Bryophyllum (from the Greek bryo/bryein = sprout, phyllon = leaf) is a genus of plants belonging to the family Crassulaceae. There are about twenty - thirty species in the genus, native originally of South Africa, Madagascar and Asia, although now probably established in many parts of the warm world, either cultivated or as a garden escapee, it is common in parts of Australia. The genus is notable for being Viviparous; small plantlets develop on the fringes of the leaves which eventually drop off and establish themselves. For its interest and attractiveness it has been much cultivated. Some species are (not very) toxic and have become noxious weeds in parts of the world (plant acid substances, bufadienolide, alkaloids, calciumoxalate, flavonoids, anthocyans...).

Many hybrides (e.g. Bryophyllum crenatodaigremontianum = Br.crenatum X Br.daigremontianum; Bryophyllum, Houghton's Hybride = B.daigremontianum X B.delagoensis...).

Two most important species: - Bryophyllum daigremontianum (Raym.-Hamet & H.Perrier) = Kalanchoe daigremontiana (Raym.-Hamet & H.Perrier): Native of Madagascar; introduced and naturalized in many parts of tropical and subtropical Africa, Asia (Indian Ocean islands), North America (Florida) and South Africa; cultivated in Pakistan. - Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Oken = Bryophyllum calycinum Salisb. = Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam.) Pers.: Native of Tropical Africa, cultivated or naturalized on many Pacific Islands (Tonga, Hawaii). Bryophyllum calycinum = pinnatum is also called 'The Goethe Plant' since the famous writer and scientist of his time Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was "passionately fond" of this plant.

Synonyms

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Many names Mother of Thousands; Mother of Millions; Devil's Backbone; Pregnant Plant, Mexican Hat Plant; Flopper; Sotre-Sotry; Air Plant; Miracle Leaf; Sprouting Leaf; Sprout Leaf Plant; Leaf of Life; Resurrection Plant; Canterbury Bells; Cathedral Bells; Mexican Love Plant; Life Plant; Floppers; Good Luck Leaf; Airplant; Lifeplant; Mexican Loveplant; Mother in Law; Tree Of Life; Hawaiian Air Leaf; Monkey Ears; Monkeys Ear...

German

Brutblatt, Wurzelblatt, Keimblatt, Knotenblatt, Moosblatt, Lebenszweig, Keimzumpe

Hawaiian

‘oliwa ku kahakai

Spanish

(Yerba de) Bruja; Prodigiosa; Flor de aire; Siempre Viva; Hoja Del Aire.

Crassulaceae

Brutblätter | Bryophyllum | Bryophyllum