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| Category: Succulent |
| Family: Crassulaceae (Stonecrops) |
| Origin: South Africa (Africa) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Orange |
| Bloomtime: Summer |
| Height: 1-2 feet |
| Width: 1-2 feet |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| 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 'Hamaji Silver' (Compact Pig's Ear) - A small silver-gray succulent shrub to 12 inches tall with stems branching from the base holding 2 to 3 inch long by 1 1/2 inch wide green leaves that are covered by a silvery white wax and have thin reddish margins. Orange bell-shaped flowers dangle from flower stalks that rise just above the leaves in mid 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 garden or container plant. 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. This plant came to us from John Bleck, who had received it from Wally and Hamaji Higgens, who were active with John in Sunset Succulent Society the 1960s and noted that Hanaji had collected the plant when traveling in South Africa. To honor its origin we named this plant after her. The reason for the 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 'Hamaji Silver' 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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