Cotyledon   Linneaus (1753)
Greek: kotyledon = cup-shaped hollow

Cotyledon is a genus of 10 species of perennial shrubby leaf and stem succulents from South Africa, with numerous varieties and cultivars. Cotyledon has been a catch-all genus including species from Echeveria, Rosularia, Tylecodon and Umbilicus, now grouped separately. Toelken (1978) separated 47 species of Tylecodon with seasonal, spirally-arranged leaves from Cotyledon with perennial leaves. As taxonomic fashions change and with new insights from DNA analysis, it is possible that the scope of Cotyledon will change again. Some confusion over species validly included in Cotyledon still exists on plant labels and across the internet.
 
Cotyledons generally colony rocky ground and cliff faces, a clue that they appreciate well-drained conditions in cultivation. The fleshy leaves of some species (e.g. Cotyledon ladysmithensis) are slightly pubescent or farinose (e.g. Cotyledon ladysmithensis, Cotyledon orbiculata). Their clusters or umbels of pink or orange tubular cup-shaped flowers with spreading lobes, are bird pollinated. The flowers of Adromischus phillipsiae are similar to those of Cotyledon, with which it was once grouped.
 
Cotyledon orbiculata is a common roadside weed in the Cape Province, albeit with most attractive umbels of orange flowers. The Afrikaans name 'Plakkie'= pig's ear refers to the shape of the large bluish-grey fleshy leaves with reddened margins. Cotyledon orbiculata is a traditional remedy for treatment of warts and abscesses.
 
Cultivation: Many species are easy to grow in any free-draining gritty compost and grow well on any sunny window ledge or greenhouse. These plants are suitable for gardens in a Mediterranean climate. Stems can be carefully pruned to maintain an attractive shape. Cotyledon tolerate cool, frost-free conditions during the winter if kept dry. It is best to keep water off the leaves.
Mealy bugs and vine weevils can be discouraged with a systemic insecticides based on Imidacloprid e.g. Provado Vine Weevil Killer. Crassulaceae are generally intolerant of the contact insecticide Malathion.