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Kalanchoe beharensis 'Soledad Shadow' - A slow growing succulent tree-like shrub that likely can grow to an eventual height of 12 ft. with an equal spread which like the species has thick stems that are covered sharp angled leaf scars that likely evolved to protect the stems that hold large, undulated and folded, olive-green, slightly-triangular leaves. This clone however only has leaves with sparse hairiness and lacks the dense covering of soft brown hairs that gives the leaves of the typical species plants a soft velvety texture. Once mature this species can produce small, greenish yellow flowers in winter.
Plant in full sun or light shade. It is frost tender and needs protection much below 30° F and is drought tolerant. The species was originally discovered near Behara in Madagascar but is now recognized as widespread in southern Madagascar. 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 epithet "beharensis" is in reference to the occurrence of this plant at Behara, Madagascar.
We named this plant 'Soledad Shadow' as it was notably different than other clones of this species that we grow. It came to us from a micropropagation laboratory (tc lab) as Kalanchoe beharensis and was supposed to be the typical form with velvet brownish hairs but as plants matured we noted it lacked the dense covering of hairs so we had to give it some name to distinguish it from the typical form which we continue to grow. It is also not completely hairless like the other glabrous form we grow as Kalanchoe beharensis var. subnuda.
The information displayed on this page about Kalanchoe beharensis 'Soledad Shadow' is based on the research we have conducted about it in our nursery library as well as from information provided by reliable online resources. We also include our own observations made about this plant as it grows in the nursery gardens and other gardens visited, as well how the crops of this plant have performed in the containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments that we have received from others and welcome hearing from anyone with information about this plant, particularly if it includes cultural information that will aid others to better grow it.
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