Scientific Name
Tylecodon leucothrix (C.A.Sm.) Toelken
Common Names
Bunny Ears
Synonyms
Adromischus leucothrix, Cotyledon leucothrix, Cotyledon swartbergensis
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Genus: Tylecodon
Origin
This species is native to South Africa (Western Cape and Eastern Cape, mainly in the Little Karoo).
Description
Tylecodon leucothrix is a small, sparsely branched succulent shrub with a thick main stem and fleshy, narrow leaves crowded at the stem tips. It grows up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall. The caudex is often tuberous and partly underground, up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) in diameter, whitish, grey or dark green, and rough with peeling skin. Leaves are lance-shaped, up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) long, up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) wide, with a grooved upper surface. They are yellowish-green to green and covered in short white hairs. Flowers are green to pale yellow with pink to almost white lobes. They appear in summer when the plant usually starts to lose its leaves.
The specific epithet "leucothrix" derives from the Greek words "leukos," meaning "white" and "thrix," meaning "hair," and refers to the conspicuous white hairs on the leaves.
Photo by Scotch O
How to Grow and Care for Tylecodon leucothrix
Soil: Well-draining soil mix is the key to healthy Tylecodon. Poor drainage and overwatering most commonly cause root rot in both indoor and outdoor plants.
Light: Tylecodons can survive direct sunlight exposure without any problems, but they will grow beautifully when in shadow.
Hardiness: Tylecodon leucothrix can withstand temperatures as low as 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C), USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b.
Watering: As winter is the growing season, Tylecodons require careful watering during the winter until the spring. Get the soil wet and then wait until it is dry before watering again. In the summer, reduce watering to once per month.
Fertilizing: Use liquid fertilizer for cacti and other succulents during the winter months.
Repotting: You do not need to repot these plants often. You can do it when you see that the container becomes too small or shallow.
Propagation: Tylecodons can be cultivated either by seed or by cuttings.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Tylecodon.
Toxicity of Tylecodon leucothrix
Tylecodon species are adapted to avoid animal predation being poisonous. Keep them away from children, pets, and livestock.
Links
- Back to genus Tylecodon
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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