Scientific Name
Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga (Haw.) DC.
Common Name(s)
Finger Aloe
Synonym(s)
Cotyledon oblonga, Cotyledon simulans, Cotyledon zuluensis
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Kalanchoideae
Genus: Cotyledon
Description
Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga is a succulent shrub with closely packed leaves along decumbent branches that are usually not visible. It grows up to 32 inches (80 cm) tall, branching mainly from the base. The leaves are green to glaucous, sometimes with a thick bloom, and usually with red margins at the apex. They are smooth or hairy, very variable in shape, mainly obovate to oblanceolate, rarely narrowly oblong, up to 5.6 inches (14 cm) long and 3.2 inches (8 cm) wide.
The flowers appear in clusters on up to 18 inches (45 cm) tall stalks from winter to spring. They are red to pinkish orange, rarely yellow, tubular, and can reach 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) in length and 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) in diameter.
Origin
Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga is native to South Africa. It occurs in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and adjacent areas of Free State, North West, Gauteng, and Limpopo province, usually growing in grassland or open bushveld and often associated with rock outcrops.
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 are a rewarding garden and indoor subjects, 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.
Cultivars
- Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga 'Flavida'
- Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga 'Macrantha'
- Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga 'Octopus'
- Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga 'Takbok'
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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