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Products > Kalanchoe beharensis   Kalanchoe beharensis - Velvet Elephant Ear    [2nd Image] Habit and Cultural Information Category: Succulent Family: Crassulaceae (Stonecrops) Origin: Madagascar Evergreen: Yes Flower Color: Green Yellow Bloomtime: Winter Synonyms: [Kalanchoe vantieghemi] Height: 10-16 feet Width: 6-12 feet Exposure: Sun or Shade Drought Tolerant: Yes Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs Winter Hardiness: 30-32° F Kalanchoe beharensis (Velvet elephant ear) - This is a slow growing succulent tree-like shrub with large, undulating, olive-green, slightly triangular leaves which have a soft, velvety texture. It may grow to an eventual height of 12 ft. Once mature, it produces small, greenish yellow flowers in winter. It is frost tender and drought tolerant. Sun or shade. The name Kalanchoe is somewhat of a mystery - there is some thought that it comes from a phonetic transcription of the Chinese words “Kalan Chauhuy” meaning that which falls and grows, likely in reference to the plantlets that drop from many of the species but others believe it from the ancient Indian words “kalanka” meaning spot or rust and “chaya” meaning glossy in reference to the reddish glossy leaves of the Indian species K. laciniata. The specific epither "beharensis" is in reference to the occurrence of this plant at Behara, Madagascar.  The description above is based on our research and observations of this plant growing in our nursery and in our own and other Santa Barbara gardens. We would appreciate hearing from anyone who has additional information or disagrees with what we have written.     [MORE INFO]