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Meelplakkie
Kalanchoe luciae
SA tree number
English: Northern White Lady, Flapjack Plant, Flipping Pancakes
Afrikaans: Geelplakkie, Meelplakkie, Plakkie, Voëlbrandewyn
Historical botanical names: Kalanchoe albiflora
Kalanchoe luciae, known as northern white lady or flapjack plant, is a succulent that forms a basal rosette of large, paddle‑shaped leaves that are whitish‑green and often display reddish margins in dry seasons. It produces erect flower stalks with dense clusters of white to pale‑green flowers, showing yellow petal lobes inside.
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Distinguishing features:
Basal rosette of large, paddle‑shaped fleshy leaves, whitish‑green, with reddish margins in dry periods
Dense inflorescences of small white‑green flowers with recurved yellow lobes, atop elongated stalks
Covered in white powder bloom, especially on leaves and inflorescence
After flowering, main rosette dies but produces many small plantlets at the base
Overall appearance:
A succulent forming a basal rosette of fleshy paddle‑shaped leaves coated in white bloom; sends up an erect flower stalk at the end of the growing season.
Height:
About 0.8–1 m at end of summer growing season (when flower stalk produced)
Leaves:
Large, paddle‑shaped, whitish‑green with reddish margins during dry months; coated with white powder bloom; upright orientation to reduce sun exposure.
Flowers:
Many small flowers in dense inflorescence; whitish‑green outside, with recurved yellow petal lobes visible inside; sweet‑scented; produced from end of summer growing season into mid‑winter (February to June).
Flowering season:
February to June
Seeds:
Produced in many thousands; dust‑like; dispersed by wind after plant dies
Soil type:
Grows in grassland and bushveld, usually in rocky situations or exposed slopes and hilltops
Aspect:
Survives extreme conditions: cold, dry winds in winter, hot spells in summer; succulent nature and white powder bloom aid moisture conservation by reflecting sunlight; erect leaves minimise sun exposure
Toxicity:
Toxic to sheep; can have harmful effects on people; use with caution
Uses:
Used in traditional medicine: Sotho use it as a charm and for medicines for unwell pregnant women
Xhosa use it to treat earache and colds, and to make anthelmintic enemas
Ecology:
Pollinated by ants, bees and other flying insects visiting flowers during middle of the day
Distribution and habitat:
Found in Limpopo, North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu‑Natal, Free State and northern Eastern Cape provinces, as well as in Eswatini and Lesotho; inhabits grassland and bushveld, in rocky situations or exposed slopes and hilltops
Derivation of name:
Genus name Kalanchoe derived from Cantonese term, per botanical naming history
Species name luciae origin not specified explicitly
Historical aspects:
Identified in early 20th century; frequently confused with Kalanchoe thyrsiflora, but differs by flower colour and leaf traits
Interesting facts:
The common name “flapjack plant” comes from its big, round, pancake‑like leaves – it’s basically a plant you could imagine stacking with syrup!
Its flowers appear when most other plants look dull, bringing cheerful yellow‑lobed blooms in late summer through mid‑winter.
Although the main rosette dies after flowering, it leaves behind lots of tiny plantlets—like a succulent baby boom.
Growing tips:
Propagate using plantlets produced at the base, once the rosette dies
Plant in well‑drained, rocky or gritty soil, simulating grassland or rocky slopes
Place in full sun or partial shade; white bloom helps cope with heat and sun
Minimal watering needed; succulent nature makes it drought‑tolerant
Great for rockeries and water‑wise gardens
This plant is a fantastic alternative for:
Common name
Scientific Name
Plant type:
Plant type
Plant family:
Plant family (derivation)