Whether cascading from hanging baskets or standing tall in pots, the Cotyledon orbiculata succulent, known as pig’s ear, is sure to capture attention and bring a touch of exotic charm to any environment. However, it isn’t just a feast for the eyes; it also offers some remarkable health benefits.
Mawethu Noholoza, a traditional enthusiast from Tsolo in the Eastern Cape, says the plant has been used as a remedy for generations.
The pig’s ear plant or iphewula as it is known in some Xhosa regions, is used for earaches in humans and even helps livestock struggling to conceive, Noholoza says.
“It’s simple,” he explains, “you grind iphewula and extract the liquid. Mix it with cold water and give it to cattle for various health conditions, including trouble conceiving.”
Noholoza emphasises that, in his experience, iphewula has never been associated with any harmful effects on humans.
Passed down through generations
Cape Town-based horticulturalist Nomfusi Ntsobi says iphewula has been used in Mzansi for traditional purposes, and she notes that traditional medicine plays a significant role in healthcare practices in developing countries.
“While traditional medicine is perceived as mediocre, it has been widely used in health diagnosis and maintenance, prevention of mental, physical, and social disorders.”
Nomfusi Ntsobi
Therefore, she adds, the traditional medicine approach or application is strongly dependent on practice, skills, and knowledge, including indigenous cultural practices and beliefs.
Ntsobi says numerous studies have drawn attention to the role of medicinal plants in chronic illnesses. “These medicinal practices are reflected among the diverse tribal populations of South Africa.”
Health and medicinal benefits
Ntsobi tells Health for Mzansi that the succulent has been used in the treatment of painful health conditions, including toothaches, earaches, boils, warts, corns, and epilepsy, among other ailments.
“In addition, Cotyledon orbiculata has been reported to treat intestinal worms and helminths in humans.”
She explains that in other areas of the country, pig’s ear has been reported to aid in the primary healthcare requirements for various sexually transmitted infections such as sores in the genital area, herpes, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and chlamydia, among others.
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Caring for pig’s ears
Azile Dumani, a crop scientist at the Dohne Agricultural Development Institute in the Eastern Cape, says Cotyledon orbiculata L. is an indigenous perennial succulent shrublet in the Crassulaceae plant family.
Dumani explains that this plant is commonly known as pig’s ears, Cotyledon (Eng.); platjies (Afr.); and iphewula (isiXhosa) and (isiZulu). It is a low-growing, hardy succulent shrub with thick, fleshy, oval, red-margined leaves which may vary from green to grey in color, resembling a pig’s ear.
He says the plant grows well in well-drained soils. It requires a neutral pH level, although it tolerates acidic and alkaline pH levels.
Its growth is well-suited for nearly any dry area of the garden, including rock gardens, succulent beds, hanging baskets, or window boxes, he says.
“When planted as a pot plant, good drainage is important.”
He adds, “[Iphewula] is often found in full sun, but also grows well in semi-shade under trees and is an ideal plant for the water-wise gardener, especially in these changing climatic conditions.”
Pig’s ears are prone to snails, and slugs, which are easy to spot by the chewed holes in the leaves and by the silvery, slimy trail they leave behind, Dumani explains.
“To prevent the pest’s infestation, the area must be kept clean and free of debris.”
Slug bait or use snail traps must be applied to control/ manage the pest infestation, he recommends.
“In its natural environment, the plant requires very little water to survive.”
Azile Dumani
Pig’s ear requires slight feeding with multipurpose fertiliser during the late spring. After feeding water well, as fertilising dry soil can scorch the roots. However, the used of compost during the planting is recommended, adds Dumani.
“The plant’s dried leaf is traditionally used as a protective charm for an orphan child.” He further explains that chewing its leaf is said to expel the intestinal worms.
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