The Crassulaceae or stonecrop family is a  medium-sized  family which has representatives everywhere except Australia and the islands of the western Pacific. It contains  between 1200 and 1400 species in about 35 genera. Its greatest center of diversity is South Africa, and its major characteristic is its succulent foliage which is designed to store water in dry and or cold areas. Many of the family members have weird appearances, and are quite popular in the horticultural trade and in home landscaping. The largest genus is Sedum which inhabits mostly temperate areas and tropical mountains. Crassula ovata (aka jade plant) is one of the best known family members. Because they often are native in stony soils, they are especially well suited to rock gardens. The flowers though small are often quite lovely. Other familiar members are Dudleya, Aeonium, and Echeveria. They have little economic importance.