Tylecodon paniculatus variety dinterii

Tylecodon paniculatus Cotyledon tardiflora, Cotyledon mollis, Cotyledon fascicularis, Cotyledon paniculata

Butter Tree, Botterboom

Crassulaceae

It is found in growing in South Africa in clay soils in the Spekboomveld, Gwarrievelds and alos on rocky slopes from Namibia to the South-Western Cape and the Eastern Cape

1 Gallon

3-4'

3-5'

25 to 30°F; -3.9 to -1.1°C

Very high

Full sun to dappled shade in hot desert climates

Extremely drought tolerant in summer, needs winter rains

None

Dry rock gardens, succulent plantings. A great plant for a larger treelike bonsai. Fun specimen to plant around pools and stark architecture or in front of a contrasting-colored wall where its interesting shape can be set off.

Replant cuttings, collect seeds after flowering. Sow uncovered in coarse sand topping with well-drained soil underneath. Seeds germinate readily during cooler weather.

Root rot, requires good draining soils.

Tylecodon paniculata var. dinterii is a succulent shrub-let that is up to 4' tall. It is summer deciduous in hot dry climates. The stem fattens and leaves come out in winter rains. It has a thick basal stem that is densely branched above, with a rounded crown. The branches are softly succulent (hence its common name) and green with a yellow, semi-transparent peeling bark. Tylecodon paniculata var. dinterii is believed to be a natural hybrid between T. paniculata and T. wallichii. It differs from T. paniculata by having narrower, cylindrical gray green leaves and yellow-green flowers of T. wallichii. During the hot dry summer months Tylecodons conserve energy and water by dropping their leaves and photosynthesizing with their greenish stems. This caudiciform-like tree blossoms during summer when it is mostly leafless putting the flowers and later the yellow-green stems on full display. Its flowers are pollinated by nectar-loving birds. It is poisonous to livestock.