Butter Tree

Butter Tree Overview

Tylecodon paniculatus is a striking feature plant with its chubby stem and yellow-green paper-like bark. During the winter months, it is covered in long paddle-shaped succulent leaves which are clustered around the growing tip. Just as the leaves are falling off at the beginning of summer, long reddish-orange flowers appear and attract nectar-loving birds and insects. The largest of the Tylecodons, this caudiciform arborescent succulent can reach heights up to 2 metres. It makes for an excellent feature plant, perfect for rockeries, containers and waterwise gardens. Tylecodon species are mainly endemic to the dry western parts of South Africa and Namibia where they tend to grow in groups. It thrives in sunny positions in very well-draining, sandy soil medium. They are prone to root and stem rot so be sure to plant it with the neck at soil level with excellent drainage. Withhold watering in the dormant season (summer) and resume watering in the growing season. Plants can be propagated by seed or cuttings. Its common name 'Butter tree' refers to the smooth, fragible stems. This plant is poisonous to stock.