Cotyledon is belong to family of Crassulaceae. Cotyledon genus of 10 species of compact, often clump-forming, perennial succulents and evergren subshrubs from desert or shaded areas in Southern Africa, East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The stalked, fleshy leaves are borne in opposite pairs. Tubular to bell-shaped, generally pendent, red, yellow or orange flowers are borne in crowded, terminal panicles mostly in late summer and autumn. The genus name Cotyledon comes from the Greek word kotyledon that means cup-shaped, this refers to the leaves of some species.

Cotyledon orbiculata is a succulent plant has thick leaves which may vary from green to grey, often with a red line around the margin. Cotyledon orbiculata is naturally found in Angola, Namibia and South Africa. Plant may reach up to 100 cm height and and 50 cm wide. The species name orbiculata comes from the Latin word meaning round circle.

PIG’S EAR Flowering time is mostly late summer to autumn. The colourful, hanging, tubular, bell-shaped flowers 1,5-2cm long are carried in clusters on the ends of an elongated flower stalk up to 70 cm. They are mostly orange-red, but yellow flowering forms are also occasionally found. Mild frost will damage the flowers, but the plant itself will tolerate moderate frosts.

The brightly coloured flowers, attract bees and birds. The silver-grey leaves of some forms owe much of their attractive colouring to a powdery white coating which may assist in reflecting much of the sun’s heat to prevent excessive water loss from the thick succulent leaves.

Cotyledon orbiculata is a well-known medicinal plant. The fleshy part of the leaf is applied by many South Africans to soften and remove hard corns and warts. The heated leaf is used as a poultice for boils and other accessible inflammations. Single leaf is eaten as a vermifuge and that the warmed juice can be used as drops for toothache or earache.

Use in Landscape: PIG’S EAR is an ideal plant for the rockery, but also grows well as a pot plant placed on a veranda. It will also add texture and form to the well-drained flower border. When planted as a pot plant, good drainage is important. It is often found in full sun, but also grows well in semi-shade under trees. This is an ideal plant for the water-wise gardener.

Cotyledon orbiculata may be grown from seed, taking tip cuttings is the fastest method of increasing plant numbers; they must be kept fairly dry to prevent rotting. This plant has few pests, but it may be attacked by snails in the garden.