Mother of millions (Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries)

Mother of millions

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Mother of millions
Photo of Mother of Millions
Mother of millions flower
Photo of Mother of millions
Mother of millions


General information

Mother of millions are escaped ornamental plants originating from Madagascar. Five species are commonly naturalised in Queensland. One species, Bryophyllum delagoense syn. B. tubiflorum and Kalanchoe delagoensis (common mother of millions, mission bells, Christmas bells), and a hybrid, Bryophyllum x houghtonii syn. B. daigremontianum x delagoense, Kalanchoe x houghtonii (hybrid or crossbred mother of millions), is increasing over substantial areas. Another species, Bryophyllum pinnatum (resurrection plant, live-leaf), is also problematic but is not declared.

Mother of millions is a Class 2 declared plant under Queensland legislation.

Scientific name Bryophyllum delagoense (syn. B. tubiflorum and Kalanchoe delagoensis); Bryophyllum x houghtonii (syn. B. daigremontianum x delagoense, Kalanchoe x houghtonii)
Impacts
  • highly toxic to stock
  • difficult to eradicate
Description
  • an erect, smooth, fleshy, succulent plant growing to 1 m or more in height
  • has tall flower spikes with clusters of bell-shaped flowers
  • produces small planlets along the edges of leaves
  • flowers are orange-red in a cluster at the top of the stem
Habitat and distribution
  • effects pasturelands in the Central Highlands around Clermont, Emerald, Dingo and the Burnett, Moreton and Darling Downs scrub regions
  • establishes well in leaf litter or other debris on shallow soils in shady woodlands
  • found on roadsides, fence lines and around old rubbish dumps
  • spreads by flood water and establishes if pastures are run down
  • adaptable to dry conditions
Control
  • a combined approach of different control methods including physical, fire and chemical with land management practices is most effective
  • see the mother of millions fact sheet for further information
Declaration details
  • a declared Class 2 species under the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002
  • control of declared pests is required by landholders
Further information
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Author: Sonia Jordan
Page maintained by Sonia Jordan
Last updated 09 November 2007

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