Cotyledon orbiculata (Pig's Ear; Dog's Ear Plant)


Botanical Information

FamilyCrassulaceae
GenusCotyledon
Speciesorbiculata
CategoryTropicals
OriginSwaziland and South Africa (Cape Province, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal).
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer
The fleshy areas of the leaves are used by natives to soften and eventually remove hard corns or warts.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone8
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneCool season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-9.4 - (-6.7)
Height0.5 m - 1 m
Spread0.1 m - 0.5 m
Flowering PeriodJune, July, August

Description and Growing Information

ID CharacteristicFoliage that resembles animals' ears.
ShapeClumping.
LandscapeRocky garden borders, in potted succulent collections or as a specimen in arid gardens.
PropagationPropagation by seed or tip cuttings.
CultivationPlant in rocky, well-drained soil of any acidity and place under full sun to partial shade.
PestsSnails.
HabitatWidespread throughout but is typically confined to rocky outcrops in grassland fynbos and karoo regions.
Leaf DescriptionSilvery, large rounded to 13 x 7 cm and slightly cup-shaped.
Flower DescriptionOn an elongated stalk to 60 cm are clustered, hanging orange-red, but occasionally yellow, 3 cm bell shaped flowers.
Colour DescriptionBluish-green to vivid green leaves. May occasionally have rust coloration.
Texture DescriptionMatte and velvety.

Photographs