Chandelier Plant

Bryophyllum delagoense

NEMBA: Category 1b

English: Chandelier Plant, Mother of Millions, Mother of Thousands

Afrikaans: Kandelaarplant

Bryophyllum delagoense is a highly invasive species in South Africa. Its ability to reproduce vegetatively through leaf-borne plantlets makes it extremely difficult to control. It forms dense mats that smother native vegetation, reduce biodiversity, and impact agricultural land.

Chandelier Plant (Bryophyllum delagoense)
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Origins: Madagascar

Overall Appearance:

Bryophyllum delagoense is a succulent perennial with upright stems that typically grow 30-180 cm tall, but can occasionally reach 2.5 meters.

Leaves:

Leaves are fleshy, cylindrical, and greyish-green in colour with darker mottling. They have several "teeth" at the tips, each of which produces numerous tiny plantlets.

Flowers:

Flowers are bell-shaped, pendulous, and typically red, orange-red, or pinkish-red. They are grouped into clusters at the top of the stems. Flowering occurs mainly during winter and early spring.

Fruits:

Small, dry capsules containing numerous tiny seeds.

Seeds:

Numerous, small, and easily dispersed by wind and water.

Soil Type:

Adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including poor, dry, and compacted soils.

Aspect:

Prefers full sun to partial shade.

Toxicity:

The plant is toxic to livestock and can cause serious health problems if ingested.

Problem Provinces:

Widespread throughout South Africa, particularly in disturbed areas, along roadsides, and in urban environments.

Note:

Bryophyllum delagoense is a highly invasive species in South Africa. Its ability to reproduce vegetatively through leaf-borne plantlets makes it extremely difficult to control. It forms dense mats that smother native vegetation, reduce biodiversity, and impact agricultural land. Control measures are often necessary to manage infestations.