Kalanchoe Stonecrop
Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi
NEMBA category
English: Kalanchoe Stonecrop, Lavender Scallops
Misapplied or old scientific names: Bryophyllum fedtschenkoi
Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi has been introduced to various parts of the world. Its escape from cultivation has been reported in several regions including South Africa where it is now naturalised in coastal areas and parts of the Klein Karoo.
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Origins: Madagascar
Overall Appearance: Bryophyllum fedtschenkoi, commonly known as "Lavender Scallops" 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.
Toxicity: The plant can be toxic to livestock and can cause serious health problems if ingested.
Note: Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi 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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