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Bear's Paw
Cotyledon tomentosa subsp. tomentosa
SA tree number
English: Bear's Paw, Bear Paw, Kitten Paws
Afrikaans: Tierpootjie
Historical scientific names: Cotyledon tomentosa var. tomentosa
Cotyledon tomentosa subsp. tomentosa, affectionately known as Bear's Paw or Tierpootjie, is a charming indigenous succulent perennial. It is highly sought after by succulent enthusiasts for its distinctive, velvety, thick, green leaves, which are covered in fine, soft hairs and tipped with prominent, reddish-brown "teeth" or "claws," giving them the appearance of an animal's paw. It also produces attractive orange-yellow flowers.
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Distinguishing features:
Leaves are very distinctive: thick, fleshy, oval-shaped, and covered in soft, velvety hairs (tomentose), giving them a fuzzy texture.
Leaf tips have prominent, reddish-brown "teeth" or "claws" (typically 3-4 per leaf).
Stems are thick and somewhat woody, growing into a small, bushy shrub.
Flowers are bell-shaped, reddish-orange or orange-yellow, and pendulous.
Highly adapted to dry, arid conditions.
Overall appearance:
The Bear's Paw (Cotyledon tomentosa subsp. tomentosa) is a compact, bushy succulent shrub, instantly recognisable by its unique foliage. Its thick, soft, velvety green leaves, adorned with their characteristic reddish-brown "claws," truly resemble miniature animal paws, making it an incredibly appealing and tactile plant. When it flowers, it adds a cheerful splash of orange-yellow, bell-shaped blooms on sturdy stalks, creating a delightful display.
Height:
Typically grows 10 to 30 centimetres tall, forming a small, bushy succulent.
Width:
Forms a dense, spreading clump, usually 20 to 50 centimetres wide.
Leaves:
The leaves are opposite, thick, fleshy, and obovate (wedge-shaped or teardrop-shaped) to oblong, typically 2-4 cm long and 1.5-2.5 cm wide. They are a rich, velvety green colour and are covered in fine, dense, soft hairs (tomentose), which give them a fuzzy, tactile texture. The most distinctive feature is the 3-4 (sometimes more) prominent, reddish-brown "teeth" or "claws" at the apex of each leaf, strongly resembling a bear's or kitten's paw. These "claws" become more pronounced and vibrant in colour with more sunlight.
Flowers:
The flowers are pendulous (nodding downwards), bell-shaped (campanulate), and typically 1.5-2.5 cm long. They are a striking reddish-orange to orange-yellow colour, often with slightly recurved tips. They are borne in loose clusters (cymes) on erect, hairy flower stalks, typically 20-30 cm tall, arising from the leaf axils. Cotyledon tomentosa subsp. tomentosa flowers are hermaphroditic, containing both male and female reproductive parts.
Flowering season:
It primarily flowers in spring (around September to November), but can flower sporadically at other times.
Fruits:
The fruit is a small, dry, dehiscent capsule formed from the persistent sepals at the base of the flower. When mature, it splits open to release the seeds.
Seeds:
The seeds are very small and fine. They are dispersed by wind.
Stems:
The stems are thick, fleshy, and become woody at the base on older plants. They are often hairy and branch to form a bushy growth habit.
Thorns:
None.
Roots:
It has a fibrous and relatively shallow root system, adapted to absorbing moisture from sparse rainfall.
Soil type:
Requires extremely well-drained, gritty, or sandy soil. It is highly intolerant of prolonged moisture or heavy, waterlogged soils, which will cause root rot. A specialized succulent or cactus potting mix is essential.
Aspect:
Thrives in full sun, which enhances its leaf colouration and compact growth, but it can tolerate partial shade. It is highly drought-tolerant and very wind-resistant, making it excellent for exposed positions. It is moderately frost-tolerant for a succulent, capable of surviving light to moderate frosts if kept dry, but requires protection from severe frost.
Ediblity:
Not edible for humans.
Toxicity:
All parts of Cotyledon tomentosa subsp. tomentosa are considered toxic due to the presence of bufadienolide cardiac glycosides, similar to other Cotyledon species. Ingestion can cause illness or death in humans and animals, particularly livestock, leading to neurological and cardiac issues. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, and paralysis. It is crucial to keep this plant away from children and pets.
Uses:
Highly prized as an ornamental plant for its unique and attractive foliage. It is an excellent choice for rockeries, succulent gardens, xeriscaping, window boxes, and particularly as a charming container plant or houseplant.
Its compact size and distinctive appearance make it a popular plant for collectors.
Valued for its low maintenance and drought tolerance in dry gardens.
Ecology:
The brightly coloured, nodding flowers are likely pollinated by sunbirds or small insects, attracted by nectar. The plant's succulent nature allows it to survive in arid environments, storing water in its fleshy leaves. Its toxicity protects it from most grazing animals. Its small, wind-dispersed seeds allow it to colonise rocky outcrops and dry slopes.
Distribution and habitat:
Cotyledon tomentosa subsp. tomentosa is indigenous to South Africa, primarily found in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces. It typically grows on rocky outcrops, well-drained slopes, and in fynbos or succulent karoo vegetation, often in sheltered positions among rocks, from low to medium altitudes.
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 tomentosa is Latin for 'hairy' or 'densely woolly', referring to the characteristic soft, velvety hairs covering its leaves and stems.
The subspecies name tomentosa reiterates this feature.
The common name "Bear's Paw" or "Kitten Paws" vividly describes the unique shape and appearance of its leaves with their reddish tips.
The Afrikaans name "Tierpootjie" means "little tiger paw," a charming equivalent.
Historical aspects:
Like many of South Africa's unique succulents, Cotyledon tomentosa subsp. tomentosa has been known to botanists and collectors for centuries, admired for its unusual and attractive form. Its hardiness and striking appearance have contributed to its popularity in horticulture worldwide. While its toxicity is a concern for livestock farmers in its natural range, its ornamental value far outweighs this for the average gardener.
Interesting facts:
This plant's leaves literally look and feel like tiny, fuzzy animal paws – complete with little reddish "claws" at the tips! It's incredibly cute.
The fuzziness on its leaves isn't just for show; it helps the plant conserve water in its dry, natural habitat.
It's a succulent, so it's super good at storing water, meaning you hardly ever have to water it – perfect for a low-maintenance plant lover.
Even though it's adorable, remember that like many Cotyledon plants, it's actually toxic, so best to admire it with your eyes and not your mouth!
Growing tips:
Propagation: Very easy to propagate from leaf cuttings or stem cuttings. Allow the cut end to dry and form a callus for several days to a week before planting in well-drained succulent mix to prevent rot.
Light: Requires bright light to full sun for the best compact growth and vibrant "claws" on the leaves.
Watering: As a succulent, it needs very little water. Water thoroughly but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Avoid overwatering at all costs, especially in winter.
Soil: Use an extremely well-draining succulent or cactus mix. Adding extra perlite or coarse sand is highly recommended.
Container: Excellent for pots, window boxes, and small rockeries due to its compact size.
Maintenance: Very low maintenance. Ensure good air circulation.
This plant is a fantastic alternative for:
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