Kataka-taka - Scientific name: Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam.) Pers.

English: Life plant
Tagalog: Kataka-taka

A rapid growing juicy herb. Leaves are thick, fleshy and simple or compound in pairs on reddish stems.

Plantlets grow along the notches of the leaf margins which can develop while still attached to the plant or when detached, a fascinating characteristic that earns its name.

Flowers are about 5 cm long, nodding, dangling and bell-shaped, greenish or yellowish, reddish by the stems.

Distribution
Easily propagated and widely distributed in the Philippines, found in thickets and open places. Also cultivated, flowering from December to March. Probably of prehistoric introduction.

Parts utilized
Entire plant. May be collected year round; preferably used fresh.

Medicinal Uses

Pounded fresh material is applied as a poultice for a variety of conditions: Sprains, eczema, infections, burns; carbuncle and erysipelas. Usually not taken internally.

For boils, the whole leaf is pressed by hand, to and fro, until it becomes moist with the leaf extract. A small opening is made in the middle of the leaf which is then placed on the boil with hole over the pointing of the abscess.

12 thoughts on “Kataka-taka – Scientific name: Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam.) Pers.”

nestor linsangan June 10, 2009 at 9:21 pm

your information is not complete, try to have a complete and very useful information.thanks.

rafaehl August 2, 2009 at 3:57 pm

any information about this plant?

cute dimple-khay anne January 27, 2010 at 9:14 pm

very interesting but how kataka-taka could have roots by its leaves??

David Chia March 15, 2010 at 3:30 pm

I am looking for scientific name for 小叶甘 – it is a climber and a small compound leaves – I have it
planted at my home – good for making tea . please help – can send you the photo it necessary.

David Chia
Kuching Sarawak
east malaysia

allen November 15, 2010 at 8:31 am

how to plant katakataka, do we have to place it under the soil or just on top

chin-chin January 31, 2011 at 8:11 pm

hmMmm. goOd thing,. anditO lang pala ang uses ng kataka-taka plant! THANK YOU!

john lenard bacarra July 21, 2011 at 10:56 pm

now i know………….katakataka

danria September 19, 2011 at 7:18 pm

Thank you very much for the info. It really helped.

Jenny October 8, 2011 at 11:12 pm

Hi,

What is the procedure if you have an open wounds ? and also burn? my aunt advise me to heat the leaf first. apply virgin coconut oil on the wounds and cover with the leaf. is that correct? or need to pound the leaves??? I need alternative way of medication because my mom suffer 2nd degree burn and also at her sole foot she have open wounds due to sepsis. thank you so much.

Jenny