View this post on Hive: Cotyledon Orbiculata (Pigs Ear, Round-leafed Navel-wort)

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and as always, photo bombed by a rogue ant...

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As you may know, I am in the process of identifying all the plants I currently have growing in my garden.

This particular one was taken as a cutting from a friend's garden and I am always amazed by how well it's grown. It seems to be a really healthy plant and is obviously well suited to the local climate.

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Again, this is a plant that grows and survives without any help from me what-so-ever - needless to say, it's my favorite way of growing!

The leaves of the plant are a grayish-white colour which provides a welcome break from the surrounding green.

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Today I Learnt

The leaves have 'a white powdery substance on them that helps reflect sunlight and conserve water' src

The Cotyledon orbiculata is native to South Africa where the leaves are used to 'treat warts, corns, boils and other inflammations; the juice has also been used to treat epilepsy'. src

Although, due to a chemical compound found in the leaves called cotyledontoxin, the plant 'is toxic to sheep, goats, horses, cattle, poultry, and dogs, causing a condition known as cotyledonosis'. src

Anyhoo, you'll be pleased to know that mine is safely planted in the front garden, far outta reach from the puppaccinos... :)

I know I've been a bit slack posting so far this year and I do plan to get back on schedule now that the (so-called) holidays are over. My main goal for posting this year is to achieve the 'monthly author' badge for my steemitboard, but let's just wait and see how that pans out...

Until next time... xxx

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And remember to keep smiling, it makes people wonder what you're thinking...!

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