Kalanchoe Beharensis: The Elephant's Ear Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe Beharensis, best known as Elephant's Ear Kalanchoe or sometimes as Felt Bush, is a striking, architectural succulent plant originating from Madagascar. The plant earns its common names from the uniquely large, felt-like foliage that resembles an elephant's ear. The Elephant's Ear Kalanchoe is typically found thriving in the tropical and subtropical climates of Madagascar. However, due to its unique appearance and easy care, it has become a favored ornamental plant worldwide, often used in succulent gardens and indoor houseplant collections. This plant's striking feature is its enormous, fleshy leaves that can grow up to 20 cm long and 10 cm wide. The leaves are triangular and have a unique felt-like texture, and they develop a beautiful, warm-brown color when exposed to sunlight. The plant itself can grow up to 3 meters tall under optimal conditions, making it one of the larger succulent species. Kalanchoe Beharensis is an adaptive species that has developed some fascinating survival strategies in its native habitat. Its large, dense leaves help the plant store water during dry seasons, while its felt-like texture reflects sunlight to prevent water loss through evaporation. Interestingly, Elephant's Ear Kalanchoe exhibits a fascinating scientific phenomenon known as 'guttation'. This is a process where the plant exudes droplets of water from the tips of its leaves during the night to remove excess water from its system. Despite its giant size, the plant has a relatively long lifespan compared to other succulents, potentially living well over 10 years in the right conditions. In naturopathy, Elephant's Ear Kalanchoe is known for its medicinal properties. Its leaves are used in traditional medicine for treating several ailments including infections, inflammations, and illnesses related to the respiratory tract. However, the plant is also known to contain toxic compounds that can be harmful if ingested by humans or pets, hence caution is advised when handling this plant. Despite its exotic origin and imposing stature, Kalanchoe Beharensis is a low-maintenance plant that adds a dramatic touch to any plant collection. Its unique size, texture, and survival adaptations make the Elephant's Ear Kalanchoe a truly special kind of succulent.