Mother-of-millions (
Kalanchoe delagoensis also referred to as
Bryophyllum delagoense) is a herbaceous perennial succulent, popular due to it's bizarre and intriguing appearance.
K. delagoensis is native to Madagascar and has been introduced as an ornamental, in which it has escaped from cultivation in many subtropical and tropical regions worldwide.
K. delagoensis produces orange-red bell-shaped flowers that grow at the top of the upright stems, which bloom from May to October.
K. delagoensis is well adapted to water-stressed environments and has become invasive in parts of the United States, West Indies, Africa, and Europe. In Australia,
K. delagoensis is considered highly invasive and is a serious pest due to its threat to livestock.
Toxic components
All parts of
K. delagoensis, especially the flowers, contain toxic cardiac glycosides. If consumed, it can result in
cardiac glycoside poisoning.
- Colic
- Abnormal Heart Beat
- Lethargy
- Sweating
- Cold Extremities
- Diarrhea
- Shortness Of Breath
- Death From Heart Failure
MANUAL CONTROL: For small areas, pull up plants by hand and burn on a wood heap. Alternatively, bag the plants and dump them in a bin, the contents of which are buried at your councils refuse tip rather than being recycled into mulch. Partially burnt plant material remains palatable and highly toxic
