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| Category: Succulent |
| Family: Crassulaceae (Stonecrops) |
| Origin: South Africa (Africa) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Bloomtime: Summer |
| Synonyms: [Cotyledon undulata] |
| Height: 1-2 feet |
| Width: <1 foot |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): No Irrigation required |
| Winter Hardiness: 25-30° F |
| May be Poisonous (More Info): Yes |
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Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga 'Undulata' (Silver Ruffles) - An upright sparingly-branched succulent 18 to 24 inches tall with very attractive dumpling-shaped leaves that are upwardly inclined and are tightly overlapped with all parts of the leaves covered with a white powder, likened by some to "icing sugar", and have strongly undulating flat margins. In summer appear the 1 foot tall inflorescences topped with dangling reddish-orange flowers. Looks best if grown in full sun, watered sparingly and where overhead watering can be avoided as this washes the waxy bloom from the leaf surface. Should prove hardy to around 25 °F. Though not as easy to grow as typical Cotyledon orbiculata, its interesting foliage and large flowers makes this a worthwhile plant for a special pot or in combination with other succulents. Can become a little leggy so take cuttings often to keep plant more compact and to make new plants. Our original plants from the Huntington Botanic Garden (HBG 89167) as Cotyledon undulata. This plant was included in the International Succulent Introductions program as ISI 2003-21 as Cotyledon undulata and in their description note that the plants were previously released through ISI as Lavranos 1478, which John Lavranos later noted was an incorrect designation. This plant has been combined into Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga in a more recent treatment of the genus by Ernst van Jaarsveld, so we currently list this plant as the cultivar 'Undulata'. On the Crassulaceae website Margrit Bischofberger states that the valid name for this plant should be Cotyledon orbiculata 'Mucronata', as the French naturalist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck published this specific epithet for the plant in 1786, while the name Cotyledon undulata was published later by Adrian Hardy Haworth in 1819, so rightfully the previous name Cotyledon orbiculata 'Mucronata' would take precedence. 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 "undulata" that was originally used for this plant is Latin meaning "wavy" or undulate in reference to the leaf margin.
The information about Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga 'Undulata' 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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