They flower in pots on stoeps, in pockets between the rocks of a rock garden, grow on dry pavements in windy coastal gardens, have pride of place in containers on modern rooftop gardens, and are often part of mixed plantings in sunny borders. They are not the nerds of the succulent world which are planted to fill space.
They earn their presence with their beautiful pendant bell flowers produced in clusters at the tips of their stems. The flower petals are rolled back and vary in shades of salmon pink, orange, red, and sometimes yellow, depending on the species. It is the distinctive and lovely shape of the flower which indicates you have a cotyledon in hand and not some other closely related family member.
Flowering time is predominantly in winter and early spring (June to August) and in summer in winter rainfall regions (January to February). When the blooms appear, the nectar attracts honeybees, butterflies and sugarbirds.
A mind-boggling variety in leaf shapes and colour
This excellent succulent is one of 10 species of Cotelydon, endemic to South Africa and members of the large Crassulaceae family. It is widespread in both rainfall areas of South Africa and some of our neighbouring countries. In nature, Cotelydons are confined to rocky outcrops in grassland, fynbos regions, and across the Karoo. Depending on the type, they are either shrubby succulents or spreading groundcovers.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
FIRE AND Feathers!
On a dreary winter's day, a screen of fiery and feathery leaves puts up a fight against dullness!
GET THE ladies in!
At this time of year, early-flowering shrubs vie with each other to get the most attention. We say: Trust those with female names for frills and butterflies. They go the extra mile to flower their hearts out.
Vegetable Soups and dumplings
Vegetables make the most delicious soups and classic combinations are always a winner.
Yummy sweet potatoes for your good health
Boiled, baked or braaied, sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) are a delicious and healthy winter comfort food. Just a dollop of butter, a little seasoning and you are good to go.
Pretty and functional
If cooking is your main thing, you would probably be more interested in the culinary value of the three herbs and some of their varieties we are describing.
Dried Seedheads & Pods
Autumn and winter are the best times to see what flowers produce the best seedheads that can be left on the plants to feed the birds and bugs and for harvesting for dried arrangements.
SO MANY FACES and so many choices...
Whoever associated a Cotyledon orbiculata (pig's ear) with the ear of a pig obviously did not know about all the varieties and cultivars this species in the genus Cotyledon has.
COLOURFUL Cold Weather WINNERS!
If it comes to a vote, these dependable shrubs will be the top candidates for prime performance in winter and in other seasons...
What makes a garden sustainable?
It is interesting to note that the United Nations defines sustainable development as: “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.
Nurturing NATURE-The Story of Kraal Garden's Transformation
Nestled within Prince Albert's rustic embrace lies a gem that is a testament to the transformative power of human vision and nature's bounty.
