pig's ear

Cotyledon orbiculata

The white powdery layer on its leaves is called epicuticular wax, which acts as a natural SPF sunscreen and prevents water evaporation.

Scientific name: Cotyledon orbiculata
Taxonomy: Plantae › Tracheophyta › Magnoliopsida › Saxifragales › Crassulaceae › Cotyledon
IUCN Red List status: Least Concern
Population trend: stable
Biome: desert
Habitat: Rocky slopes, dry shrubland, and semi-arid karoo regions.
Diet: Photosynthetic (produces energy from sunlight via CAM photosynthesis).
Range: South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini
Size: Up to 1.3 meters (4 feet) tall and wide
Lifespan: 10 to 30 years
Active: diurnal
Threats: Local habitat destruction, illegal harvesting for the succulent trade, and invasive weeds.
Safe to approach?: Harmless to touch, but highly toxic if ingested due to cardiac glycosides (cotyledontoxin). Keep pets and livestock away. If any part of the plant is swallowed, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.

Cotyledon orbiculata , commonly known as pig's ear or round-leafed navel-wort , is a South African succulent plant belonging to the Cotyledon genus.

Photo: Dr. Alexey Yakovlev, CC-BY, via iNaturalist