Cotyledon velutina Hook.f.
Velvet Cotyledon
Cotyledon velutina, the Velvet Cotyledon, is a shrubby succulent of moderately restricted distribution in the central Karoo and Great Escarpment of South Africa. Its leaves are covered in dense silver pubescence giving a velvety texture to the touch and a singular silver appearance that distinguishes it from C. tomentosa by the absence of pronounced apical teeth.
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
© Henry de Lange
CC BY 4.0
Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Genus | Cotyledon |
| Growth Habit | Erect shrub 30–60 cm; moderate branching; succulent stems covered in trichomes. |
| Conservation Status | Not formally assessed by IUCN in its own category; less restricted range than C. tomentosa subsp. ladismithiensis but still localized. |
| pH Target | 6.0 – 7.0 |
| Type | Sandy to sandy-loam, well-drained, low in organic matter. |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Elliptic-obovate leaves 4–8 cm long, densely covered in silver-whitish trichomes giving a soft tactile texture; apex obtuse to rounded, without the pronounced teeth of C. tomentosa; base color grey-green.
ecoSucculent stem 0.5–1.5 cm diameter, trichome-covered; semi-woody base in plants over 3 years old.
ecoPendant tubular flowers orange to orange-yellow, clustered in cymes 25–40 cm; pubescent calyx; spring to summer flowering (August–December in southern hemisphere).
ecoFibrous roots of moderate spread; adapted to shallow soils of the Great Escarpment.
ecochevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Sandy to sandy-loam, well-drained, low in organic matter.
groups Beneficial Associations
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Propagation Strategy
- 1 Wearing gloves, cut a vigorous stem 8–10 cm long just below a node with sterilised scissors.
- 2 Carefully remove the velvety leaves from the lower third of the stem.
- 3 Allow the cut to cure in shade with good ventilation for 3–4 days.
- 4 Plant in cactus mix with 30% perlite; settle lightly without compacting.
- 5 Keep at 18–24 °C; water for the first time one week after planting, then follow the usual dry-down cycle.
- 1 Wearing gloves, detach a healthy leaf by pulling gently to extract it with the base intact.
- 2 Allow to dry for 3–5 days in a dry, shaded location.
- 3 Rest the base on slightly moist cactus mix without burying it.
- 4 Mist very lightly every 5 days; wait for basal shoots before transplanting.
⚠️ TOXICITY: All parts of Cotyledon velutina contain bufadienolides and are toxic to humans, pets and livestock. Wear gloves and keep away from children and animals.
Watering the velvety foliage directly, leaving marks and promoting fungal disease.
Repot every 2–3 years in spring, choosing a terracotta pot with excellent drainage just one size larger to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilise monthly in spring and summer with cactus fertiliser diluted to 50%; omit in autumn and winter.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
TOXIC — contains cardiotoxic bufadienolides like all Cotyledon species; dangerous to domestic animals and livestock. Do not ingest.
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
"The trichome density in C. velutina is significantly greater than in C. tomentosa, translating to reflection of up to 35% of incident UV radiation according to spectrometric measurements in habitat. This adaptation allows the species to survive in zones with up to 2,500 sunshine hours annually."
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Scientific Integrity
🟡 MediumVote to help validate this record
Sources
Loading…
Discussion
Disclaimer
This species record is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Jardín Roca Negra does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data. Content is community-curated and may be subject to revision; it should not replace advice from a qualified botanist. This species may be toxic, invasive, or subject to legal restrictions — verify before handling or cultivating. Jardín Roca Negra accepts no liability for any harm arising from reliance on this information. Images are reproduced under Creative Commons or equivalent free licenses; credits are noted below each image.