Cotyledon barbeyi Schweinf. ex Baker
Barbey's Cotyledon
Cotyledon barbeyi is a medium to large shrubby succulent distributed across the South African Bushveld, parts of Zimbabwe, Kenya, Ethiopia, and the Horn of Africa, making it the Cotyledon with the most north-easterly distribution of all. It is unmistakable for its thick, glossy, succulent leaves with wavy margins and the lowest farina density in the genus.
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© Abu Shawka
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Genus | Cotyledon |
| Growth Habit | Erect shrub 0.5–1.5 m tall; robust, fleshy stems; moderate branching; can become a small succulent tree over time. |
| Conservation Status | Not globally assessed; wide distribution including East Africa; local populations may be under pressure from overgrazing. |
| pH Target | 6.5 – 7.5 |
| Type | Loam to sandy-loam, well-drained, with pronounced dry season; neutral to slightly alkaline pH. |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Ovate-elliptic leaves 5–12 cm long, thick and succulent, bright to olive-green; margin wavy or crenate, sometimes with reddish tints under high irradiance; no farina or very weak farina.
ecoRobust stems up to 3 cm diameter, succulent in young parts and semi-woody to woody at base; grey-green epidermis.
ecoPendant tubular flowers intense orange to orange-red, up to 3 cm long; terminal inflorescences 40–70 cm; fleshy calyx without pronounced pubescence; summer flowering (November–January in southern hemisphere).
ecoDeeper and more robust root system than other Cotyledon species; adapted to Bushveld soils with pronounced dry season.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Loam to sandy-loam, well-drained, with pronounced dry season; neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Wearing gloves, cut a semi-hardwood stem 10–15 cm long from a healthy shrub with sterilised scissors.
- 2 Remove the grey-green leaves from the lower third.
- 3 Allow the cut to cure in a shaded, well-ventilated spot for 3–5 days until fully dry.
- 4 Insert the stem in cactus mix with 40% coarse sand or perlite.
- 5 Water once to settle; then wait 7–10 days before the next watering. Place in full sun.
- 1 Sow fresh seeds in a tray with fine moist cactus mix in a shallow surface layer.
- 2 Cover with film and place at 22–26 °C under bright indirect light.
- 3 Ventilate daily to prevent fungi; keep substrate slightly moist.
- 4 Transplant seedlings when they reach 3–4 cm, using gloves.
⚠️ TOXICITY: All parts of Cotyledon barbeyi are toxic (bufadienolides), especially to livestock and pets. Wear gloves and keep away from animals.
Planting in a pot that is too small, limiting root development and the shrubby habit.
Repot every 2–3 years in spring. When it reaches full size, it can be grown permanently in the garden or in a wide container 40–60 cm in diameter.
Fertilise with slow-release cactus fertiliser in spring (start of season) and with liquid fertiliser diluted to 50% once in summer. Avoid fertilising in autumn and winter.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
TOXIC — contains cardiotoxic bufadienolides like the entire genus; toxic to livestock, dogs, cats, and other mammals. Do not consume.
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"C. barbeyi is the only Cotyledon species with confirmed distribution in the Horn of Africa (Ethiopia, Somalia), suggesting relatively recent paleobotanical dispersal via the Indian Ocean coastal corridor. Its seeds are very small and light with long-distance wind dispersal potential."
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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.