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Senecio stapeliiformis minor forma cristata
This is an unusual member of the daisy family, here seen
in the
magnificent crested form. |
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Description: Senecio stapeliformis is
an erect or sprawling succulent shrublet up to 35 cm high (or more)
with tiny vestigial leaves. The variety minima has thinner stems and has
the tendancy to sprawl as it grows so it might make a good hanging
plant. With plenty of place this plant sprawls naturally literally
crawling across the ground.
Stems: Blue-green, with longitudinal stripes,
fleshy almost leafless; ssp. minor has less fleshy stems than species
which are normally 1-2cm thick with purple staining.
Young shoots at
first grow underground. In winter it may assume a green-pink
colouring.
Leaves: Dark green leaves, 5mm long, ephemeral caducous;
Flowers: Adult plants make terminal clusters
of vivid orange or bright red discoid
flower-heads, 2-2,5cm wide, at the tip of the stems.
Ray florets absent; tube glabrous, slightly
expanded in upper half. Fluffy seed heads follow.
Blooming season: Spring, Summer
Fruit: The fruit is an achene.
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Family: Asteraceae (Sunflowers
family)
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Scientific name :
Senecio stapeliformis v.
minor G.D.Rowley.
(Sometimes spelled stapeliaeformis or stapeliiformis)
Origin: South Africa (Transvaal)
Etymology: The name "Senecio" is from
the Latin word, senex meaning "old man" because of the white pappus
(feathery bristles on the fruit) The epithet, "stapeliformis"
refers to its resemblance with
the
stapeliads.
("Kleinia" is named after the German zoologist, Dr Klein
1685-1759.)
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Synonyms:
- Kleinia gregorii (S.Moore) C.Jeffrey.
- Kleinia stapeliaeformis subsp. minor Phillips)Stapf.
Cultivation: S. stapeliformis is an easy-to-grow succulent.
Grow in cactus compost with good drainage. Water regularly in
summer, leaving the soil dry for a few days before watering again.
When
watering we suggest avoiding excesses, but to wet the substratum well.
During the winter months avoid watering the plants located where there’s
a cold climate.
Grow it in a sunny spot at least a few hours a day. But it can also be
cultivated in a covered place, in an apartment or green house.
They don't like temperatures below 10°C (but are resistant down to 0° C for
short period, but only if the soil stays completely dry. )
During late Spring they can be moved outdoors. It may
be grown outside in mild climates.
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The stems are glaucous-green with dark-green (or purplish) longitudinal
stripes.
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Cultivation
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