Introduction

Many of these photos are by Amante Darmanin who took them in the field in South Africa. Cotyledon is a genus of succulent plants, many from South Africa. Cotyledon is a variable species that can grow to over 1-meter-tall as a shrubby plant, or it can remain small. It typically flowers from July to August, winter in southern Africa.

The Details

Cotyledon species have gray-green leaves (sometimes up to 13 by 7 cm), which naturally develop a white, powdery substance (known as farina) on their surfaces. This farina helps reflect sunlight and conserve water. If a specific leaf area is brushed against (or even gently disturbed), the farina will noticeably become smudged. Interestingly, rain does not smudge or dislodge the farina.

C. orbiculata flowers in winter and has orange-red or salmon bell-shaped, upside-down, flowers.

Cotyledon is a popular hobby plant and there are many varieties in cultivation.

Additional Reading: Phylogenetics and diversification of Cotyledon