Cotyledon orbiculata L. Kouterie, Varkoor A very variable succulent shrub with whitish leaves and red, orange, yellow or rarely purple flowers, native from SW Cape Province to E. Natal and the High Drakensberg, growing in dry rocky and sandy places, flowering most of the year, but mainly in summer. Stems to 90cm; leaves variable, from cylindric to flat. Flowers nodding, c. 12mm long. Var. oblonga (Haw.) DC with oblanceolate or obovate leaves, is found at up to 3000m in the Drakensberg, and will survive frost if kept dry in winter. Forms with cylindrical leaves and deeper red flowers are usually found in dry areas such as the Little Karoo, shown here. Other forms with broad leaves and deep red flowers are found along the coast, and on low hills nearby.
Cultivation Easily grown in sandy soil. Water infrequently in the growing season.
Height to 1m (3ft); spread to 60cm (2ft). USZ 10–11, surviving -1°C (30°F) of overnight frost. Tolerant of summer drought.