What's Blooming

Mayapple 'Kaleidoscope'

(Podophyllum 'Kaleidoscope')

Secret Garden, Cloud Forest

Podophyllum 'Kaleidoscope' is a remarkable cultivar within the Berberidaceae family, also known as the barberry family. This family comprises 14 genera of perennial herbs and shrubs that are found in most temperate regions of the world. They are recognised for their diverse morphological traits and human uses.

For example, the leaves vary widely in shape, from simple to compound, and their stems vary from woody to herbaceous. Many species have spiny and thorny branches, especially in the Berberis genera. Many species are cultivated for their ornamental value, but some species in the family, such as various Berberis and Epimedium species, have been used effectively in pharmacological applications. The eighteen species in the Podophyllum genera are often noted for their unique foliage and varied applications in both ornamental horticulture and traditional medicine.

Podophyllum species and cultivars are commonly referred to as mayapple, for their ripe, yellow, apple-like fruit: the only edible part of the plant. They are herbaceous perennials distinguished by their rhizomatous growth habit and distinctive peltate or umbrella-like leaf form with one or two  5 to 7 lobed-leaves attached to a central stalk. Podophyllum 'Kaleidoscope' further enhances this reputation with its striking appearance. The plant features variegated leaves that are typically hexagonal or star-shaped. Each leaf is adorned with marbled and spotted patterns in a mix of dark, mid, and pale silvery greens, creating a visually dynamic effect that changes with the light.

One of its most captivating features is its narrow, hanging clusters of dark red flowers. These flowers add a vibrant splash of colour to the plant's overall aesthetic and contrast beautifully with the foliage. Following the flowering period, Podophyllum 'Kaleidoscope' produces yellow fruit, though the fruit's prominence is secondary to the plant's eye-catching leaves and flowers.

Podophyllum 'Kaleidoscope' was bred for its ornamental patterned leaves and striking red flowers, but its wild relatives have a long history of medicinal use. Podophyllum hexandrum and P. peltatum are notably known to treat gastroenteritis, helping to alleviate symptoms such as vomiting and intense abdominal pain. Furthermore, extracts from Podophyllum have been used topically to treat warts. Podophyllotoxin, one of the active compounds in the plant’s rhizome extract, has also been found to inhibit cell division and is used in the synthesis of two chemotherapy drugs used to treat certain tumours and lung cancers, highlighting the plant's therapeutic versatility.

Come and check out this unique mayapple hybrid at the Secret Garden in Cloud Forest!

This article is part of our What's Blooming series.