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| Category: Succulent |
| Family: Crassulaceae (Stonecrops) |
| Origin: South Africa (Africa) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Red/Purple Foliage: Yes |
| Flower Color: Orange |
| Bloomtime: Summer |
| Height: 2-3 feet |
| Width: 2-3 feet |
| Exposure: Cool Sun/Light Shade |
| Seaside: Yes |
| Summer Dry: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 25-30° F |
| May be Poisonous (More Info): Yes |
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Cotyledon orbiculata 'Big Wave' (Wide Pig's Ear) A succulent shrub to 2 to 3 feet tall with 5 to 6 inch long by 4 to 5 inch wide gray leaves with a slightly undulating dark maroon margin. Orange bell-shaped flowers dangle from flower stalks that rise above the foliage in the summer. Best in full coastal sun or light shade with occasional summer watering. Hardy to 25-30 degrees Tolerates coastal conditions and drought. A good container plant. This plant is a sister seedling of a plant we call Cotyledon orbiculata Greytown Spoons'. Both plants are from seed given to us by Brian Kemble of the Ruth Bancroft Garden and originated from a plant in cultivation near the town of Greytown in Natal, South Africa. The seedlings were quite variable and we have selected several forms with this form selected for its unusual leaves that are narrower toward the base and expand somewhat like a scalloped spoon near the tip. Although there has not been a recorded incident of Cotyledon orbiculata being poisonous to humans there have been cases in California where sheep have died when fed Cotyledon orbiculata. In South Africa, the disease caused by eating these plants, called cotyledonosis, has poisoned sheep and goats but rarely other animals. The meat of animals killed by cotyledonosis also remains toxic. The reason for this name for the genus is a complicated story. The plant, Wall Pennywort or Navelwort, (Umbilicus rupestris) was previously included in the genus. In medieval times and in homeopathic medicine this plant was/is commonly known as Cotyledon so this name stuck with the genus, even though the plant it was named for did not. The name for the genus originated from the Greek word 'kotyledon' or 'kotyle' meaning "cupped", "hollowed" or "a cavity". The specific epithet is Latin meaning "round and flat" or "disk-shaped" in reference to the typical leaf shape of the species.
The information about Cotyledon orbiculata 'Big Wave' displayed on this web page is based on our research conducted in the nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also include observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing this plant. |
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