Page 32 - Intra Muros June Issue 2025

GARDENING

BEWARE THE BEAUTY

The Mother of Thousands plant is problematic to SA. Here’s why

he Mother of Thousands (Kalanchoe
daigremontiana) plant is known for
Tits striking, succulent leaves adorned
with baby plantlets. It has found its way
into many gardens around the world. While
admired for its unique appearance and ease of
propagation, in regions like South Africa, it is
becoming a serious environmental threat.

Native to Madagascar, Kalanchoe
daigremontiana is a succulent from the
Crassulaceae family. It earns its name from the
numerous tiny plantlets that grow along the
edges of its leaves, which drop off and readily
root wherever they land. This rapid and prolific
self-propagation makes it nearly impossible to
control once established.

Why it’s invasive here
In South Africa, Mother of Thousands has
escaped ornamental cultivation and invaded
natural ecosystems. Its drought tolerance,
rapid growth and ability to thrive in poor soils
give it a competitive edge over native flora. It
can form dense mats, displacing indigenous
plant species and altering habitat structures
vital to local wildlife.

Moreover, this plant contains
bufadienolides – toxic compounds that
can be deadly to wild and domestic
animals if ingested. This poses a serious
threat to agriculture, especially in
grazing areas where the plant has spread
unchecked.

Environmental and agricultural risks
1. Ecosystem disruption: Kalanchoe
daigremontiana outcompetes native
vegetation, reducing biodiversity and
affecting pollinator populations that
rely on indigenous plants.
2. Toxicity to wild and domestic animals:
Cases of animals having been poisoned
are well documented.
3. Difficult to eradicate: Its ability to
regenerate from plantlets makes it hard
to remove completely once it takes
root.

30 | INTRAMUROS JUNE 2025