Cotyledon velutina



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Botanical Name
Cotyledon velutina
Family
Crassulaceae - The crassula family.
Pronunciation
kot-ee-LEE-don veh-lew-TIH-nah
Common Name(s)
English: Pig's ears
Afrikaans: Plakkie; Varkoor
Plant Group
  • Succulent A plant having fleshy stems or leaves often adapted to dry conditions.
Plant Size
  • Very large
    TreeOver 25m
    ShrubOver 4m
    Perennial/ground coverOver 1m
    BulbOver 1.2m
    Succulent1.5m to 2m
  • Medium
    Tree10m to 16m
    Shrub1m to 2m
    Perennial/ground cover40cm to 60cm
    Bulb40cm to 60cm
    Succulent40cm to 60cm
Position
  • Dry Shade Shady areas where soil has poor water retention or are dependent on rain for their moisture needs.
  • Light or Dappled Shade Found below trees with sparse, open foliage. Ideal for the protection of herbaceous plants.
  • Partial Shade The area is in shade for part of the day and in full sun for part of the day.
  • Sun The area is in full sun for all or most of the day, all year round.
General Information
  • Drought Tolerance: High The plant is well adapted to arid conditions; it can survive long periods of drought and high temperatures without extra water.
  • Evergreen Plants that have leaves all year round.
  • Frost: Half-hardy The plant is able to survive low temperatures and some frost but requires protection against severe frost.
  • Sand tolerant Plants adapted to survive in nutrient poor, very sandy soils.
  • Water Wise Plant species originating from low rainfall regions that require less water to survive and thrive than other plant species.
Specific Information

Cotyledon velutina is the biggest of the Cotyledons, growing to a large, succulent like shrub (although I have never seen it more than about knee-high). I found little data about this plant. More information will be appreciated.

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Flowers
Description

tubular on branched stems with blooms hanging down in loose heads

Season
  • Spring to Summer Plants will seldom bloom for the entire season as given in the list, but should flower during a period within these parameters.
Colour
  • red
  • yellow
  • orange
Growth Rate
  • Moderate to Fast Specifying growth rate can be very misleading as there is considerable variation of growth rate depending on type and species of plant, available water, supplementary feeding, mulching and general care, as well as the plants suitability and adaptability to the garden environment.
Plant Uses
  • Attracts bees, butterflies or other insects This plant attracts insects which can be food for birds or other creatures in your garden.
  • Attracts Birds This plant will attract birds.
  • Border A strip of ground, at the edge of a driveway or path in which ornamental plants or shrubs are planted.
  • Boundary A plant useful for planting around the edges of the property to form a green or colourful backdrop, an impenetrable hedge, to hide walls or create privacy.
  • Container Trees, shrubs and ornamental species that can adapt to growing in a restricted environment.
  • Filler Either a fast growing tree or shrub used temporarily to fill in an area while the permanent plants grow to a desired size, or a plant used to fill gaps in borders or beds.
  • Suitable for coastal gardens Plants adapted to dry, sandy soil, forceful wind, limited rainfall and intense sunlight.
  • Wild Garden An indigenous garden planted for the benefit of wildlife and birds. Provides food, water, a variety of mini-biomes and no poisonous chemicals are used.
Distribution and Habitat

drier parts of the Eastern Cape

Planting Suggestions

Plant in full sun or a little light shade, in well-drained soil to which a little compost can be added. Mulch lightly, water weekly until established. Water only when very dry - this plant is water wise and should survive without much further attention.

Medicinal Uses

No data found.

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Comments

Hi Diana

It would appear to be. The flower, growth form and leaf shape are right and although not pronounced, there does appear to be a thin line of red around the leaves. The only problem is that Cotyledon velutina is endemic to the Eastern Cape: garden escapee perhaps?

As I am only a gardener and not a botanist, I cannot say a definite yes or no, but I can say that it is most likely.

I am really impressed with your website. I will certainly be a regular visitor.

Kind regards
Lorraine

the picture was taken in Baviaanskloof in the Eastern Cape

Hi Diana

In that case, I would say Cotyledon velutina is a definite.

Regards
Lorraine

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