Crassulaceae

Kalanchoe delagoensis

Common Names: Mother-of-millions Synonyms: Bryophyllum delagoense

Plant Form: Succulent perennial herb. Size: Usually 30-180 cm tall. Stem: Hairless, mostly unbranched, greyish to pinkish-grey. Leaves: Near cylindrical shape, greyish, 1.5 to 15 cm long, sometimes with darker mottling, fleshy, with tooth like edges near the tips. Flowers: Bell-shaped, tubular drooping 2-4 cm long, bright red, orange or pinkish, with 4 fused petals. In tightly branched clusters at the top of stems. Fruit and Seeds: Dry, papery, about 1 cm long, enclosed in old flower parts, deeply divided into 4 sections, with minute brown seeds. Habitat: Pastures, grasslands, open woodlands, coastal headlands, dunes, fencelines, old gardens. Distinguishing Features: Distinguished from other Bryophyllum species by near cylindrical shape of leaves. Impacts: Competes and replaces native herbs, very toxic to humans, pets, and livestock, reduces productivity.