Beauverd's widow's-thrill
Kalanchoe beauverdii Raym.-Hamet
Kalanchoe beauverdii grows by borrowing support from neighbouring plants. Its fragile, much-branched stems can climb, lean or dangle, and mature leaves curve back toward the stem in a way that helps the plant hold on. Older stem portions become wiry, while young growth remains succulent. Its eventual height therefore depends partly on the vegetation around it. Shtein and Smith 2021: climbing kalanchoes, Kalanchoe beauverdii treatment
Botanical name
The database’s “Hamlet” is an author-name spelling error. The verified name is Kalanchoe beauverdii Raym.-Hamet, described in 1907; this profile follows the narrowed species of Shtein and Smith’s 2021 revision. Kew POWO: Kalanchoe beauverdiiShtein and Smith 2021: climbing kalanchoes, Kalanchoe beauverdii treatment
Recognizing the plant
The revised species has consistently stalked, smooth leaves rather than the stalkless blades of some close relatives. Leaf shapes vary from ovate to heart-shaped or three-lobed. Their toothed margins produce small plantlets that detach readily. Flowers hang in small terminal clusters. The corolla, approximately 3.5–5 cm long, is creamy green with purple spotting and veins, and spreads broadly at its mouth. Eight stamens remain inside, with dark anthers visible near the opening. Shtein and Smith 2021: climbing kalanchoes, Kalanchoe beauverdii treatment
Native range
This species is native to southern Madagascar. The 2021 revision places its documented wild distribution in Androy and southern Atsimo-Andrefana, at the island’s southern end. Kew characterizes its principal environment as desert or dry shrubland. Kew POWO: Kalanchoe beauverdiiShtein and Smith 2021: climbing kalanchoes, Kalanchoe beauverdii treatment
Botanical sources
- Kew POWO: Kalanchoe beauverdii
- Shtein and Smith 2021: climbing kalanchoes, Kalanchoe beauverdii treatment
Reviewed 2026-10-11. Seasonal development varies with location and growing conditions.