Kalanchoe Species Research Articles

Phosphorylation of Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxylase Is Essential for Maximal and Sustained Dark CO2 Fixation and Core Circadian Clock Operation in the Obligate Crassulacean Acid Metabolism Species Kalanchoë fedtschenkoi.

Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PPC; EC 4.1.1.31) catalyzes primary nocturnal CO2 fixation in Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) species. CAM PPC is regulated posttranslationally by a circadian clock-controlled protein kinase called phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase kinase (PPCK). PPCK phosphorylates PPC during the dark period, reducing its sensitivity to feedback inhibition by malate and thus enhancing nocturnal CO2 fixation to stored malate. Here, we report the generation and characterization of transgenic RNAi lines of the obligate CAM species Kalanchoë fedtschenkoi with reduced levels of KfPPCK1 transcripts. Plants with reduced or no detectable dark phosphorylation of PPC displayed up to a 66% reduction in total dark period CO2 fixation. These perturbations paralleled reduced malate accumulation at dawn and decreased nocturnal starch turnover. Loss of oscillations in the transcript abundance of KfPPCK1 was accompanied by a loss of oscillations in the transcript abundance of many core circadian clock genes, suggesting that perturbing the only known link between CAM and the circadian clock feeds back to perturb the central circadian clock itself. This work shows that clock control of KfPPCK1 prolongs the activity of PPC throughout the dark period in K. fedtschenkoi, optimizing CAM-associated dark CO2 fixation, malate accumulation, CAM productivity, and core circadian clock robustness.

Kalanchoe hypseloleuce (Crassulaceae), a new species from eastern Ethiopia, with notes on its habitat

A new species of Kalanchoe, K. hypseloleuce Friis & M. G. Gilbert, was found during field work in Ethiopia in 2015, and is established here. It is characterised by its tall stature (2 – 3 m), entire, sessile, lanceolate leaves and pure white flowers with abaxially minutely papillose corolla lobes (otherwise, the plant is glabrous). It is not obviously related to any previously known species, but an earlier, incomplete specimen has been cited as K. prittwitzii Engl. in the literature. K. hypseloleuce was collected on limestone in Acacia-Commiphora woodland and bushland at c. 1400 m a.s.l. It occurs in the southern part of the eastern Ethiopian escarpment in the Arsi and Eastern Harerghe zones of the Oromo Regional State. K. hypseloleuce is documented with images and maps, its climate envelope has been modelled, and a conservation assessment made. With the current level of threat, this could be Vulnerable to Near Threatened (VU-NT). Given the threat from habitat degradation is not imminent, we recommend the species to be listed as Near Threatened (NT).

Inhibitory Effects of Hydroethanolic Leaf Extracts of Kalanchoe brasiliensis and Kalanchoe pinnata (Crassulaceae) against Local Effects Induced by Bothrops jararaca Snake Venom.

The species Kalanchoe brasiliensis and Kalanchoe pinnata, both known popularly as “Saião,” are used interchangeably in traditional medicine for their antiophidic properties. Studies evaluating the anti-venom activity of these species are scarce. This study aims to characterize the chemical constituents and evaluate the inhibitory effects of hydroethanolic leaf extracts of K. brasiliensis and K. pinnata against local effects induced by Bothrops jararaca snake venom. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with Diode Array Detection and Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-MS/MS) were performed for characterization of chemical markers of the extracts from these species. For antiophidic activity evaluation, B. jararaca venom-induced paw edema and skin hemorrhage in mice were evaluated. In both models, hydroethanolic extracts (125–500 mg/kg) were administered intraperitoneally in different protocols. Inhibition of phospholipase enzymatic activity of B. jararaca was evaluated. The HPLC-DAD-MS/MS chromatographic profile of extracts showed some particularities in the chemical profile of the two species. K. brasileinsis exhibited major peaks that have UV spectra similar to flavonoid glycosides derived from patuletin and eupafolin, while K. pinnata showed UV spectra similar to flavonoids glycosides derived from quercetin and kaempferol. Both extracts significantly reduced the hemorrhagic activity of B. jararaca venom in pre-treatment protocol, reaching about 40% of inhibition, while only K. pinnata was active in post-treatment protocol (about 30% of inhibition). In the antiedematogenic activity, only K. pinnata was active, inhibiting about 66% and 30% in pre and post-treatment protocols, respectively. Both extracts inhibited phospholipase activity; however, K. pinnata was more active. In conclusion, the results indicate the potential antiophidic activity of Kalanchoe species against local effects induced by B. jararaca snake venom, suggesting their potential use as a new source of bioactive molecules against bothropic venom.

Inheritance of leaf and flower morphologies in Kalanchoe spp.

Members of the genus Kalanchoe are morphologically diverse; this increases their commercial value. Understanding the genetic mechanism of development of morphological characters could contribute to parent screening and offspring selection in future breeding programs. In this study, we investigated the inheritance of leaf color, leaf shape, anther color, and flower orientation of Kalanchoe species or varieties. Kalanchoe garambiensis, K. garambiensis G., K. gracilis, K. spathulata, and K. manginii ‘Wendy’ were used as experimental parents to establish self and interspecific crosses. The separation ratios of the leaf and flower traits were analyzed using Chi square tests. The results showed that all progenies produced by selfing of K. garambiensis (purple leaf phenotype) had purple leaves, whereas those from selfing of K. garambiensis G. (green leaf phenotype) exhibited green and purple leaves at a ratio of approximately 3:1. The S1 and S2 populations of K. garambiensis G. exhibited an expected 3:1 ratio of leaf color, whereas the S3 populations produced all green leaf inbred lines. Reciprocal hybridization of the progenies of K. gracilis (deeply lobed leaf) with K. garambiensis G. (shallowly lobed leaf) resulted in a 1:1 ratio of shallowly lobed leaves to deeply lobed leaves. The progenies of the two cross combinations (K. garambiensis G. × K. manginii ‘Wendy’ and K. garambiensis × K. manginii ‘Wendy’) produced upright-type flowers and anthers having purplish red color. These findings suggested that leaf color, leaf shape, anther color, and flower orientation of Kalanchoe are controlled by a single pair of alleles. Green leaf, deeply loped leaves, purplish red anthers, and upright-type flowers were found to be dominant traits.

Natural Variation of Circadian Rhythms inKalanchoeSpecies

Plants have evolved an internal body clock — the circadian system — that allows the optimization of behavior during the day by anticipating regular environmental change. This timing mechanism also serves as an internal reference to control flowering time. One observable consequence of the circadian system is the rhythmic regulation of processes that underlie photosynthesis, which persists after plants are transferred to constant conditions. Many cacti and succulents use Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) as a modification of the predominant C3 method of photosynthesis to limit water loss. CAM allows the temporal separation of carbon capture from the atmosphere and the Calvin-Benson cycle, and so separates stomatal opening from some of the biochemical aspects of photosynthesis. Here we document the diversity of circadian rhythms in several Kalanchoe species and reveal differences in the period, phase and amplitude of circadian outputs derived from regulation of the photosynthetic apparatus.

Kalanchoe winteri Gideon F.Sm., N.R.Crouch & Mich.Walters (Crassulaceae), a new species from the Wolkberg Centre of Endemism, South Africa

Summary: A new Kalanchoe species, K. winteri Gideon F.Sm., N.R.Crouch & Mich.Walters, is described from rocky grasslands of the Wolkberg region of Limpopo province, South Africa. The species is closely allied to both K. thyrsiflora Harv. and K. luciae Raym.-Hamet, from which it is readily separable on vegetative and reproductive characteristics.

Phenolic acid content, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of four Kalanchoë species.

Phenolic acid composition, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities in leaves of four Kalanchoe (Crassulaceae) species were evaluated. Determination of phenolic acid contents were conducted by an optimized LC–ESI-MS/MS method. The results show that Kalanchoe daigremontiana Raym.-Hamet & H. Perrier (using ASE extraction) and Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam.) Pers. contain the highest amounts of phenolic acids, while Kalanchoe nyikae Engl. the lowest ones. Among phenolic acids ferulic, caffeic and protocatechuic acids were occurring in the highest quantities in the analysed species. The greatest amounts of ferulic and protocatechuic acids were found in K. daigremontiana and K. pinnata. Moreover, the antiradical and cytotoxic activities of Kalanchoe extracts were investigated. All tested extracts possessed antioxidant activity. The obtained IC50 values (μg/mL) ranged from 49.9 μg/mL to 1410 μg/mL, indicating a large variation of the activity of the analysed extracts. Cytotoxicity assays revealed dose-dependent effects in the cells lines tested. Only K. pinnata extract showed a high cytotoxicity against the H-9 human T cell line. Other extracts (K. daigremontiana, Kalanchoe milloti, K. nyikae) showed more pronounced cytotoxicity towards J45.01 cells (human acute lymphoblastic leukaemia T cells).The present study demonstrated that Kalanchoe extracts have significant antioxidant and cytotoxic effects. This suggests that these species can be used as new sources of natural antioxidants and potential anticancer compounds.

Durabilidade pós-produção de vasos de três espécies de Kalanchoe (Crassulaceae) em diferentes substratos

Potted plants have wide appeal among ornamental plants and one of the most produced for the market belong to the genus Kalanchoe. One aspect to be observed in potted plants is their durability post-production when maintained in indoors conditions as offices and homes. This study aimed to evaluate the durability of the pot post-production life of three species of Kalanchoe (K. marmorata, K. thyrsiflora and K. tubiflora) on different substrates. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with 40 replicates per treatment in factorial 3 x 2 (three species of Kalanchoe x two substrates - washed sand and coconut fiber). After 30 days, it was evaluated the general aspects as changes in color, leaf abscission and shading of the stem apex. It was found significant differences between species and also between the substrates tested, but only in relation to the general aspects. The species Kalanchoe marmorata and K. tubiflora stood out by receiving top grades in most of the evaluated characteristics. The best substrate that provided plants the maintenance of the most of their ornamental characteristics over the 30 days was the coconut fiber.

Quantitative and qualitative characterization of novel features of Kalanchoë interspecific hybrids

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana and its cultivars are important worldwide as potted plants. Their improvement relies mainly on cross-breeding and interspecific hybridization, although the use of the resource of wild species was limited. The present study aimed to characterize novel features of interspecific hybrids that can increase attractiveness of these commercially important ornamental plants. We investigated the new traits of selected hybrids resulting from hybridization between K. blossfeldiana and three wild Kalanchoe species, namely K. nyikae, K. pubescens and K. marnieriana. The selected qualitative and quantitative traits of plant growth and flowering were analyzed in hybrids and parental species. The analysis demonstrated generally intermediate character of hybrids. Following principal component analysis, clear separation among plants forming three distinct clusters was observed, where hybrids were situated between the two parental species. The plants were clearly grouped according to flower characteristics, plant height and timing of flowering in all investigated groups. Quantitative analysis also revealed significant differences among parental plants and hybrids for all examined characteristics. Transgressive segregation and heterosis were observed in relation to specific traits such as days until first open flower, plant height, number of inflorescences, flower diameter and number of flowers. Pollen analysis of the interspecific hybrids revealed low viability of pollen or complete sterility. The interspecific hybrids exhibited novel features valuable for breeders. Thus, wide hybridization can contribute to the development of new cultivars and this study clearly demonstrates the usefulness of interspecific crosses in the improvement of Kalanchoe cultivars.

A comparative analysis of the antioxidant activity of Kalanchoe juices

A study of the biological, including the antioxidant, activity of various medicinal plants with the aim of searching for the most active sources of biologically active compounds among them is, at present, of interest. In the present work, a comparative analysis of the antioxidant activity of juices from 14 Kalanchoe species, measured by the ammetric, voltammetric, and chemiluminescence methods has been performed. Among the samples examined, two members of the Kalanchoe genus were shown to have the highest antioxidant activity: Kalanchoe scapigera and K. rhombopilosa. They may appear to be richer sources of biologically active compounds compared with the currently used Kalanchoe species.

Stigma development and receptivity of two Kalanchoë blossfeldiana cultivars

Several members of the Kalanchoe genus are popular as ornamental plants. Cross-breeding and wide hybridisation are essential to continuously introduce novel traits into cultivated plant material. This study aimed to identify the major factors related to the stigma affecting cross-pollination in the Kalanchoe blossfeldiana. Pollen tube growth after pollination of K. blossfeldiana ‘Jackie’ and ‘Reese’ was examined at different stigma developmental stages. Five distinct developmental stages were identified based on changes in morphology and activity of stigmatic peroxidase. After reciprocal pollination at the five stigma developmental stages, fluorescence microscopy was used to estimate the number of pollen tubes in situ. Both cultivars had receptive stigmas from stage I to IV, which concurred with the continuous expansion of the stigma covered with exudates. No pollen tube growth was observed at stage V for both cultivars. The number of pollen tubes was significantly higher in carpels pollinated at stage III, characterized by loose arrangement of the papillae and maximal amount of exudates, compared to all other developmental stages. Stigmas showing drying exudates and absence of peroxidase exhibited a relatively decreased number of pollen tubes in situ. No pollen tubes germinated on wilting stigmas. The arrangement of the papillae, the presence of exudates and peroxidase activity affected the number of pollen tubes in cross-pollination of K. blossfeldiana cultivars ‘Jackie’ and ‘Reese’. These results will help breeders to better select the optimal time for effective pollination. The findings may be applicable for other cultivars of K. blossfeldiana and relevant for different species of Kalanchoe.

Genus Kalanchoe (Crassulaceae): A Review of Its Ethnomedicinal, Botanical, Chemical and Pharmacological Properties

Genus Kalanchoe comprises hundred species. Different extracts of these Kalanchoe species have been widely used in traditional medicine. Recently it has been reported that Kalanchoe extracts possess various biological activities viz. antiviral, sedative, antiulcer, immunomodulatory, antileishmanial, CNS depressant, anti-inflammatory, thyroid peroxidase inhibitor, cytotoxic, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, analgesic, anticonvulsant, antimicrobial, inhibition of B cell development, cardiovascular, antihyperglycemic, acetylcholinesterase inhibition, insecticidal and larvicidal activities. Earlier studies on different Kalanchoe species have reported the isolation of polysaccharides, flavonoids, sterols, ascorbic acid, trace elements, organic acids, hydrocarbons, triterpenoids, phenolic components and bufadenolides. This review presents the botany, chemistry, traditional uses and pharmacological data of genus Kalanchoe.

Nutraceutical with Anti-Inflammatory Activity for the Management of Airway Remodeling in Bronchial Asthma: <i>Kalanchoe integra</i> Var. Crenata (Andr.) Cuf Leaf Extract

Background: Kalanchoe integra is widely used in folklore medicine as an antiasthmaticagent. Previous studies have shown the ameliorating effect of Kalanchoe integra leaf extract [KILE] on bronchial hyperesponsiveness and inflammation.Further, the stabilizing effect of Kalanchoe sp on mast cell degranulation,suggests that Kalanchoe species are suitable candidates for allergicasthma therapy. This study is designed to investigate the anti-asthmaticpotential of KILE and monitor the accompanying histopathological andimmunobiochemical changes that occur in an animal model of bronchial asthmausing ovalbumin sensitized guinea pigs. Method: Thirty male guinea pigs weredivided into five groups of six animals each. Bronchial asthma was simulated inguinea pigs using ovalbumin. Both low dose (300 mg/kg) and high dose extract(900 mg/kg) were administered daily for 42 days. Prednisolone (2.5 mg/kg) wasthe standard drug used. Results: Guinea pigs in all KILE treated groups maintained the integrity of their airwaystructures: bronchial folds and walls, alveoli, alveolar ductsand sacs. KILE and prednisolone caused a reduction in immune parameters (p 0.001), extent of bronchoconstriction, bronchialwall thickness and goblet cell accumulation in the sensitized guineapigs. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the anti-asthmatic potential of KILE duringprolonged administration by the oral route.

ISOTOPE RATIOS (δ13C AND δD) OF NECTAR IN COMPARISON TO TISSUES IN C3 AND CAM PLANTS

ABSTRACT The δ 13C values found in the dry matter of nectar and tissues of the CAM species Kalanchoe daigremontiana, Aloe eru and Sansevieria sp. and the C3 species Abutilon striatum were well within the typical ranges known for these types of plants. In K. daigremontiana there was a strong nectar-secretion rhythm with an approx. 5-fold (volume basis) or 4-fold (sugar basis) greater secretion during the light period than during the dark period. There was no rhythm in the δ 13C value of nectar, and water stress tending to eliminate direct CO2 fixation by ribulose-bis-phosphate-carboxylase in CAM plants had no effect. This indicates that in the above species nectar is not supplied directly with newly assimilated carbon and that there is internal mixing of carbon pools prior to sugar secretion. In K. daigremontiana there was no difference in δ 13C values of nectar and leaves. In Sansevieria, A. eru and A. striatum the nectar was relatively richer in 13C, suggesting that isotope effects may occur during the s...

Ectopic expression of Kxhkn5 in the viviparous species Kalanchoe × Houghtonii induces a novel pattern of epiphyll development

KxhKN5 (class 1 KNOX gene) was cloned from Kalanchoe×houghtonii with strong tendency to form epiphylls on leaves. KxhKN5 appear to be homologue of BP of A. thaliana on the basis of phylogeny, expression and phenotype analysis. Beside the modification of several plant and leaf traits, the appearance of epiphylls was drastically reduced by both the silencing and the over-expression of KxhKN5 in most of the generated clones. In silenced clones, epiphyll production followed the morphogenetic pathway of the WT plants: somatic embryos outbreak in the centre of each leaf-pedestal, grown in the notch between leaf indentations and were supported by a suspensor. The connection between the epiphyll and the mother plant did not include any vasculature and as a result, the epiphylls dropped easily from the mother plant. The most represented category of over expressor clones, disclosed a novel pattern of epiphyll development: the leaf-pedestals were absent and single bud outbreaks in each leaf notch. Buds developed into shoots which remained attached to the maternal plant by a strong vascular connection. The leaves supporting shoots, produced a thickened midrib and veins, and their lamina ceased expanding. Finally, the leaf/shoot structure resembles a lateral branch. The ectopic expression of KxhKN5 in K.×houghtonii induces a process comparable to the alternation of leaf and shoot formation in other species and support the idea, that it is the variation in shared molecular and developmental processes which produces the growth of specific structures.

Foliar Applications of Plant Growth Regulators Affect Stem Elongation and Branching of 11 Kalanchoe Species

Our objectives were to assess the efficacy of various plant growth regulators (PGRs) on stem elongation and branching of 11 kalanchoe (Kalanchoe) species with ornamental characteristics: beauvard’s widow’s-thrill (K. beauvardii), K. glaucescens, lavender scallops or red-leaved kalanchoe (K. fedtschenkoi), K. longiflora, chandelier plant (K. manginii), marnier’s kalanchoe (K. marnieriana), K. millotii, flower dust plant (K. pumila), K. rosei, common kalanchoe or nentabos (K. rotundifolia), and K. streptantha. Foliar spray applications of deionized water, ancymidol (15−60 ppm), benzyladenine (75−300 ppm), chlormequat chloride (750−3000 ppm), daminozide (1250−5000 ppm), ethephon (250−1000 ppm), paclobutrazol (10−40 ppm), or uniconazole (5−20 ppm) were applied 2 weeks after plants were pinched. Stem length at the time of application and 4 weeks after applications and branch number were recorded. While effective chemicals and concentrations varied widely among species, paclobutrazol and uniconazole were identified as providing broad efficacy with respect to inhibition of stem elongation across all 11 species in this study. Additionally, benzyladenine and ethephon increased the number of branches for several species.

Anatomical traits of some species of Kalanchoe (Crassulaceae) and their taxonomic value

Anatomical studies of the stems and leaves of 15 species of the genus Kalanchoe were studied. Anatomical examination of the cross sections of the above mentioned stems and leaves revealed diagnostic characters among species. Data of comparative characters reached 42 couplet characters; data matrix was organized on the basis of variations to obtain a classification using sequential indented key. Data matrix included the anatomical description and features of the epidermis, cortex, pericycle, vascular bundles and pith for stem anatomy and epidermis, mesophyll, midrib region and vascular bundles for leaf anatomy.

Comparative study of two kalanchoe species: Total flavonoid and phenolic contents and antioxidant properties

The research was conducted to determine the antioxidant activity of two Kalanchoespecies in Ghana which are used widely for the treatment of various ailments including stroke and ulcers. The leaves were subjected to methanol and aqueous extractions for each sample. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) was performed to determine the various components in the leaves extract. The concentration of phenol and flavonoid was determined using folin-ciocalteu Zishen et al. (2003) and Lee et al. (2005) method. The extract was also screened to determine the total flavonoid and phenolic content of the methanol and aqueous extracts of the leaves of Kalanchoe pinnata and Kalanchoe integraand also to assess the antioxidant activity. 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydryzyl [DPPH] radical scavenging activity of both aqueous and methanol extracts of K. integra and K. pinnatawere determined by the Brand-William method (2003) with slight modification. The phytochemical analysis indicated that the leave extracts were rich in total flavonoid and phenolic compounds. However, the aqueous extract of both K. pinnata and K. integrashowed excellent antioxidant activity whereas that of the methanol was less effective compared to the butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) which was used as control. The reducing power increased with increasing concentration, and the scavenging effect of aqueous extract on the DPPH radical was excellent. In conclusion, n-butanol: chloroform: acetic acid: water (7:3:1:1) is most suitable solvent for TLC analysis of the aqueous and methanol extract of K. pinnata and K. integra. Kalanchoe species possess a strong antioxidant property that reacts with free radicals. Key words: Kalanchoe species, antioxidant, total flavonoids, total phenolic content.

Effects of light intensity on the distribution of anthocyanins in Kalanchoe brasiliensis Camb. and Kalanchoe pinnata (Lamk.) Pers

This paper compares two medicinal species of Kalanchoe, which are often used interchangeably by the population, regarding the distribution of anthocyanins under the influence of four luminosity levels for 6 months. For the morphoanatomical analysis, the 6th stem node of each plant was sectioned. Usual histochemical tests revealed the presence of anthocyanins by cross sections of the stems, petioles and leaf blades. The petioles and leaf blades were submitted to the extraction with acidified methanol, and the anthocyanins were quantified by spectrophotometric readings. At the macroscopic level, it was noticed for both species a higher presence of anthocyanins in stems and petioles of plants under full sunlight. The microscopy of K. brasiliensis stems evidenced the deposition of anthocyanins in the subjacent tissue to the epidermis and cortex, which increased with light intensity. In K. pinnata a subepidermal collenchyma was observed, which interfered in the visualization of anthocyanins. In petioles and leaf blades of K. brasiliensis the deposition of anthocyanins was peripheral, and in K. pinnata it was also throughout the cortex. The quantification of anthocyanins in petioles showed in 70% of light higher averages than in 25%, but in leaf blades there were no significant results. This study contributes to the pharmacognosy of Kalanchoe and it is sustained by the description of flavonoids as biological markers of the genus.

Effects of light intensity on the distribution of anthocyanins in Kalanchoe brasiliensis Camb. and Kalanchoe pinnata (Lamk.) Pers

This paper compares two medicinal species of Kalanchoe, which are often used interchangeably by the population, regarding the distribution of anthocyanins under the influence of four luminosity levels for 6 months. For the morphoanatomical analysis, the 6th stem node of each plant was sectioned. Usual histochemical tests revealed the presence of anthocyanins by cross sections of the stems, petioles and leaf blades. The petioles and leaf blades were submitted to the extraction with acidified methanol, and the anthocyanins were quantified by spectrophotometric readings. At the macroscopic level, it was noticed for both species a higher presence of anthocyanins in stems and petioles of plants under full sunlight. The microscopy of K. brasiliensis stems evidenced the deposition of anthocyanins in the subjacent tissue to the epidermis and cortex, which increased with light intensity. In K. pinnata a subepidermal collenchyma was observed, which interfered in the visualization of anthocyanins. In petioles and leaf blades of K. brasiliensis the deposition of anthocyanins was peripheral, and in K. pinnata it was also throughout the cortex. The quantification of anthocyanins in petioles showed in 70% of light higher averages than in 25%, but in leaf blades there were no significant results. This study contributes to the pharmacognosy of Kalanchoe and it is sustained by the description of flavonoids as biological markers of the genus.