About Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi Raym.-Hamet & H.Perrier
Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi is a low-growing, frost-sensitive perennial succulent that grows best on dry, open ground. As an untidy, low, rounded herb, it reaches 10–12 inches (25–30 cm) in height. Its stems are round, smooth, and lax, with visible leaf scars; they often bend to touch the ground, where they produce roots and new individual plants. Its leaves are fleshy, alternate, blue-green, and oval or obovate, with fine scalloped edges. Under strong sunlight or drought conditions, the leaf edges may turn pink or red. This species is commonly called 'Lavender Scallops', a name that comes from the shape and color of its leaves. The leaf surfaces of Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi have water-repellent, self-cleaning properties that help protect the plant from insects and environmental pollutants. These properties come from a nanostructured, waxy surface structure that gives the leaves extremely low wettability, making them superhydrophobic.
