Help identifying a succulent.

17 years ago

Hy folks,

I have a succculent that came indirectly to me from an elderly aunt. My grandmother raised this plant long years ago on the old home place. I was told that the common name they remember it by was "Man of War".

It is a broad leaf succulent, and will grow tall if not cut back. It makes a purple/lavender bell shape like flower. Leaves can grow very large, and is easy to propagate from the leaves or cuttings in a soil mix.

Any ideas?

Dan

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Comments (8)

mrbrownthumb
17 years ago
Are the leaves sort of gray and fuzzy?
ironhat2
Original Author
17 years ago
mrbrownthumb,

The leaf seems to be smooth and a dark green from what I have observed in growing these guys from leave sprouts.

They are pretty plants, I have had them grow tall when left in a pot.

I have searched in vain on line for a picture gallery for succulents that may have these fellas in them. No luck!

Dan
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hoovb zone 9 sunset 23
17 years ago
How about posting a picture?
ironhat2
Original Author
17 years ago
hoovb,

I went and dug one out of the cold frame. Our winter has been mild here, with only a few nights in the 20 degree range. These guys are tough characters and weather the cold well. T picture isn;t as good as I could have gotten, but take a look.

http://www.picturepuppy.com/images/ironhat2/manofwar5.jpg

Thanks evey one for the help!

Dan
ironhat2
Original Author
17 years ago
Going to try and post it again!

Dan

Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.picturepuppy.com/thumbs/ironhat2/manofwar5
ironhat2
Original Author
17 years ago
I have tried attaching site where you could veiw pictures of this plant on the web. GW rejected my URL listings.

I was able to post a picture on the "name that plant" forum under the subject heading of "Succulent ID". A list member replied that it might be Bryophyllum daigremontianum. While I agree with that the stalk and flower of the Bryophyllum daigremontianum looks almost identical, the leaves of this unnamed succulant is flat similar to the leaves of a kalancoe. A google search stated that the Bryophyllum daigremontianum is also known as the mexican top hat plant. I have a few of these plants, and the leaves are totaly different in shape of this unamed succulent.

Any ideas?

Dan
rjm710
17 years ago
It does look like Bryophyllum. Below is a web site with pics to help narrow down the species...

Here is a link that might be useful: Bryophyllum.com
ironhat2
Original Author
17 years ago
rjm710,

Thank you for the site. Some one on the "name this plant" forum suggested it might be a Bryophyllum pinnatum. When I pulled it up after a search on the web, I found a picture of the plant and flowers that looks exactly like the plant I have. But after looking at the site you psoted, the leaves of one of the plants look close also.

If the plant I have is truely a Bryophyllum pinnatum, I had no idea it was used in other countries as herbal medicine. Thanks to all who responded to this inquiry. It has truely been a learning experience.

Dan