Human Flower Project
Chrysler Kalanchoe
Russ Bowes has written about how architectural elements grew (literally) out of plants parts: palms evolved into columns and palm leaves that curved at the roofline became decorative cavetto cornices of stone.
So does that mean William Van Alen was a kalanchoe collector?
Walking the neighborhood in Austin, Texas, we came upon this succulent tower blooming in a raised bed. We dubbed it “Chrysler Building,” these spectacular Art Deco shapes putting us in mind of Van Alen’s famous New York skyscraper.
Here’s a bit more about Van Alen’s masterpiece, completed in 1930. Turns out it was panned by many critics at the time: one even wrote that the building “embodies no compelling, organic idea.”
Let’s snuff that slight right now by showing it next to this glamourous organic cousin Kalanchoe luciae. Our friend Morna has promised us a passalong, as her kalanchoe, growing in a pot, has produced several lovely pups. Kalanchoe luciae (a.k.a. Paddle Plant and Red Pancakes) is a native of South Africa; check out Martin Heigan’s photo of a huge beauty growing there. Since it’s frost hardy only to 28 degrees, we’ll probably have to get out the sheets a couple of times each winter—a minor inconvenience to preserve a landmark.
Kalanchoe luciae in Austin, Texas, and Chrysler Building in New York City
Image: Human Flower Project