Cotyledon woodii Schönland & Baker f.
Wood's Cotyledon
Cotyledon woodii, Wood's Cotyledon, is a small shrubby succulent endemic to South Africa (KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, and parts of the Western Cape), named in honor of botanist John Medley Wood. It grows in coastal and subtropical rocky zones at lower elevations than most congeners, giving it greater tolerance of ambient humidity.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Genus | Cotyledon |
| Growth Habit | Compact shrub 20–50 cm; densely branched stems; semi-woody base. |
| Conservation Status | Not independently assessed by IUCN; coastal populations subject to urbanization pressure in KwaZulu-Natal. |
| pH Target | 6.0 – 7.5 |
| Type | Sandy-loam, well-drained, with slightly more organic matter than other Cotyledon. |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Oblong-obovate leaves 3–7 cm long, glabrous to slightly pruinose, bright green to yellow-green with frequently red or pinkish margin; softer and more succulent consistency than in other Karoo Cotyledon species.
ecoSucculent stems 0.5–1.2 cm diameter; greener and less woody than C. orbiculata; epidermis with visible lenticels in mature plants.
ecoPendant tubular flowers intense red to scarlet (redder than most congeners), clustered in cymes 30–50 cm; summer to austral autumn flowering (December–March).
ecoWell-developed fibrous root system; tolerates somewhat more soil moisture than other Cotyledon, consistent with its coastal origin.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Sandy-loam, well-drained, with slightly more organic matter than other Cotyledon.
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Wearing gloves, cut a trailing/climbing stem segment 6–10 cm long with sterilised scissors.
- 2 Remove the red-edged leaves from the lower third.
- 3 Allow the cut to cure for 2–3 days in a dry, shaded spot.
- 4 Plant in cactus mix with perlite; trailing stems can also be laid horizontally on the surface so they root at multiple points.
- 5 Water sparingly and keep in bright indirect light until the cutting shows new growth.
- 1 Wearing gloves, detach a small red-edged leaf with the base intact.
- 2 Allow to dry for 3–4 days until a callous forms.
- 3 Place on slightly moist cactus mix with the base resting on the surface.
- 4 Keep in a warm, bright environment; mist lightly once a week.
⚠️ TOXICITY: All parts of Cotyledon woodii are toxic to humans and animals (bufadienolides). Wear gloves when pruning or propagating and keep away from pets and children.
Overwatering this small-statured species, as its roots are delicate and rot quickly.
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots completely fill the pot. Being compact, it does not need large pots; prefer hanging terracotta pots with good drainage.
Apply liquid succulent fertiliser diluted to 50%, once a month in spring and summer. Do not fertilise in autumn and winter.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
TOXIC — cardiotoxic bufadienolides present throughout the plant; dangerous to pets and livestock. Do not ingest under any circumstances.
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"C. woodii has the purest red flowers in the genus, making it very attractive to sunbirds in South African garden collections. In KwaZulu-Natal it acts as nurse plant for Euphorbia seedlings in disturbed coastal zones."
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Scientific Integrity
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Sources
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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.