Kalanchoe ×verdoorniae [K. luciae × K. winteri] (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae), a new, large-growing nothospecies from South Africa

Abstract

A new nothospecies, Kalanchoe ×verdoorniae (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae) is described from South Africa. The parents of the nothospecies are K. luciae and K. winteri, both of which are included in K. [subg. Kalanchoe] sect. Raveta. At maturity, K. ×verdoorniae has large, consistently obovate leaves that in terms of size are intermediate between those of K. luciae and K. winteri. Like the leaves of K. winteri, those of K. ×verdoorniae are basally distinctly auriculate, a feature not well developed in K. luciae. The inflorescences of K. ×verdoorniae are dense-flowered and club-shaped as found in both parents. Kalanchoe ×verdoorniae has considerable architectural appeal and is hardy in mild-climate regions of the world with limited and unpredictable rainfall. When producing kalanchoe material for outdoor cultivation in mild climates, emphasis is often on selecting for highly coloured foliage—strongly maroon to reddish-infused in the case of K. ×estrelae or distinctly orange-infused in the case of K. ×leistneri—with these colours becoming more intense when plants are subject to environmental stress, such as high solar irradiation loads and a limited water supply. However, K. ×verdoorniae has light green leaves that early on appear nearly pure white as a result of the presence of a substantial, long-persisting waxy layer, on virtually all plant parts.