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Cotyledon orbiculata 'Silver Dollars' (Platter Pig's Ear) - A succulent shrub to 1-2 feet tall that grows with thick upright stems terminating in slightly upturned 4 to 6 inch long by 3 to 4 inch wide powdery gray white leaves. Orange bell-shaped flowers dangle from flower stalks that rise above the foliage in the summer.
Best in full coastal sun or light shade in a well-draining soil with occasional summer watering. Hardy to 25-30 degrees Tolerates coastal conditions and drought. A good container or groundcover plant.
This form of Cotyledon orbiculata is one often called Cotyledon orbiculata var. orbiculata. Though we list Cotyledon orbiculata as a poisonous plant, there has not been a recorded incident of Cotyledon orbiculata being poisonous to humans but 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 reason for the name of the genus is a complicated story. The plant, Wall Pennywort or Navelwort, (Umbilicus rupestris) was previously included in the genus and 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 now is in a different genus. This 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.
This cultivar was one given to us by Aloe breeder and succulent plant expert John Bleck. It has gray white colored leaves like Cotyledon orbiculata 'White Platter' but differs in having smaller leaves and being more upright growing.
The information about Cotyledon orbiculata 'Silver Dollars' 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. |
