Scientific Name
Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga 'Takbok'
Synonym(s)
Cotyledon orbiculata f. takbok, Cotyledon orbiculata 'Takbok', Cotyledon 'Takbok'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Kalanchoideae
Genus: Cotyledon
Etymology
The specific epithet "orbiculata" (pronounced "or-bee-kul-AY-tuh") means "orbicular," "circular," or "nearly round" and refers to the shape of the leaves of this species.
The varietal epithet "oblonga" (pronounced "ob-LON-guh") means "oblong" and refers to the shape of the leaves of this variety.
The cultivar epithet 'Takbok' is an African word meaning "the branched antlers of a buck" and refers to the shape of the leaves.
Origin of Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga 'Takbok'
Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga 'Takbok' is a cultivar of Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga. The origin is unknown.
Description of Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga 'Takbok'
Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga 'Takbok' is an attractive, small succulent shrub with erect to decumbent stems and gray-green leaves, often with multiple lobes becoming antler-like. The leaves take on a reddish-brown hue when exposed to bright sunlight.
Flowering occurs from winter to spring. The flowers are orange, bell-shaped, and dangle from erect stalks that can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall.
How to Grow and Care for Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga 'Takbok'
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25°F (-3.9°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Cotyledons can be divided into two groups. One group consists of evergreen plants that grow in summer. 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 not to overwater when they are deciduous.
As succulents go, Cotyledons are rewarding garden and indoor subjects, practically independent of irrigation in all but full desert conditions. However, they cannot survive in poor light or with poor drainage in wet weather.
Feed it once or twice during the growing season with a fertilizer specifically formulated for cacti and succulents (poor in nitrogen), including all micronutrients and trace elements diluted to ½ the strength recommended on the label.
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
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