Kalanchoe Species Research Articles

Kalanchoe steyniae (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae; K. [subg. Kalanchoe sect. Raveta] ser. Rotundifoliae), a new, small-growing, shrubby species from eastern southern Africa

A new species of Kalanchoe (K. [subg. Kalanchoe sect. Raveta] ser. Rotundifoliae; Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae), K. steyniae, is described from the northeastern parts of South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province and neighbouring Eswatini in eastern southern Africa. Kalanchoe steyniae differs from K. rotundifolia in especially reproductive characters, with, inter alia, its flowers being densely arranged (not diffusely so) in ± flat-topped, corymbose cymes; its corolla lobes showing weak (not distinct) diurnal movement; its sepals being longer; and its corolla tubes and corolla lobes being bright crimson red (not dull red to orange). Both species are illustrated.

Flavonoids from Kalanchoe ×laetivirens Impair Survival and Immunity of Atta sexdens (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Background: The active secondary metabolites of various Kalanchoe species are promising for controlling insects and other agricultural pests. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the mortality and immune responses of the leafcutter ant Atta sexdens (L.) after treatment with Kalanchoe ×laetivirens (Desc.) aqueous extract. The effects on an aquatic organism used as a bioindicator, Chironomus xanthus (Rempel), were also evaluated. Methods: Different K. ×laetivirens concentrations were prepared by dilution in honey to assess the toxicity and determine the median lethal concentration (LC50) for A. sexdens workers. The haemocytes of workers treated with a sublethal concentration (0.005 g/mL) were counted. Results: The plant extracts induced high mortality in A. sexdens workers. All concentrations, except 0.001 g/mL, increased mortality rates. The sublethal concentration negatively affected the immune system of A. sexdens workers 48 and 72 h after ingestion. The flavonoids 4″″-acetylsagittatin A, sagittatin A and the nucleosides uridine and adenosine were identified. The LC50 of the K. ×laetivirens (128.1 mg /L) was determined for the non-target organism, C. xanthus. Conclusion: These natural compounds can be used in future research to plan alternative control strategies for leafcutter ants in forests and other agroecosystems.

A review and analysis of the early nomenclature and taxonomy associated with the genus name Kalanchoe (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae), published by Michel Adanson (1727–1806) in 1763, with notes on the late-18 century taxonomy of the genus

In 1763 Michel Adanson (1727–1806) published several hundred new genus names, including some in the “Famille Les Jourbarbes. Seda.”, i.e., the present-day Crassulaceae. One of these, Kalanchoe, was published for the then cotyledonoid species with tetramerous flowers. The early nomenclature associated with the validly published and legitimate genus name Kalanchoe and the late-18th century taxonomy of the genus are reviewed. Based on available evidence it is very likely that Adanson was familiar with, and had material at his disposal of, more than one species of Kalanchoe. However, Adanson did not himself validly publish any species names in the genus.

Anti-Diabetic Activity And Anti-Oxidant Activity Of Kalanchoe Pinnata And Their Characterization Studies.

Species of Kalanchoe have been used as a remedy for various infectious diseases and cancer treatment. This study evaluates the anti-diabetic properties of the plant, Kalanchoe pinnata. Phytochemical components, anti-oxidant assays were also carried out. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, phenolic compounds. The free radical scavenging activity was determined in which the ethanol extract showed the maximum inhibitory effect when compared with aqueous extract .Thin layer chromatography was done to determine the compound in a solvent system of methanol, acetic acid, formic acid and water in the ratio 3:1:1:0.5 . Characterization of the leaf extract was done by UV-visible spectroscopy which showed the peak between 300-350nm. FTIR analysis showed the presence of the various functional group present in the plant. Aqueous and ethanol extract was subjected to α-amylase inhibitory effect and α-glucosidase inhibitory effect to find the antidiabetic potential activity of the plant extract.

A nomenclatural and taxonomic review of the names and new combination published between 1886 and 1931 in Kalanchoe (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae) by British botanist Nicholas Edward Brown (1849–1934)

The British botanist Nicholas Edward Brown (1849–1934) who worked in the Herbarium of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, from 1873 until well beyond his retirement, had a special interest in succulent plants, predominantly, but not exclusively, the Aizoaceae, the vygie family. He also described 12 species of Kalanchoe (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae) as new, and published one new combination in the genus for a species that he had earlier placed in Cotyledon. The nomenclature and taxonomy of the names published in Kalanchoe by Brown is reviewed and discussed in a historical context. Where necessary, the names are typified.

A Review of the Popular Uses, Anatomical, Chemical, and Biological Aspects of Kalanchoe (Crassulaceae): A Genus of Plants Known as "Miracle Leaf".

Species of the genus Kalanchoe have a long history of therapeutic use in ethnomedicine linked to their remarkable healing properties. Several species have chemical and anatomical similarities, often leading to confusion when they are used in folk medicine. This review aims to provide an overview and discussion of the reported traditional uses, botanical aspects, chemical constituents, and pharmacological potential of the Kalanchoe species. Published scientific materials were collected from the PubMed and SciFinder databases without restriction regarding the year of publication through April 2023. Ethnopharmacological knowledge suggests that these species have been used to treat infections, inflammation, injuries, and other disorders. Typically, all parts of the plant are used for medicinal purposes either as crude extract or juice. Botanical evaluation can clarify species differentiation and can enable correct identification and validation of the scientific data. Flavonoids are the most common classes of secondary metabolites identified from Kalanchoe species and can be correlated with some biological studies (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial potential). This review summarizes several topics related to the Kalanchoe genus, supporting future studies regarding other unexplored research areas. The need to conduct further studies to confirm the popular uses and biological activities of bioactive compounds is also highlighted.

Kalanchoe sp. Extracts-Phytochemistry, Cytotoxic, and Antimicrobial Activities.

Kalanchoe species are succulents occurring in tropical regions. They have many biological and pharmacological properties. In this study, the cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities of water and dichloromethane Kalanchoe fractions obtained from ethanol extracts of three Kalanchoe species-K. daigremontiana, K. pinnata, and K. blossfeldiana were estimated. The cytotoxic effect was assessed on human cancer cell lines-ovarian SKOV-3, cervical HeLa, breast MCF-7, and melanoma A375-by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. The antimicrobial activity was estimated on selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria strains and on Candida albicans. The phytochemical analysis of selected Kalanchoe extracts was conducted by LC-QTOF-MS. The obtained results showed that the water fraction of K. blossfeldiana was active both on the tested cancer cells (IC50 values were 28.28 ± 2.76 and 32.51 ± 0.69 µg/mL on HeLa and SKOV-3, respectively) and bacteria strains (MIC values were 16 and 32 µg/mL on S. epidermidis and S. aureus, respectively). The water fraction of K. pinnata also had a significant effect on S. epidermidis and S. aureus, with MIC values of 32 and 64 µg/mL, respectively. The water fraction of K. blossfeldiana triggered a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and induced cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase in the SKOV-3 and HeLa cells. This fraction did not significantly increase cellular oxidative stress level. The DPPH and ABTS assays revealed that the water fraction of K. blossfeldiana had a strong antioxidant effect (IC50 was 9.44 ± 0.06 and 3.17 ± 0.1 µg/mL, respectively). The phytochemical analysis of the extracts of K. blossfeldiana and K. pinnata revealed the presence of at least 218 main components. The most frequently occurring were flavonol glycosides (31 metabolites), phenylpropanoids (13 metabolites), gallic acid derivatives (13 compounds), benzoic acid derived compounds (14 metabolites), and acyclic alcohol glycosides (16 compounds). In addition, proanthocyanidins were detected mainly in K. blossfeldiana. The study indicates that the water fraction of K. blossfeldiana has significant biological potential and can be further investigated towards anticancer and antimicrobial application.

Flower morphology of selected species of genera Kalanchoe and Bryophyllum in Nigeria

Flower morphology of selected species of genera Kalanchoe and Bryophyllum in Nigeria

Bioactive Compounds from Kalanchoe Genus Potentially Useful for the Development of New Drugs.

The genus Kalanchoe Adans. (Crassulaceae) is native to Madagascar and comprises 145 species, being naturalized in the tropics and cultivated worldwide. In addition to having ornamental value, several Kalanchoe species are commonly used in popular medicine for the treatment of inflammatory conditions, wounds, gastric ulcers, and other diseases. The great importance of the genus is reflected on its acknowledgment by traditional and alternative health systems and organizations, as well as on the growing number of papers reporting pharmacological properties of extracts and isolated compounds from Kalanchoe. Among these properties, we highlight anti-inflammatory, antitumor, wound healing, antiulcer, and muscle relaxing properties. These activities are attributed mostly to flavonoids and bufadienolides, the main secondary metabolites reported in Kalanchoe extracts. While bufadienolides are generally related to cytotoxic and muscle relaxing activities, flavonoids are commonly reported as anti-inflammatory and wound healing agents. This review provides up to date information and perspectives on bioactive compounds from the Kalanchoe genus that are potentially useful for the development of new drugs. It includes not only a discussion on the advantages of the Kalanchoe species as source of bioactive compounds, but also the gaps, opportunities, and challenges to translate the acquired knowledge into innovation for drug development.

Vegetative morphological study of selected species of genera Kalanchoe Adans. and Bryophyllum Salisb. (subfamily Kalanchoideae) from South Western Nigeria

A qualitative and quantitative morphological study of the three species of Bryophyllum and two Kalanchoe species in the subfamily Kalanchoideae was carried out to find out characters that may be useful in the identification, classification and also to solve some taxonomic problems within the subfamily Kalanchoideae. Vegetative parts from the various species were collected and subjected to morphological studies. Both qualitative and quantitative characters were recorded. Quantitative data were subjected to the least significance difference test (LSD), single linkage cluster analysis (SLCA) and principal components analysis (PCA). Unifying and diagnostic characters that are of taxonomic importance were recorded. The unifying characters propose that two genera in the Subfamily Kalanchoideae should be merged into a genus Kalanchoe with sections or subgenera under it.

Kalanchoe dineshii (Crassulaceae), a new species from southern Western Ghats, India

A new species of Kalanchoe (Crassulaceae), K. dineshii Syam Radh & Nampy, is described and illustrated. The new species occurs in the Mathikettan Shola National Park in southern Western Ghats, Kerala, India, and it is only known from the Idukki district. It is morphologically most similar to K. bhidei, but distinguished from the latter by its small stature (30-40 cm high), obovate to obtrullate sessile leaves adnate to stem in the basal ¼th, and widely ovate calyx lobes. Information is also given on the distribution, habitat, phenology, and conservation status of the new taxon.

Kalanchoe gideonsmithii (K. subg. Kalanchoe; Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae), a further new species endemic to the Maputaland-Pondoland Region of Endemism in KwaZulu-Natal, eastern South Africa

The endemic South African species Kalanchoe gideonsmithii (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae) is described from KwaZulu-Natal, the eastern-most province of the country. The entire natural geographical distribution range of the species falls within the species-rich Maputaland-Pondoland Region of Endemism. Kalanchoe gideonsmithii is related to K. rotundifolia and K. decumbens, but differs from both by having most plant parts, including the flowers, bluish purple-infused. The leaves of K. gideonsmithii are narrowly oblong, like those of K. decumbens, but longer and of greater diameter than those of the latter species. In contrast, the leaves of K. rotundifolia are mostly oblanceolate to obovate to round in outline. The reproductive morphology of K. gideonsmithii is constant in terms of the size and shape of the corolla tube and lobes, with the distal part of the corolla tube and proximal part of the corolla lobes invariably becoming tightly twisted post-anthesis, as in K. decumbens and K. rotundifolia. At the level of the ovary the corolla tubes of K. gideonsmithii are generally dark orange- to purplish blue-infused, rather than somewhat to distinctly green-infused, as is usually the case in K. rotundifolia and, to a lesser extent, K. decumbens. The upper part of the corolla tube is consistently bright orange-red, with the centres of the adaxial surface of the corolla lobes a similar colour, or sometimes very slightly yellowish-infused in the centre. Kalanchoe gideonsmithii presents a combination of vegetative and reproductive morphological characters that warrants its recognition at species rank, especially following the recent description of the ‘rotundifolioid’ K. waterbergensis and the reinstatement of K. decumbens, also a relative of K. rotundifolia.

Comparative Morpho-Anatomical Analysis of Kalanchoe Adans. Species From Bangladesh

Morpho-anatomy of five Kalanchoe species including firstly reported Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri and Kalanchoe delagoensis species found in Bangladesh was analyzed to elucidate the previous taxonomic dispute by comparative study. Stomata observed in leaves of all of the experimented species were amphistomatic in nature. Presence of unequal subsidiary cells surrounding the guard cells was the cellular morphology of all the stomata. The abaxial surface of leaves contained more stomata than the adaxial surface in each species. K. gastonis- bonnieri and K. delagoensis were found to have the highest (53.4 ± 1.88 stomata/mm2) and the lowest (14.81 ± 0.53 stomata/mm2) stomatal density respectively. Many dissimilarities were observed during the anatomical study of leaves and stems. The leaf epidermis of the examined species was lack of multicellular hair and mesophyll tissue was not differentiated into palisade and spongy parenchyma. Crescent shaped vascular bundles were surrounded in the midrib regions of leaves in all species examined except Kalanchoe blossfediana. Existence of collenchymatous sheath around the midribs vascular bundles and absence of storage cells were characteristics of leaves midribs. Thick cuticular layer on the epidermis except Kalanchoe pinnata, a well-developed broad cortex except K. delagoensis and well defined pith were found to be characteristic of stem along with lack of cortical resin canal and storage cells in medullary rays. Bangladesh J. Bot. 51(2): 229-235, 2022 (June)

Notes on Kalanchoe subg. Bryophyllum (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae) and the kalanchoes of Sijfert H. Koorders (1919)

The partial infrageneric classification system proposed for Kalanchoe (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae), specifically publication of K. subg. Bryophyllum, by Sijfert H. Koorders in 1919 is analysed. Koorders additionally treated six species of Kalanchoe, including describing one species, K. schumacheri, and one variety K. spathulata var. ciliata, as new. Kalanchoe spathulata var. ciliata has yet to be nomenclaturally catalogued for the genus. It is shown that the new combination, as K. subg. Bryophyllum, as well as the new species and varietal names were validly published. If a single variety of K. spathulata is recognised as occurring in Java, K. spathulata var. ciliata, will have priority.

Nomenclatural notes on the economically important Flaming Katy, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae)

As part of a review of the names applied to economically important species of Kalanchoe (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae), the nomenclature and typification of the name Kalanchoe blossfeldiana are reviewed. The type of this species name is clarified in a second-step lectotypification. The selection of desirable hybrids and cultivars based on K. blossfeldiana, and of hybrids and cultivars of which it is a parent, has developed into a global horticultural industry.

A review and update of the conservation status of Kalanchoe species (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae) in the Flora of Southern Africa region

An overview and update is provided of the conservation status of the twenty species of Kalanchoe (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae) indigenous in southern Africa. Fourteen of the species grow abundantly in extensive natural geographical distribution ranges and from a conservation perspective are of Least Concern. One species, K. laciniata, has a very wide global distribution range but is restricted to Namibia in the southern African region. The other five Kalanchoe species that are of conservation concern are all southern African endemics, being additionally endemic to specific Regions or Centres of Endemism. These are: K. alticola (Barberton Centre of Endemism), K. crouchii (Wolkberg Centre of Endemism), K. crundallii (Soutpansberg Centre of Endmism), K. longiflora (Maputaland-Pondoland Region of Endemism) and K. winteri (Wolkberg Centre of Endemism).

A review of the ecology and natural history of Kalanchoe (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae) in southern Africa

In terms of number of taxa accepted at present – about 180 – Kalanchoe (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae) is the third largest genus recognised in the family. Madagascar is home to more than one third of the recognised taxa with the rest spread across Africa, and the Near, Middle, and Far East. In terms of growth form (trees, various types of shrubs, herbs, epiphytes; all leaf succulents), Madagascar also harbours the greatest diversity found in the genus. Several Malagasy species of Kalanchoe have attracted significant research interest from horticultural, (eco-)physiological and invasions biological perspectives. However, the species that occur beyond Madagascar have not been studied to the same degree. This review provides a synthesis of field observations made over several decades, especially in southern Africa, and of available information on several aspects of kalanchoe biology and ecology assembled from a wide range of sources. Such synthesised knowledge is important for, inter alia, informing conservation management strategies for wild kalanchoe populations, as well as more widely for the grassland and savanna and, to a lesser degree, forest and thicket, habitats in which the species mostly occur.

An In Vitro Anticancer, Antioxidant, and Phytochemical Study on Water Extract of Kalanchoe daigremontiana Raym.-Hamet and H. Perrier.

Kalanchoe species are succulents with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic properties, as well as cytotoxic activity. One of the most popular species cultivated in Europe is Kalanchoe daigremontiana Raym.-Hamet and H. Perrier. In our study, we analyzed the phytochemical composition of K. daigremontiana water extract using UHPLC-QTOF-MS and estimated the cytotoxic activity of the extract on human ovarian cancer SKOV-3 cells by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay, flow cytometry, luminometric, and fluorescent microscopy techniques. The expression levels of 92 genes associated with cell death were estimated via real-time PCR. The antioxidant activity was assessed via flow cytometry on human keratinocyte HaCaT cell line. The DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical and FRAP (ferric-reducing antioxidant power) assays were also applied. We identified twenty bufadienolide compounds in the water extract and quantified eleven. Bersaldegenin-1,3,5-orthoacetate and bryophyllin A were present in the highest amounts (757.4 ± 18.7 and 573.5 ± 27.2 ng/mg dry weight, respectively). The extract showed significant antiproliferative and cytotoxic activity, induced depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane, and significantly arrested cell cycle in the S and G2/M phases of SKOV-3 cells. Caspases-3, 7, 8, and 9 were not activated during the treatment, which indicated non-apoptotic cell death triggered by the extract. Additionally, the extract increased the level of oxidative stress in the cancer cell line. In keratinocytes treated with menadione, the extract moderately reduced the level of oxidative stress. This antioxidant activity was confirmed by the DPPH and FRAP assays, where the obtained IC50 values were 1750 ± 140 and 1271.82 ± 53.25 μg/mL, respectively. The real-time PCR analysis revealed that the extract may induce cell death via TNF receptor (tumor necrosis factor receptor) superfamily members 6 and 10.

A Review of Horticulturally Desirable Characters in Kalanchoe (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae): Variable and Deviating Vegetative and Reproductive Morphologies Useful in Breeding Programmes

Variation and deviations in reproductive morphological characters, especially in flower colour and the occurrence of single vs double flowers, in species and hybrids from which cultivars have been selected in Kalanchoe (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae) have given rise to the establishment of a multi-million € horticultural enterprise based on, inter alia, K. blossfeldiana and hybrid material of which it is one parent. Kalanchoes are mostly made available for the trade in material grown indoors. More recently, the breeding of kalanchoes as a source of long-lasting cut flowers, as well as incorporating vegetative, not only reproductive, variation into hybrid offspring have received increasing attention. Vegetative characters of horticultural interest are mostly those of the leaves (colour, maculation, shape). Especially given the ease with which kalanchoes, including nothospecies and cultivars, respond to cultivation outdoors in places where water for irrigation is at a premium, material other than K. blossfeldiana-derived cultivars has recently seen an upsurge in popularity. In the family Crassulaceae as a whole, deviations in leaf morphology, such as surface carunculations, is best known among representatives of other crassuloid genera, including Echeveria (Crassulaceae subfam. Sempervivoideae). Such deviations, too, have given rise to the selection and description of numerous horticulturally popular cultivars, for example derived from E. gibbiflora. The development of leaf carunculations is for the first time reported from K. neglecta and K. nyikae, which are endemic to southern and East Africa, respectively. We provide a review of variable and deviating vegetative and reproductive morphologies in Kalanchoe species, nothospecies, and cultivars popular among plant breeders.

Sexual and Asexual Reproduction in Kalanchoe (Crassulaceae): A Review of Known and Newly Recorded Strategies

Apart from reproducing sexually through the production of seed that follows self- or cross-pollination and fertilisation, representatives of Kalanchoe (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae) have evolved a range of different asexual reproductive strategies. Especially several species indigenous to Madagascar show pronounced asexual reproduction that enables them to successfully colonise, and sometimes become weedy in, suitable habitats well beyond their natural geographical ranges. The environmental conditions and ancestral genetic set up which in combination triggered the evolution of asexual reproduction in the genus, particularly in phyllo-bulbiliferous species, are not yet entirely known. The current model suggests that asexual reproduction has evolved as a result of the recruitment of both organogenesis and embryogenesis processes to the leaf margin. We illustrate and present an overview of aspects of sexual reproduction and asexual reproductive strategies in Kalanchoe and discuss to what extent the proposed model explains the diversity of reproductive strategies observed in phyllo-bulbiliferous Kalanchoe species.