Green Mother of Milllions
Bryophyllum proliferum
NEMBA category
English: Green Mother of Milllions, Resurrection Plant, Sprouting Leaf
Misapplied or old scientific names: Kalanchoe prolifera
Bryophyllum proliferum is a highly aggressive invasive plant originating from Madagascar. This botanical menace spreads with extraordinary efficiency, capable of reproducing from even the smallest leaf fragment and generating numerous plantlets along leaf edges.
Toxic to livestock and remarkably resilient, it has rapidly colonised gardens and natural landscapes across South Africa. Its ability to root and propagate from minimal plant material makes it an ecological threat that can quickly overwhelm indigenous vegetation, earning its reputation as a destructive alien invader.
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Origins: Madagascar
Overall Appearance:
Bryophyllum proliferum, also known as Air Plant or Mother of Thousands, is a succulent perennial with a sprawling growth habit. It can reach heights of up to 60 cm and spread extensively.
Leaves:
The leaves are the most distinctive feature, thick, fleshy, and paddle-shaped with scalloped edges. They are typically bluish-green with a powdery coating and may develop reddish-purple tints, especially when exposed to strong sunlight. The unique characteristic of this plant is that it produces numerous small plantlets (bulbils) along the leaf margins. These plantlets easily detach and root, allowing for rapid vegetative reproduction.
Flowers:
Flowers are tubular, reddish-orange, and borne on tall stalks. Flowering occurs in spring and summer.
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 sandy, rocky, and clay soils.
Aspect:
Prefers full sun to partial shade.
Edibility:
Not typically consumed.
Toxicity:
The plant is toxic to livestock and can cause serious health problems if ingested.
Uses:
Primarily cultivated as an ornamental plant.
Birds Attracted:
May attract some birds for nectar.
Insects Attracted:
May attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Mammals Attracted:
While toxic, some mammals may browse on the plant.
Note:
Bryophyllum proliferum 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.
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