Kalanchoe thyrsiflora
is one of a
number of plant
species which are presently being tested for their
suitability to be grown as Green Roof
plants in the Durban region that have initially shown good results.
They all
occur naturally within a radius of 50 km of the Durban
city centre
Kalanchoe thyrsiflora is found growing in a few exposed hot rocky localities in
the Durban area.
Growth
habit
Kalanchoe thyrsiflora is a medium sized
clump forming succulent
plant with a neat rounded growth habit.
They
reproduce naturally by
means of
vast amounts of very small seed .
Propagation
Kalanchoe thyrsiflora propagate very easily by division, from leaf cuttings as well as from seed.
Decorative
value
Kalanchoe thyrsiflora plants are being grown for their attractive growth habit.
Drought resistance
Kalanchoe thyrsiflora plants are very drought
resistant being well adapted to hot and dry
conditions.
Disease and pest resistance
unknown
in the green roof application.
Suitability as Green Roof plants
Kalanchoe thyrsiflora plants are valuable feature plants in green roof plantings that are going to get the very minimum of or no water in winter as well in combinations with other plants that do not have a very vigorous nature. Green roofs with shallow low nutrient soils provide an ideal growing environment for these very attractive flowering plants.
Biodiversity value in the Green
Roof landscape
All plants have
value on a bio-diverse green roof
Cautions and precautions in the Green Roof
application
Care
must be taken to ensure good drainage to prevent rotting
during establishment.
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