Dudleya brittonii

Dudleya brittonii is a species of succulent plant in the family Crassulaceae commonly known as Britton's liveforever or giant chalk dudleya. It is endemic to a small coastal area of far northern Baja California, Mexico, growing on volcanic rocks and soils. One of the largest members of the genus Dudleya, this species is characterized by its white rosettes, covered in a chalky wax that has highest measured ultraviolet reflectivity reported from any plant, and in spring it develops large reddish inflorescences topped with yellowish flowers.

Dudleya brittonii forms a species complex with two other species, Dudleya josedelgadilloi and Dudleya reidmoranii, with the latter two considered historically synonymous with D. brittonii, but differing in their lack of the white wax and distinct inflorescence characteristics and phenology. Another close relative is Dudleya candida, which resembles a miniaturized form of D. brittonii that is endemic to the Coronado Islands. D. brittonii is superficially similar to Dudleya pulverulenta, the chalk dudleya, which has white rosettes and achieves a similar size, but is otherwise quite distinct in terms of inflorescences and flowers. One of the most common Dudleya in cultivation, this species is valued in horticulture for its hardy nature, low water requirements, and easy care.