Kalanchoe pinnata Syn. Bryophyllum pinnatum (common Names: cathedral bells, air plant, life plant, miracle leaf, and Goethe plant, Pathar chatta etc.) – Crassulaceae, a succulent perennial native to Madagascar.
It is a popular houseplant and has become naturalized in tropical and subtropical areas. Young plants grow from the margins of old leaves. Leaves are thick, soft, juicy; basal leaves are simple but upper one become 3-5- foliate pinnate, margin slightly serrated. The palt is used in various ways. Forexample thepaste of the herb is applied on forehead to alleviate headache; leaf paste is applied externally to cure cuts and wounds; fresh sap of plant is used for eye diseases. A product of the the palant ‘Regenerating Day Cream’ a multiherbal medicine enhances skin’s tone and elasticity, helping to smooth wrinkles and fine lines. Five patents were found on the medicinal applications of Kalanchoe mainly as an anti obesity medication.
Reference
Surendra Parihar
Ex.Professor and Head.
Deptt. of Seed , Science and Technology.
Indian Agricultural Research Institute,
Pusa,
New Delhi,
India 110012