This genus comprises 138 species of mainly shrubs and trees, or perennial succulent plants, with a few annual or biennial members. They are mostly native to Madagascar and tropical Africa, with a few from Southeastern Asia and one from North America. All species have fleshy stems and fleshy leaves, arranged in opposite pairs. Some species are grown in cultivation as rockery or succulent garden plants, or houseplants. The attractive tubular flowers come in a variety of colours, and little plantlets can be borne along leaf margins (common to species such as K. daigremontiana or “Mother-of-Thousands”). Parts of some Kalanchoe species can be poisonous to people and pets if ingested.