Girish Mahajan (Editor)

Cotyledon orbiculata

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Kingdom
  
Family
  
Scientific name
  
Cotyledon orbiculata

Rank
  
Species

Order
  
Genus
  
Higher classification
  
Cotyledon

Cotyledon orbiculata wwwanniesannualscomsignsb2020cimagescotyl

Similar
  
Cotyledon, Crassulaceae, Adromischus, Cotyledon tomentosa, Tylecodon

Cotyledon orbiculata octopus


Cotyledon orbiculata, commonly known as pig's ear or round-leafed navel-wort, is a South African succulent plant belonging to the Cotyledon genus.

Contents

Cotyledon orbiculata Cotyledon orbiculata Pig39s Ear White Lady World of Succulents

Description

Cotyledon orbiculata Cotyledon orbiculata in flower

C. orbiculata is an extremely variable species that grows to approximately 1.3 m (4.3 ft) in height. It has gray-green leaves that can be up to 13 by 7 cm (5.1 by 2.8 in) with a white powdery substance on them that helps reflect sunlight and conserve water. The shape of the leaves was thought to have a resemblance to a pig's ear, thus the common name. The bell-shaped flowers are small, usually less than 3 cm (1.2 in) in length, and droop from the top of a 60 cm (24 in) tall stalk. The flowers are usually orange-red but yellow varieties also exist.

Distribution

Native to South Africa, it is popular in gardens in many countries. In the wild, it grows naturally in rocky outcrops in grassy shrubland and the Karoo region. In New Zealand, it is considered an invasive plant and is listed on the National Pest Plant Accord.

Uses

Cotyledon orbiculata Cotyledon orbiculata Wikipedia

C. orbiculata has a number of medicinal uses. In South Africa, the fleshy part of the leaf is applied to warts and corns. Heated leaves are used as poultices for boils and other inflammations. Single leaves may be eaten as a vermifuge and the juice has been used to treat epilepsy.

However, the leaves contain a bufanolide called cotyledontoxin, which is toxic to sheep, goats, horses, cattle, poultry, and dogs, causing a condition known as cotyledonosis.

Cotyledon orbiculata Cotyledon orbiculata Pig39s Ear White Lady World of Succulents

References

Cotyledon orbiculata Wikipedia