Scientific Name
Cotyledon orbiculata 'Mucronata'
Common Name(s)
Silver Crown, Silver Ruffles
Synonym(s)
Adromischus mucronatus, Cotyledon mucronata, Cotyledon undulata, Cotyledon undulata var. mucronata
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Kalanchoideae
Genus: Cotyledon
Description
Cotyledon orbiculata 'Mucronata' is a small succulent shrub with upright stems and attractive leaves shaped like scallop shells. It can grow up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall. The leaves are upwardly inclined, tightly overlapped, covered with a white powder, and have flat, strongly undulating margins.
Inflorescences topped with dangling flowers appear in summer, reaching a height of 1 foot (30 cm). The flowers are orange to red, covered with a powdery bloom, and up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) long.
Origin
Cotyledon orbiculata 'Mucronata' is a cultivar of the very variable Cotyledon orbiculata var. orbiculata. This plant has been wrongly named Cotyledon undulata in collections and books. The correct name, Cotyledon orbiculata 'Mucronata', was published by Jean-Baptiste Lamarck in 1786. While the name Cotyledon undulata was published by Adrian Hardy Haworth 33 years later in 1819, rightfully, the previous name Cotyledon orbiculata 'Mucronata' would take precedence. This cultivar is often sold as Cotyledon orbiculata 'Undulata'.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Cotyledons can be divided into two groups. One group consists of evergreen plants with a summer growing period. The other group comprises deciduous plants, splendidly magnificent with large, solid, fleshy stems. The second group grows during the winter and sheds its leaves during the summer.
Cotyledons require a free-draining, gritty mix and plenty of sunlight. They tolerate cool, frost-free conditions during the winter if kept dry. Some require pruning to maintain an attractive shape.
Cotyledons should be kept in a sunny position. Follow general succulent watering procedures. Be careful of over-watering when they are deciduous.
As succulents go, Cotyledons certainly are a rewarding garden and indoor subject, practically independent of irrigation in all but full desert conditions. However, they cannot survive poor light or bad drainage in the wet.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Cotyledon.
Links
- Back to genus Cotyledon
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
