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Bryophyllum delagoense
Bryophyllum delagoense, commonly known as "mother of millions", is a member of the family Crassulaceae, and is native to Madagascar. It is a poisonous, succulent, upright plant with mottled leaves and bunches of pinkish-red, bell-like flowers. Although it can spread by seed, any fragment of the plant can take root and form a new plant. It has been declared a noxious weed in New South Wales and Queensland as it displaces native plants, but also contains bufadienolide cardiac glycosides which can cause fatal poisoning, particularly in grazing animals like cattle. It can be spread by animals, slashers, machinery and vehicles, but also by floodwaters, and establishes if pastures are in poor condition. Another common name for this species is "devil's backbone". How appropriate! And the leaf plantlets are the weirdest-looking things!
Spotted at Purga Nature Reserve, Ipswich SEQ. Surrounding area cleared farmland, this region is freshening up with rain after a prolonged drought. This is usually a wetland area that is periodically waterlogged during wet periods. https://www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/__data/as... According to Ipswich Council, this small reserve constitutes "the largest protected area of endangered Swamp Tea-tree forest in the world."
An excellent QLD government link: https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industri...
Spotted on Feb 23, 2020
Submitted on Feb 26, 2020
10 Comments
That made me laugh :D I think it might be a mouse lemur, and a very spoiled one if it's sleeping inside.
Is this a lemur? https://giphy.com/gifs/waking-xG4DRSkRgg...
No, just dreamed about it. I've been to southern and eastern Africa a couple of times, but flew over Madagascar. I remember seeing massive erosion, and there was incredible turbulence each time. I don't recall that it my dreams.
Have you traveled there?
Thanks, Tania. That's as good a reason as any to take a trip to Madagascar. That, and lemurs! And the Avenue of the Baobabs!
Very impressive! That makes me crave a botanical trip to Madagascar!
I've never seen them in flower but have heard they are quite beautiful. Nasty plants though, and once they take hold they're hard to eradicate. You've had plenty of experience there, Ava.
Neil, this is an introduced noxious weed here in California, too. I had no idea it was toxic though. After putting one plant in my garden it took me three years to get rid of it and all its babies with constant weeding. I warn people against it but it is a beautiful plant and the flowers are lovely. Maybe the information about toxicity will help.
Thanks, Mark. They're an interesting plant to look at. I've yet to see one in flower.
Love the geometry of the second shot.