Tylecodon
Tylecodon spp. (notably Tylecodon paniculatus and Tylecodon wallichii)
Tylecodons are remarkable deciduous succulents from the arid regions of South Africa and Namibia. They shed their leaves in summer and produce delicate tubular flowers during their dry-season dormancy, symbolizing renewal, patience, and resilience in adversity.
Crassulaceae (Stonecrop family)
Summer (when the plant is leafless and dormant); typically December to February in the Southern Hemisphere
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: erythroniums and succulent (echeveria)s also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Tylecodon is deeply embedded in the culture and landscape of the Succulent Karoo, one of only two arid regions in the world recognized as a biodiversity hotspot. In Afrikaans culture, Tylecodon paniculatus is known as "Botterboom" (Butter Tree) because San and Khoi people historically used the sticky sap of the plant to attach arrow tips to shafts, though they understood its toxicity. The plant's habit of blooming while leafless during the harshest, driest time of year has made it a powerful local symbol of resilience and the capacity to create beauty even in the most difficult conditions.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun; requires intense sunlight to maintain compact form and flower well
Water
Water regularly when in leaf (winter growing season); withhold water almost completely in summer when the plant is leafless and dormant; resume watering when new leaves appear in autumn
Soil
Very well-draining sandy or rocky soil, Gritty cactus mix, Low-nutrient mineral soil with coarse grit
Expert Growing Tips
Remember that tylecodon follows a winter-growing, summer-dormant cycle, which is the reverse of most succulents in the Northern Hemisphere
Water freely when the plant is in leaf in winter; this is the active growing period
Reduce watering to almost nothing when the plant sheds its leaves in late spring; this is normal and not a sign of ill health
All parts of tylecodon are toxic if ingested; wear gloves when handling and keep away from children and pets
In frost-prone climates, grow in containers that can be brought into a cool, bright frost-free space in winter
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Specialist collector specimen for succulent and caudiciform enthusiasts
- Outdoor rock garden feature in warm arid climates
- Botanical garden and conservation garden display
- Container cultivation for patio and greenhouse
- Bonsai-style cultivation of older woody-stemmed specimens
Traditional Uses
- Tylecodon is toxic and not used medicinally; the plants contain bufadienolide compounds that cause a condition called "krimpsiekte" (a livestock poisoning) in South Africa
- Historically, some related Crassulaceae plants were used cautiously in folk medicine, but tylecodon toxicity makes it unsuitable for any medicinal application
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Tylecodon
why does my tylecodon lose its leaves?
Tylecodon plants are summer-deciduous, meaning they shed all their leaves in summer as part of their natural growth cycle. This is completely normal. The plant is dormant during the hot dry summer and active during the cooler, wetter winter months. Watering should be reduced to almost nothing when the plant is leafless.
is tylecodon toxic?
Yes, all parts of tylecodon are toxic. The plants contain bufadienolide glycosides that are poisonous to livestock, pets, and humans if ingested. In South Africa, tylecodon poisoning of sheep and goats is a known agricultural problem called "krimpsiekte." Always wear gloves when handling and keep well away from children and pets.
when does tylecodon bloom?
Tylecodon blooms in summer when it is completely leafless, which is unusual among succulents. The pendulous tubular flowers appear on branched panicles rising from the bare stems, typically from December to February in the Southern Hemisphere or June to August when grown in the Northern Hemisphere.
how do you care for a tylecodon?
Grow tylecodon in full sun with very well-draining, gritty soil. Water regularly when the plant has leaves (its winter growing season) and withhold water almost completely when it sheds its leaves in summer. In frost-prone areas, grow in containers and keep in a cool, bright frost-free space in winter.
what does a tylecodon flower symbolize?
Tylecodon flowers symbolize renewal, patience, and resilience in adversity. Their ability to bloom beautifully during the harshest dry season while leafless represents the remarkable capacity to find strength and create beauty even in the most challenging conditions.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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