Kalanchoe thyrsiflora Seeds
The Afrikaans name “meelplakkie” is most appropriate for this plant as it does indeed look as if the whole plant has been liberally dusted with flour (“meel”). Being a succulent perennial, it does not require much attention in sunny dry gardens. Plants take about 3-4 years to mature, but flowers may appear from the second year and remain for another year before seeds are dispersed. These plants are ideal for sunny areas and being perennials, they can be used as semi permanent features in beds of annuals or bedding plants.
Description
Like most of the southern African Kalachoe species, Kalenchoe thyrsiflora forms a basal rosette of large rounded, fleshy leaves, which are grayish cream with red margins. Plants reach about 60 cm ; the erect, upward facing, tightly arranged leaves are without petioles. The rosettes send up dense inflorescences to 1-1.3m, which are coated with a white powder. On the inflorescence the lower leaves are rounded and become smaller as they ascend along the flowering stem. The dense inflorescence has small tubular flowers approximately 15mm long. The flowers are greenish with yellow recurved lobes and appear from February to June. The flowering may persist for a long time on the plant until the whole plant eventually dies.
Distribution and Habitat
The genus Kalenchoe occurs throughout Africa, Madagascar , Cyprus , Indochina and Malaysia . It is a very well known group and has become famous for certain attractive cultivars. Kalenchoe thyrsiflora occurs from the central to the southern escarpment and foothills in bushveld habitats. The plants have a preference for open rocky situations or exposed hilltops.
Uses and cultural aspects
Apart from being used by the Sothos in South Africa as a charm to ease difficulties, no other cultural or traditional uses have been recorded. Horticulturally the plants are very popular in rock gardens, on rocky embankments, and as perennial container plants. They make beautiful displays when planted in mass and their red leaf margins are particularly attractive. Remember that these plants are from rocky areas and prefer a similar garden habitat with plenty of direct sunlight in order to thrive.
