Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe is a genus of about 125 species of tropical, succulent flowering plants in the family Crassulaceae, mainly native to Madagascar and tropical Africa. Kalanchoe was one of the first plants to be sent into space, sent on a resupply to the Soviet Salyut 1 space station in 1971.

Description

Kalanchoe plants are thick leaved succulents that are often seen in florist shops or garden centers. Most end up as potted plants but areas that can mimic their native land of Madagascar can grow them outdoors. The most common species is Kalanchoe blossfeldiana.

Cultivation and uses

Kalanchoes are cultivated as ornamental houseplants and rock or "succulent" garden plants. They are popular because of their ease of propagation, low water requirements, and wide variety of flower colors typically borne in clusters well above the vegetative growth. The section Bryophyllum - formerly an independent genus - contains species such as the "Air plant" Kalanchoe pinnata. In these plants, new individuals develop vegetatively as plantlets, also known as bulbils or gemmae, at indents along the leaves. These young plants eventually drop off and take root. No males have been found of one species of this genus which does flower and produce seeds, and it is commonly called, the Mother of Thousands.

In traditional medicine

Various species of Kalanchoe are used medicinally in Southeast Asia, specifically Indo-China and Philippines. In the Indian state of Kerala, a decoction of the plant root is used to treat chest congestion. In traditional medicine, Kalanchoe species have been used to treat ailments such as infections, rheumatism and inflammation. Kalanchoe extracts also have immunosuppressive effects. Kalanchoe pinnata has been recorded in Trinidad and Tobago as being used as a traditional treatment for hypertension.

Toxicity

All parts of the plant are poisonous, which can even lead to death if ingested by infants or small pets.

Species

There are over 125 species of Kalanchoe.

See also

• List of Kalanchoe species
• Crassulaceae
• Succulent plant

External links

• Kalanchoe.org

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