The Kalanchoe known as "Karin" is instantly recognizable for its round, flat red leaves. As it grows, it becomes a large plant with a spread over 30cm, and the once upright young leaves elegantly curve, making it quite a head-turner. While it's a very well-known species often referred to by the scientific name thyrsiflora, if you dig a little deeper, it might actually be K. luciae . The red-leaved one is luciae, while thyrsiflora is a bright green. It seems to be the type truly deserving of the name "Ginban no Mai" (meaning 'Silver Platter Dancing')—which is, in fact, what it’s called overseas.
| Season Type | Summer |
|---|---|
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun |
| Hardiness | 5℃ / 41℉ |
| Blooming Season | - |
Gray display shows general information for Kalanchoe.
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This is a stunning Kalanchoe, known as "Karin" or "Desert Rose," with round, flat leaves that can grow up to about 20cm. The leaves elegantly curl and turn red in winter, really making an impression. It's a common plant often seen under these names. When small, the leaves are almost alternately arranged and quite flat, but as the plant grows larger, they open up more beautifully.
But this characteristic is actually shared by the species most commonly seen—whose scientific name is generally given as thyrsiflora, but with close inspection, it may actually be K. luciae .
Let’s take a look at some authoritative overseas sites… "luciae shows deep red coloring, especially pronounced during cold winters, while thyrsiflora is covered in a thick wax and ranges from deep green to white. The flowers of luciae are pale yellow with little fragrance, whereas thyrsiflora produces vivid yellow, sweetly scented blooms." This is quoted from an article published in the "Cactus and Succulent Journal" in 2001, and cited by Llifle and San Marcos Growner. Photos shown on the ICN website also display these differences.
It appears that thyrsiflora is known by the horticultural name 'Silver Platter', which would fit the Japanese name "Ginban no Mai" perfectly. (If that's the case, thyrsiflora suddenly becomes a much rarer species...)
Apparently, thyrsiflora was introduced to Japan long ago under the Japanese name "Karin," while luciae, more recently brought in and called "Desert Rose," has come to be known as "Benikarin." Over time, it seems like the two have gotten mixed up (citation needed). Encyclopedias and references do list these distinguishing features, but in practice, both in Japan and overseas, people often don’t clearly distinguish between them—"thyrsiflora" is simply called the red-leaved one. Maybe it’s not something to stress too much about.
By the way, the name thyrsiflora comes from Latin, apparently meaning "rugby ball-shaped flower". (Though maybe there are more important things to look at... just a thought!)
3 from many today.... Kalanchoe sexangularis Kalanchoe thyrsiflora 'Red Lips' Kalanchoe beharensis https://t.co/RDx8LQqBlc
いつも行くイオンの中の花屋さんで、一目惚れして多肉植物を買った。検索してみたら、品種はkalanchoe thyrsifloraっぽい。かわいい、かわいい〜
@flyngllama Kalanchoe thyrsiflora
Phil Flapjacks ‘Kalanchoe Thyrsiflora’ https://t.co/24rzHXBFgo
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