Scientific name Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi Rank Species | Higher classification Widow's-thrill | |
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Similar Widow's‑thrill, Crassulaceae, Kalanchoe beharensis, Bryophyllum delagoense, Bryophyllum | ||
Bryophyllum fedtschenkoi is a species native to Madagascar widely sold as a house or garden plant that has established itself in the wild in some southern parts of the United States of America. The specific epithet fedtschenkoi honors botanist Boris Fedtschenko (1873-1947).
Description
Bryophyllum fedtschenkoi is a low-growing, frost-tender perennial succulent that prefers dry, open ground. It grows to 10–12 inches (25–30 cm) as an untidy, low, rounded herb. The stems are round, smooth and lax with visible leaf scars, often bending to touch the ground where they produce roots and a new plant. Leaves are simple, fleshy, alternate, blue-green and oval or obovate with fine scalloped edges, the edges may turn pink or red under strong sunlight or drought conditions. The tubular flowers are carried in corymbs, often multi-layered in good conditions. Each flower has a short calyx edged with delta-shaped segments, the calyx is shorter than the tubular corolla. The corolla is an orange/coral/apricot colour. The flowers hang down.
Commonly called ‘Lavender Scallops’ from the shape and colour of its leaves. It has few pests but may be susceptible to mealy bug or occasionally scale insects.
