Cotyledon orbiculata

Dogís ears

Cotyledon orbiculata, commonly known as the pig's ear, is a resilient succulent native to South Africa. Renowned for its thick, fleshy leaves and striking reddish edges, this plant is valued in herbal traditions for its potential medicinal properties, including its use in treating skin irritations and promoting wound healing.

  • Scientific name: Cotyledon orbiculata
  • Family: Crassulaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is classified within the order Saxifragales and the family Crasulaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Cotyledon.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Saxifragales WCVP
Family Crassulaceae WCVP
Genus Cotyledon WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Cotyledon orbiculata, is recognized by various names across different languages and cultures. In English, it is commonly referred to as Dogís ears or Dogis ears, while in Chinese, it is called 轮回. Furthermore, it is known as أشران in Arabic and as Nzeve yengururuve ruva in Shona.
Language Common Name Source
ar أشران Wikidata
sn Nzeve yengururuve ruva Wikidata
en Dogís ears Wikidata
en Dogis ears Wikidata
zh 轮回 Wikidata
zh 圣刀 Wikidata
zh 圆叶银波木 Wikidata
zh 白蝶 Wikidata
zh 福娘 Wikidata
zh 圣塔 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed across the Mediterranean region, spanning both Europe and Africa. Within Southwestern Europe, it can be found growing in the Balearic Islands. Its presence extends to the mainland territories of France, Portugal, and Spain. Furthermore, the species reaches into Northern Africa, specifically inhabiting Tunisia. Together, these locations define its distinct geographical range.

Region Area Source
Southwestern Europe Baleares WCVP
Southwestern Europe France WCVP
Southwestern Europe Portugal WCVP
Southwestern Europe Spain WCVP
Northern Africa Tunisia WCVP
Macaronesia Canary Is. WCVP
South Tropical Africa Angola WCVP
South Tropical Africa Mozambique WCVP
Southern Africa Cape Provinces WCVP
Southern Africa Lesotho WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Cotyledon orbiculata, is often utilized in traditional medicinal practices where various components are processed to harness their therapeutic potential. While the leaves and stems are the primary morphological structures studied for their bioactive compounds, the medicinal application frequently involves the preparation of an aqueous extract. This method involves soaking the plant parts in water to dissolve and stabilize the water-soluble phytochemicals, creating a liquid form that is more easily assimilated by the body for its healing properties.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
Aqueous Extract 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Cotyledon orbiculata has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include silver nanoparticles.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
silver nanoparticles 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Cotyledon orbiculata has 2 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antioxidant.

Total activities
2
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antimicrobial 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Cotyledon orbiculata has 8 reported medicinal uses identified across 10 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include inflammation, wounds, abscesses, acne, boils.

Total uses
8
Scientific sources
10

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
inflammation 2 ★☆☆☆☆
wounds 2 ★☆☆☆☆
abscesses 1 ★☆☆☆☆
acne 1 ★☆☆☆☆
boils 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
colon cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
wound healing 1 ★☆☆☆☆