Plant · GBIF taxon 4198362
paddle plant
Kalanchoe thyrsifloraAlso known as Desert Cabbage, White Lady, Flapjack
Paddle plants form dense rosettes of thick, rounded leaves held in a striking vertical orientation to minimize moisture loss under scorching sun. A powdery white bloom coats the entire plant, reflecting harsh solar radiation and protecting foliage during drought. After several years of growth, a single massive central stalk rises up to display fragrant yellow flowers before the plant sets seed and completes its lifecycle.
SucculentMonocarpicArid
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Autotrophic (Photosynthesis)
Predators
- Snails
- Slugs
- Mealybugs
ThreatsHabitat degradation, climate extremes
HabitatsRocky hillsides, gravelly slopes, dry shrublands
Life span3–5 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyCrassulaceae
- SpeciesKalanchoe thyrsiflora
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Contains cardiac glycosides toxic to pets and livestock if ingested; observe safely.
- Why it is dangerous
- Contains toxic bufadienolide cardiac glycosides that can cause severe gastrointestinal distress and abnormal heart rhythms in pets.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for thick, chalky-white, pad-like leaves arranged vertically in a tight basal rosette.
- What to do
- Keep plants out of reach of domestic animals and wash hands after handling trimmed stems.
Responsible observation
- Sunlight Exposure: Place in direct sun to develop heavy waxy leaf coatings and upright growth.
- Pet Precautions: Keep potted specimens out of reach of domestic dogs and cats.
- Watering Schedule: Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root decay.
Genus Member (c) birdzilla, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Genus Member (c) Andrew Hankey, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Andrew Hankey · cc-by-sa
Close Relative
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.