textAdminOnlyNameForClipboard
Plakkie
Cotyledon orbiculata
SA tree number
English: Pig's Ears, Pig's Ear, Round-leaf Cotyledon, Grey Cotyledon, Cotyledon
Afrikaans: Plakkie, Platjies, Varkoorblare, Varkoor, Kouterie
Xhosa: Imphewula, Ipeqwa
Zulu: Ipewula, Umkhumalo
S. Sotho: Setlhotlho, Motlepu
Khoi: K’hama
Historical scientific names: Cotyledon elatior, Cotyledon oblonga, Cotyledon ungulata, Cotyledon ramosissima, Cotyledon tricuspidata
Cotyledon orbiculata, commonly known as Pig's Ear or Plakkie, is a highly variable and distinctive indigenous succulent perennial. It is cherished for its fleshy, often powdery-grey, paddle-shaped leaves that resemble a pig's ear, and its tall stalks bearing clusters of nodding, bell-shaped flowers in shades of red, orange, or yellow. This incredibly hardy plant is a popular choice for rockeries, dry gardens, and containers.
Have you got a better picture?
If you don't mind us using it, please upload it by clicking the Upload button below (you must be logged in to do this)
Distinguishing features:
Fleshy, thick, paddle-shaped to rounded leaves, often covered in a white, powdery bloom (farina) that gives them a greyish appearance.
Leaves often have a reddish margin or tip.
Tall, sturdy flower stalks emerging from the foliage.
Nodding, bell-shaped (campanulate) flowers in shades of red, orange, or yellow.
Extremely tolerant of drought and harsh, dry conditions.
Overall appearance:
The Pig's Ear (Cotyledon orbiculata) is a robust and highly ornamental succulent that forms bushy clumps of striking foliage. Its most captivating feature is its thick, fleshy leaves, which can vary greatly in shape and colour, often covered in a dusty white coating that makes them appear silvery-grey. From late autumn to spring, it sends up impressive flower stalks adorned with clusters of dangling, bell-shaped flowers in vibrant hues, adding a splash of colour to dry landscapes.
Height:
Typically grows 30 to 80 centimetres tall, with flower stalks extending up to 1.5 metres high.
Width:
Forms dense clumps, spreading 30 to 100 centimetres wide.
Leaves:
The leaves are opposite, very fleshy, thick, and typically paddle-shaped to broadly ovate or almost circular (orbiculate), giving rise to the common name "Pig's Ear". They vary significantly in size and shape depending on the variety and growing conditions, usually 4-13 cm long and 2-7 cm wide. They are often covered in a waxy, white, powdery coating (farina) that gives them a greyish-green, blue-grey, or whitish appearance, protecting them from harsh sun. The margins can be reddish, and some forms have a distinctive reddish, wart-like tip or "collar" at the end of the leaf.
Flowers:
The flowers are pendulous (nodding downwards), bell-shaped (campanulate), and have five fused petals, often with recurved tips. They are typically 2-3 cm long and appear in dense clusters (thyrses or cymes) atop a tall, stout flower stalk that emerges from the centre of the rosette. Flower colour varies greatly, from bright red, orange, or yellowish-orange to yellow or even greenish-yellow. They are generally inconspicuous but attract pollinators. Cotyledon orbiculata flowers are hermaphroditic, containing both male and female reproductive parts.
Flowering season:
It primarily flowers in late autumn, winter, and spring (around May to September), providing colour when many other plants are dormant.
Fruits:
The fruit is a small, dry, dehiscent capsule formed from the base of the flower. When mature, it splits open to release the seeds.
Seeds:
The seeds are very small and fine, like dust. They are dispersed by wind.
Bark/Stems:
The stems are stout, fleshy, and become woody at the base on older plants. They are often reddish or purplish, and scars are left where old leaves have fallen. Older stems can become gnarled and thick.
Thorns:
None.
Roots:
It has a fibrous and shallow root system, adapted to absorbing moisture from sparse rainfall.
Soil type:
Requires very well-drained, gritty, or sandy soil. It is extremely intolerant of prolonged moisture or heavy, waterlogged soils, which will lead to root rot. A succulent or cactus potting mix is ideal.
Aspect:
Thrives in full sun, which enhances its leaf colouration and powdery coating, but it can tolerate partial shade, especially in very hot climates. It is highly drought-tolerant and very wind-resistant, making it excellent for exposed positions. It is also remarkably frost-tolerant for a succulent, surviving moderate to severe frosts (down to -7°C to -12°C, depending on the form and duration of cold), often recovering even if foliage is damaged.
Ediblity:
Not edible for humans.
Toxicity:
All parts of Cotyledon orbiculata are considered highly toxic due to the presence of bufadienolide cardiac glycosides. Ingestion, even of small amounts, can cause serious illness or death in humans and animals, particularly livestock (e.g., sheep, goats, cattle, horses), leading to a condition known as "krimpsiekte" (shrinking sickness) due to neurological effects. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, heart irregularities, and neurological signs. It is crucial to keep this plant away from children and pets.
Uses:
Primarily cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens, especially in rockeries, succulent gardens, xeriscaping, and containers due to its attractive foliage and vibrant winter flowers.
Its hardiness and drought tolerance make it a low-maintenance choice for dry landscapes.
Used in traditional medicine for external applications (e.g., warts, corns, inflammations) but always with extreme caution due to its high toxicity.
Ecology:
The brightly coloured, nodding flowers are adapted for pollination by sunbirds, which are attracted to the nectar. The plant's succulent nature allows it to survive in arid environments, storing water in its fleshy leaves and stems. Its toxicity protects it from most grazing animals, though some livestock may still consume it, leading to poisoning. Its small, wind-dispersed seeds allow it to colonise rocky outcrops and dry slopes.
Distribution and habitat:
Cotyledon orbiculata is one of the most widespread and variable succulents in South Africa, found in all nine provinces (Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Gauteng, North West, and Northern Cape). Its range extends into Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. It grows in a wide range of habitats, including rocky slopes, dry grasslands, karroid veld, coastal dunes, and open woodlands, from sea level up to high altitudes, preferring well-drained, often exposed, conditions.
Derivation of name:
The genus name Cotyledon comes from the Greek word 'kotyle', meaning 'cup' or 'cup-shaped hollow', referring to the cup-like appearance of the leaves at their base, or perhaps to the cotyledons (seed leaves) of the seedlings.
The species epithet orbiculata is Latin for 'rounded' or 'disc-shaped', referring to the round or orbicular shape of some forms of its leaves.
The common name "Pig's Ear" vividly describes the large, fleshy, paddle-shaped leaves.
"Plakkie" is an Afrikaans term often used for succulents with thick leaves, possibly meaning "flat piece" or "patch."
Historical aspects:
Cotyledon orbiculata has been known to science since the early days of botanical exploration in South Africa, with specimens being sent to Europe from the 17th century onwards. Its striking appearance and winter flowering made it a popular plant in collections. However, it also has a significant historical impact in agriculture due to its toxicity to livestock, especially during droughts when other forage is scarce, leading to considerable economic losses and the recognition of "krimpsiekte" as a distinct animal disease. Traditional healers have long used it cautiously for external remedies.
Interesting facts:
Its leaves are so fleshy and cool, they're called "Pig's Ears" – quite a quirky name for such a pretty plant!
This plant is a true survivor; it can handle scorching sun, strong winds, and even some frost, making it super tough.
Those beautiful powdery-grey leaves aren't just for show; that white coating acts like natural sunscreen, protecting the plant from intense heat!
Despite its beauty, this plant is a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde – it's highly poisonous to animals, so definitely don't let pets or livestock nibble on it!
Growing tips:
Propagation: Very easy to propagate from leaf cuttings or stem cuttings. Simply allow the cut end to dry and form a callus for a few days before planting in well-drained succulent mix. Also grows readily from seed.
Light: Requires full sun for the best growth and leaf colour, though it can tolerate partial shade.
Watering: As a succulent, it needs very little water. Water thoroughly but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings, especially in winter. Overwatering is the quickest way to kill it.
Soil: Use a well-draining succulent or cactus mix. Good drainage is absolutely essential.
Container: Excellent for pots, rockeries, and arid garden beds.
Maintenance: Very low maintenance. No significant pruning is needed, other than removing spent flower stalks or old leaves.
This plant is a fantastic alternative for:
Common name
Scientific Name
Plant type:
Plant type
Plant family:
Plant family (derivation)