Originally native to Madagascar, the easy-care brood leaf has moved into many living rooms. Strictly speaking, this is a genus that includes different species. Bryophyllum (Latin name for brood leaves) belong to the Succulent family.
The brood leaf is used as a medicinal plant in its homeland
The various species differ significantly in appearance from one another. There are also differences in terms of edibility or toxicity. The brood leaf is considered non-toxic to slightly toxic, but also as a herbal remedy. However, it is not suitable for self-medication or as a food plant. Unintentional consumption of small amounts should not usually have any serious consequences.
The brood leaf in medicine
In its Madagascan or African homeland, the brood leaf is used as a medicinal plant, whereby the effect and/or application can vary depending on the species. It is said to have a number of different effects. The brood leaf should not only relieve pain and relax the muscles, but also reduce fever and even have an antibacterial effect. Bryophyllum has also found a place in homeopathy.
The essentials in brief:
- Depending on the species, non-toxic or slightly toxic
- used as a homeopathic remedy
- used as a remedy in its homeland
- not suitable for self-medication
- Attributed effect: antipyretic, muscle relaxant, analgesic, antibacterial
What is special about the brood sheet
The special thing about the brood leaf is not necessarily its flowers or the possible healing effect, but its special way of propagation. It doesn't need any help for that. The brood leaf forms independently and continuously small mini-plantlets which, depending on the species, grow along the entire edge of the leaf or only on the tips of the leaf.
These daughter plants only fall off when they are sufficiently rooted and can continue to grow on their own. So that your flower pot is not overpopulated, collect the plants and give them extra pots. Incidentally, this thick-leafed plant is also called the children's tree (because of the small children on the edges of the leaves) or the Goethe plant, because he liked to give the plants away or send them by post.
tips
You should not use your brood leaf as a food plant or for self-medication. Rather enjoy its appearance and its joy of reproduction.