The Genus Kalanchoe (Crassulaceae) in Ecuador: From Gardens to the Wild

Abstract

The genus Kalanchoe, mostly indigenous from Madagascar and Tropical Africa, is widely traded for ornamental value. In this study, we provided an updated list of wild and cultivated Kalanchoe taxa in Ecuador; we analyzed the temporal–spatial pattern of their records, and we categorized the invasion status for each taxon and its environment preferences. The records of any taxa belonging to this genus were compiled from an extensive search using various information sources. Our results confirmed the presence of 16 taxa of Kalanchoe in the country. Seven species and a hybrid were detected in the wild. Kalanchoe densiflora, K. laxiflora, K. pinnata, K. tubiflora, and K. ×houghtonii were categorized as invasive. We detected invasive records of some of these plants in protected areas. Almost all taxa had at least one record as cultivated, suggesting that the invasion pathway is ornamental trade. Kalanchoe pinnata individuals in the wild were recorded in the four biogeographic regions of Ecuador, which could be associated with the wide range of precipitations and temperatures in which the species may dwell. Our study highlights the importance of reducing the ornamental value and limiting the use of Kalanchoe taxa with invasive potential in horticulture and promoting, instead, the use of indigenous species.

Biological Activities and Chemical Profiles of Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi Extracts

“…Regarding its distribution, the presence of members of the Crassulaceae family is documented in the Mediterranean region, Southern Africa, and the Southwestern United States [14], which includes 35 genera and ∼1410 species [15]. The genus Kalanchoe is widely recognized for its ornamental use, mainly attributed to its adaptability to drought, exquisite flowers, easy cultivation, clone growth, and asexual reproduction [16]. In addition, for therapeutic purposes, the biological activities and bioactive compounds from Kalanchoe species have been broadly studied.…”

Exploring Plastomic Resources in Sempervivum (Crassulaceae): Implications for Phylogenetics

“…Some researchers advocated for merging the genus Jovibarba into Sempervivum [6,50]. On other hand, molecular evidence, including ITS and IGS data, show that Jovibarba and Sempervivum are two distinct genera [7]. In this study, the robust monophyly of the Jovibarba section suggests that it represents a distinct evolutionary lineage within this genus.…”

“…The Sempervivoideae subfamily comprises five major clades (Telephium, Aeonium, Acre, Leucosedum, Sempervivum) [1][2][3][4][5][6]. And many species in this family were seen as ornamental with highly economic values [7][8][9]. Notably, the genus Sempervivum, also known as hen and chicks or houseleeks, is the sole member of the Sempervivum clade.…”

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

“…They are generally herbs with succulent leaves. Their flowers occur in clusters [5][6][7][8]. They are mostly perennials but can also be annual plants [9,10].…”