In May of last year, I posted about the “Hobbit” (Crassula ovata ‘Hobbit’), a succulent plant. Being a fan of J.R.R.’s work, of course I wanted one. In a roundabout way, one could say that I found one, but the influence of the One Ring over time revealed the Monstruosa of a changed hobbit.
Below is the original picture I took of our “hobbit” when we planned to name it Samwise.
I had read that when they are young, it can take a bit of time for the leaves to unfurl to a flattish round shape. Well, we waited, and waited, and waited. Meanwhile, our plant continued to stubbornly cling to its thinner form. The thickest leaves seemed determined to not unclench and unfurl.
As it is just shy of a year from purchase, it has become hard to deny that it is much more likely that I had brought home a Crassula ovata ‘Monstruosa‘, aka Crassula argentea ‘Gollum‘, aka Crassula portulacea ‘Gollum‘. (I don’t know enough yet about the science end of naming plants to explain why it has three synonyms, but found the info here.)
I admit, initially there was some disappointment on my part about this. Yet in just shy of a year, I’m now actually rather fond of it, and have decided it’s time to embrace this plant in its true form by naming it Sméagol. I may yet go back to the place I bought him and see if they have any hobbits not affected by the One Ring, but for now I will admire Sméagol for who he is, darkness inside and all.
(I also like that the way it’s been growing, in my head I imagine this is what Gollum looked like as he tried to leap upon Bilbo when realizing he had his Precious.)
If you own one, or have anything you’d like to share about this post, feel free to comment below.
