This kalanchoe is variable like its commoner relative, K. fedtschenkoi. This particular collection has sharply serrate leaves. These can be quite striking when grown in good light as they blush pastel pinkish tones and have teeth boldly outlined with dark purple. The species is also variable with regard to flower color, which has given rise to a number of subspecies now considered synonyms. Rooted cuts of HBG 97488, cuttings collected Oct. 23, 1995, by Lavranos (30021), Barad, James, Kimnach & Linden, ca. 105 km N of Fianarantsoa, Madagascar. $6.
Kalanchoe laxiflora Baker lacks the auriculate leaves of that species. Sven Bernhard of Darmstadt, Germany has identified the plant as a form of K. fedtschenkoi Raym.-Hamet & H. Perrier.
Published in the Cactus and Succulent Journal, Vol. 80 (2), March - April, 2008