Cotyledon

Morphological Summary

Cotyledon is a genus of succulent shrubs and subshrubs native to southern Africa and parts of the Arabian Peninsula, characterised by thick leaves arranged spirally or in opposite pairs, frequently pruinose, felted, or papillose. Their tubular, pendant flowers in vivid orange, red, and yellow emerge on tall floral stems in spring and summer. The genus occupies arid and subtropical habitats from the Karoo to East African coastal slopes, growing primarily on rocky outcrops and quartzite soils with excellent drainage. Several species are widely popular in horticulture for their ornamental forms and drought tolerance.