a type of succulent, but not all succulents are Sedums.
Succulents have adapted to survive in dry and arid environments by storing water in their tissues, which allows them to withstand long periods of drought. Their ability to store water also makes them popular choices for indoor gardening and xeriscaping projects. Some well-known succulents include Aloe vera, Echeveria, Haworthia, and Agave.
In terms of appearance, Sedums and other succulents can have similar characteristics, such as thick leaves and a compact growth habit. However, there are also many succulents that do not resemble Sedums at all. For example, cacti are succulents but have spines instead of leaves, while some succulents have unique shapes and textures that set them apart from Sedums.
Sedum is a specific genus of plants within the Crassulaceae family, known for their ability to store water in their leaves. Succulents, on the other hand, is a broader term used to describe plants from various families that have adapted to store water. While Sedums are a type of succulent, not all succulents are Sedums. So, while there may be some similarities in appearance and water-storing abilities, Sedum and succulents are not the same.
