Cotyledon orbiculata L.
Frost tender, shrubby, erect, freely-branching succulent with thick, fleshy stems, white-frosted-waxy, white or grey leaves, and long inflorescences of tubular, red, or yellowish red flowers in summer and autumn. To 1m. [RHSE, Hortus].
Horticultural & Botanical History
‘One of our oldest succulents, being introduced as long since as 1690, by Mr. Bentick; it still retains its place in most collections, deservedly indeed, for it has every claim to our notice; its appearance is magnificent, the glaucous colour of its foliage highly pleasing, its flowers large and of long duration; it blows freely, grows rapidly, is easily increased by cuttings, and will succeed in a house or window, with the common treatment of an African Geranium. When suffered to grow, it will become a shrub of considerable size; but this is not necessary for its flowering, as young and small plants are disposed to throw out blossoms.’ [BM t.321/1795].
History at Camden Park
Listed in the 1857 catalogue and now well established in the gardens [T.349/1857].
Notes
Cotyledon orbiculata Forssk. (1775) = Kalanchoe alternans Pers.
Published Feb 28, 2009 - 04:56 PM | Last updated Jul 16, 2010 - 04:34 PM
Cotyledon orbiculata L. | BM t.321/1795 | BHL
| Family | Crassulaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | Southern Africa |
| Synonyms | |
| Common Name | Pig’s ear |
| Name in the Camden Park Record | Cotyledon orbiculare |
| Confidence level | high |