Agavaceae & Crassulaceae: New, Recent & Still Undescribed Species

Explore the mountains and jungles of Mexico in search of the latest plant discoveries with Julia Etter and Martin Kristen.

Enjoy this presentation recorded at the 2025 CSSA convention.

Julia Etter and Martin Kristen at their home in front of a giant Agave plant.

About Julia Etter and Martin Kristen

Hailing from Switzerland and Austria, Julia Etter and Martin Kristen have dedicated their lives to the study of the Agavaceae and Crassulaceae. Their passion for these plants led them into the field in 1997. For several years, they roamed the deserts of the southwestern United States and Mexico in their Unimog expedition vehicle, “PocoLoco,” studying the unique flora of these regions.

Nearly 20 years ago, Julia and Martin made Jalisco, Mexico, their home, embracing the local culture and lifestyle.

Since 2009, Julia and Martin have collaborated with botanists from the Institute of Biology at UNAM and the University of Guadalajara. Their contributions to botany have been honored with several plant species named after them, including Agave kristeniiEcheveria julianaE. kristeniiGraptopetalum kristenii, and Sedum kristenii. Their work has been widely published in books, journals, and online, reflecting their deep commitment to sharing the beauty and knowledge of these remarkable plants.

More information about their work can be found at agavaceae.com and crassulaceae.com.


Videos from the 2025 CSSA Convention in San Diego

Every other year, CSSA members meet for 3 days of presentations from the world’s top succulentists.

You can see the full playlist of videos from the convention on YouTube. Be sure to like and subscribe there to help more people see our content.

This talk was generously sponsored by Rod Haenni and the Cactus and Succulent Society of New Mexico.

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Photo Credits: The presenters