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| Category: Succulent |
| Family: Crassulaceae (Stonecrops) |
| Origin: South Africa (Africa) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Peach |
| Bloomtime: Summer |
| Synonyms: [C. teretifolia, Hort., C. 'Grey Sticks'] |
| Height: 1-2 feet |
| Width: 3-4 feet |
| Exposure: Sun or 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 var. oblonga 'Flavida' (Finger Aloe) - This is an attractive South African succulent with long grayish-white chalky-looking finger-like leaves. The plant spreads out to form a small low shrub or groundcover. In spring a cluster of pale orange bell-shaped flowers dangle from 12-18 inch tall stems. Plant should be in full sun to light shade in a well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant and can take temperatures down to the mid 20 degrees F without damage. Although we have grown this plant for years as Cotyledon campanulata we have recently discovered that this name is incorrect as the true Cotyledon campanulata has green foliage and yellow flowers. Our thanks to Stephen Jankalski for identifying this plant as Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga 'Flavida', a plant that was originally collected in the wild in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. E. van Jaarsveld describes this same plant in the new "Illustrated Handbook of Succulent Plants: Crassulaceae" as Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga 'Grey Sticks'. It may also be identical to Cotyledon ' Mr. (or Mrs.) Butterfield', which is described as a garden hybrid. A confusing story for such a beautiful plant! There has not been a recorded incident of this plant causing harm to humans but there have been cases in California where sheep have died when fed Cotyledon orbiculata and all Cotyledons should be considered poisonous. In South Africa, the disease caused by eating these plants, called cotyledonosis, has poisoned sheep and goats but rarely other animals. Ranchers in South Africa found that 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 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 var. oblonga 'Flavida' 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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